#noct asks

Hello anon!

I only allow reposts if it’s piece that I’ve not posted on my own instagram account at @/nocturneis, and has the proper credits.

Hi there! The charms have yet to be shipped due to production delays. 

Hi anon! Thank you so much for your question and for enjoying my work!

Right now, art is definitely something I’m looking towards to as a career choice. It’s understandable that you might feel a little discouraged that the art scene in Singapore isn’t as big as the US, but then again, we are a small country ^^;;

To be honest, I’m probably not the best person to ask about how to make things work, as I’ve haven’t had the opportunity to work in the industry yet. (Heck, it’s only been about 2+ years since I decided I’m going to ‘art’ to pay my bills.)

But from what I’ve experienced so far, making it in the industry mostly it comes down to two or three things.

- Having great artistic skill is important, but to make it work in SG, you cannot afford to just specialise in one thing. Always be open to learning how to draw in different styles, depending on what your client is looking for. Same goes for your skills. Have one thing you’re really good at, and learn other things as well. (Example, I think I’m pretty good at painting digitally, but I’m also learning 3D sculpting, modelling and animation because tbh, I’m more likely to get hired as a 3D generalist than a 2D painter)

- Networking! Keep in touch with the people in the industry, but do not go into a conversation expecting to get hired or get something out of it. You can look to them for advice about your work or the industry. If you’re in an art course/school, keep in touch with your peers and mentors. That being said, if you find that the people you are with are tearing your work down without giving good advice for improvements, it’s probably not someone you want to stay in contact with ^^;; It definitely helps to be a nice person hahah And if someone looks to you for advice in the future, give it to them! 

- Keep at it (without burning out, ofc). Often times there are moments when you feel like what you’re doing isn’t yielding results. (Personally, I’d just take it as the work I’m doing isn’t good enough yet, so I’d just keep pushing myself.) But just keep at it, keep improving whenever you can, and you’ll eventually get there!

But there are some truths that need to be laid out, especially if you’re planning to turn art into a career. Often times, you might end up having to draw/paint/model something you don’t really enjoy, and you can’t afford to be picky about it (It’s probably the same in the art industry anywhere tbh) So it’s important to know how to separate art for work, and art for hobby and allocate appropriate time for either.