Taking a Look at Careers in the Arts

Having a career in the arts can be exciting and rewarding. It can also be very challenging. If you are reading this book, you have probably decided that you want a career in the performing, literary, or visual arts. This book provides valuable information to help you succeed in your career in the arts, and also as a person with a disability. Careers in the literary, performing, and visual arts are similar in many ways. The biographies throughout this book offer a glimpse into the rewards and difficulties you might if you make your career in the arts. As you think further about a career in the arts, ask yourself the following questions:

• How much time, energy, and money am I willing to devote to prepare myself for this career?
• Will I be able to take the disappointments and rejections that are bound to be part of pursuing a career in the literary, performing, and visual arts?
• Do I have a true passion for this field above all other options? Only enthusiasm motivates you to rise early in the morning, work late at night, cope with disagreeable colleagues, and overcome problems instead of letting them overcome you.
• Am I willing to accept the fact that there might not be large monetary compensation?
• Do I understand that I might not become a big star in Hollywood or a world-renowned painter, novelist, or poet?
• Do I want a nine-to-five job, or am I willing to work longer hours?
• Am I willing to work in whatever physical surroundings are necessary?
• Am I persistent, even in the face of failures?
• How well do I work under pressure? How do I handle stress?
• Am I willing to travel to promote my career or go wherever the work is?
• Can I adapt to the pressure of not having any long-term job security?
• Am I a patient and resilient professional?

The resources provided in this book offer valuable information on the working conditions and lifestyles of people making their living in the arts. This information can help you make the best possible choices.