Lets take a closer look into the life of an artist and discover exactly how much they earn from the amazing artwork they produce. As we all know, artist must stay abreast on new techniques, available technologies and use a wide variety of media. These tasks can be very time consuming, but is a must for anyone who s interested in making a true living out of art.

I went to school to be an artist. Growing up, many people told me things like "you'll never make money in art", "that's not a real career, why don't you pick something more stable". Even though I loved art and was very passionate about drawing, painting and sculpture, hearing things like this diminished my confidence daily.

I remember one day thinking, "hmm, they might actually be right. How am I going to make money from this?" So, I did a little research and here's what I found:

Artist market their work to buyers and art galleries and usually work on commissioned projects. Most of their pieces MUST service a purpose. Meaning it's not JUST for looks, but usually conveys some type of idea, message or mood. Most artist generally have college training, although its not a requirement for this line of work.

In a TIME Magazine article, Two hundred topflight artists were asked to confess privately on how much they earned from the sale of their paintings. The answer, an average of $1,154 in a year.

WOW! that's it? I couldn't believe it. This response made me move in a different direction. Digital Media was on the rise and I found a way to express my artistic and creative abilities through online marketing. When I started college, I decided to take a new path. The path to be a graphic designer.

If you've ever thought about having a career in art, here are the most highly paid positions:

How much does a graphic artist make a year?

Although the most successful visual artists made more than $90,050 per year, as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average wages ran a mean annual $53,400, which was equivalent to $25.67 per hour. Annual compensation for the lowest-earning 10 percent was less than $19,150.

Credit: work.chron.com/much-money-visual-artists-make-year-10538.html

How much does a sculptor make a year?

In 2008, the Bureau of labor Statistics states that the average annual salary for fine artists, which includes professional sculptors, was around $42,650. On the low end of the pay scale, these artists earned around $20,000, and on the high end, they earned over $80,000.

Credit: www.theartcareerproject.com/shape-your-life-with-a-sculpting-career/363/

How much does an art professor make a year?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of postsecondary art, drama, and music teachers together earned an average salary of $70,850 in 2010. Those working at technical and trade schools, however, earned an average salary of $51,500 in that same year.

Credit: www.theartcareerproject.com/art-professo/1227/

Now that' you've got a chance to understand this, do you think being an artist is worth it?