I'm sure none of you can help me, but I felt it rarely hurts to ask. I am an art major, and becoming an art teacher is my last resort. Becoming a teacher would be moderate money-wise, but it won't make it easy for me to pay my mother's 25,000 dollar debt, and I know I will have to eventually, she's been unemployed for several months now (Since November) and has no intentions on find a job. I think the best answer for me would be working under a small comic book company, comic strips, or other things along these lines. I'm full of ideas, and I've got no way of using them. What should I do? Do any of you know of a location I can submit ideas to. And even if I did submit something, what would I include in my submission? Does anyone have any ideas as to how on earth I can make a living on art to the point where I can pay off my mom's debt?
Additional info, added Friday June 11 2004, 5:14 am: She's been living off of unemployment and severance pay ever since her company downsized, which will be completely used up in August. How SHE expects to pay off debts this way is beyond me. I'm guessing this is a midlife crisis.. Want to answer more questions in the Work & School category? Maybe give some free advice about: Job Searches? queenbianca2004 answered Friday June 11 2004, 3:57 pm: well if you wnat quick money paint something and sell it!!
MotherJune answered Friday June 11 2004, 1:42 pm: If it is quick cash that you need, I don't have any suggestions. If you are looking for a future solution, have you considered a career in graphic design? Do you have any computer experience to combine with your artistic talents? Positions for art teachers are very rare. I am a teacher, and know that you must have certification in an academic area (reading, math, science)to ensure a position as an art or music teacher. I am basing this on the fact that I have a very talented friend who was an excellent band teacher for 6 years at a middle school who left to have a baby. When she decided to return to teaching, there wasn't a position for her unless she had an academic certification to go with it. Small companies like you mentioned don't pay much either. Perhaps you could do some layouts for a newspaper in advertising. Go in person with some of your work to show to potential clients. Phone calls, emails, or mailed resumes and portfolios don't show as much determination and eagerness to work hard. They will take you more seriously if you approach them in person, professionally dressed, ( no suit, just neat and conservative). In the meantime, check into debt consolidation for your mom to keep the creditors off her back. You still have to make a payment, but it is better than multiple smaller payments and really helps ease the burden. By the way, does your mother know how YOU feel? If you haven't already discussed this you need to sit her down and tell her directly, "Mom, I love you and want to be supportive, but it isn't fair that I have to take on the role of the parent and solve your problems. I am here for you and you need to work WITH me to help get you out of debt." Good luck to you. [ MotherJune's advice column | Ask MotherJune A Question ]
DruidX answered Friday June 11 2004, 5:14 am: Umm, I don't know how you could get that much money, but its always a good idea to look for magazines that are asking for comic strips and send a sample off to them.
I would say that you include the picture and a covering letter.
You could also try childrens publishers and see if they need any book illustrations.
The third option is to get an agent, as they can also suggest realistic prices.
Good luck :) [ DruidX's advice column | Ask DruidX A Question ]
Attention: NOTHING on this site may be reproduced in any fashion whatsoever without explicit consent (in writing) of the owner of said material, unless otherwise stated on the page where the content originated. Search engines are free to index and cache our content. Users who post their account names or personal information in their questions have no expectation of privacy beyond that point for anything they disclose. Questions are otherwise considered anonymous to the general public.