How Many HAMB ARTISTS make a Living with it?

Appreciate all the inspiration fron everyone. Keep it coming. Happy to know I'm not the only psycho artist that has been doing this crazy job for a living what seems forever. Sometimes though, I think I should do something else. If health don't improve in the next few years I may have to find another profession. Any ideas? I'd die if I couldn't make love (striping) to hot rods.

Mikey do it
www.mikeyspinstriping.com
"does bad thangs to good cars"

 

Hey Chris wot up, been a long time!

m

 

In high school I was offered an art scholarship, that and a psychology one too. Art was my main interest and I intended to make it my life's work.
I also got some writing published, short story's but once again gave it up. Thinking of writing a book on my life in the Army, could be interesting?
I threw it all away to join the Army, don't regret it but I do regret pretty much giving up on art and letting my skills die. These days I cant draw for shit, there is some rough ones on my personal page here on the HAMB its about all I can do these days.

Doc.

 

I dont make a living off the automotive art I do, I do it more for the love of it rather than for a living. I make a living through my artistic ability as an industrial designer though, designing hockey equipment (which I'm almost as passionate about as I am hot rods/customs). It would be nice to be able to do the auto art thing as a full time gig though.

 

The two things in life I've always wished I could do are draw and play guitar, I have zero artistic talent. I hope you people who have those types of talents realize how fortunate you really are.

 

I have been a designer/art director for 22 years. It's the only thing I know.

 

I've been a graphic designer +13 years, I've never had to work at the mall, fast food etc. worked construction while I was going through school.

 

I think I saw you in some heiroglyphics on an Egypt special on the History Channel.

It was you and Roth in a crazy monster chariot.

 

I can draw flies!



I have been painting murals full time since '99. Got in with the artist in residence program in schools, stay pretty booked up all over SC.. Pinstriping on weekends for parts money, and to calm the wife about being gone to car shows all weekend.

 

Went to work designing crests for a silkscreen co. right out of high school. Moved on to work in, and later supervise, the Graphic Art Dept. at our University. Did that for 35 years before retiring. The automotive stuff was always a sideline - T-shirts (thanks Roth, Mouse, etc.), posters, striping, airbrush - always for kicks as I was never good enough to earn a living doing the neat things. Now, as a buddy says.. "I'm job free"!

-Dave

 

Product, mostly Toy Design for about 9 years, got my first Hot Wheels design out this month, http://www.southtexasdiecast.com/hwguide/images/2010/2010_011.jpg
Yeah my boss did the Fangula and it is way cool.

 

So What about the Guitar playing ?

 

Still young, only 24 but been surviving off of art since i was 16, been a tattoo artist for going on 4 years now full time, pays the bills and affords me lots of parts/projects so it's not bad at all.

There's only a few art based careers that will pay the bills on a decent basis, but all of them have their highs and lows.

 

Television News Graphic Artist 13 years.

Weez... you are in no danger of going hungry.

Kirk that explains alot!

Abe..... CONGRATS man!!! That's real cool.

 

I was born w/a fuckin' pencil in my hand… shitting paint… I made a stab at living off it… currently in remission… considering a relapse…

 

Artist, born and raised.

 

Yeah sorta. Started Airbrushing murals on cars, boats, tee shirts back in 1980. By 85 started working as an in-house illustrator and photo retoucher, but by 92 had to give up drawing for graphic design. Did that till about 2000, but my conscience got the better of me cause I didn't like the idea of creating ad campaigns to get people to buy things they don't need with money they don't have. So after that I went back to photo retouching you might say, now I just do it photoshop instead of my AB. The trick is to have both fame and fortune... or just be content, good luck to everyone.

 

Respect goes out to every type of artist on here whether you do it fo da green or not, as long as we keep it alive. I've had the fame and fortune. Now I'm just happy to get out of bed 6 feet above ground.

Mmmm,ummm, dat der shwimp gumbo sho nuff iz goood shtuff!

Mikey didit
www.mikeyspinstriping.com
"Living a strange existence"

 

Yeah, if you are schooled in Art, thats the one important thing they need to teach you that they don't..How to make a living at it..I have a question for youze guys that might know..I am from the old school of Rapidographs and ink, the kind that would clog up and shit, but I really liked them, is there a good substitue these days for them? a good Sharpie? something easier to use so I can finally quit cursing my beloved Rapidographs?...

 

Sharpies are dog shit.... For markers go with Prismacolors, Tria or Chartpak

 

I've been sculpting professionally for 7 years. I'm 31 now. It's definitely a blessing and a curse. It can be terrifying as far as the money goes but it's so gratifying when a client loves what you did for them. I did a sculpt of Steve Caballero. He's known on here as coupe-de-cab I believe. You can see my work here if you like - http://ehrenbienert.blogspot.com/

 

I made my living in the arts for about 15 years. It wasn't hot rod related though. I carved full size carousel horses. It was a nice living and allowed me to get pretty independent and provide for retirement. I did so much of it I can hardly stand to look at a chisel anymore though.

 

In today's world..Do we ever make a living? or do we live on what we make?

 

Holy shit, over 30 years and still going strong, where the hell did the time go?

 

got a degree as an auto body styling designer, then got into product and tooling design. most all my tooling buddies were employeed and my artist buddies were not (locally), so i kept with the product and tool designs. been 20 years now.

 

ditto!!! but my second has always been piano.... i already know all 4 chords on the guitar, so thats mastered!

 

I've been a graphic designer for over 15 years. The truth is you have to work on alot of crap between the really cool jobs.

 

many of people can make a great living through art. My mother and grandfather were both caligraphers (yes before computers). They were both extremely talented. Brother is a graphic/web designer for Adobe. Can draw great as well. I on the other hand, am trying my hand with pinstriping and gold leafing but being a chef (artistic through plate design and color) is my living. If you can find a target market for your work you can make money.