So, you just graduated from college, and after months of unpaid internships and writing applications, you’ve finally landed yourself your first paid role in the art world. You’re ecstatic right? Everything is going great, but then you receive your first pay-check, and you realise that the financial return when you first start working in the industry is actually pretty rubbish. How are you supposed to live that glam lifestyle you always wanted? Well, here are a few tips for living the art life without breaking the bank!
Make The Most Of Art World Parties
The major benefit of working in the art world is all the openings and parties. I mean, when have you been to a gallery opening that didn’t serve free drinks? There’s often canapés too, meaning you and your art-pals can have a night out on the town and not have to pay a penny, result!
Host Your Friends For Dinner
Dining out is a pricey affair, but why not show off your cooking prowess by inviting your friends round for dinner? You could even ask them to bring a dish each. Cooking at home is far cheaper than splashing out on dinner at even the cheapest restaurant. There is an added benefit to the lower costs too, you can be as loud and rowdy as you want in the comfort of your own home and nobody is going to make you leave when you feel like the party is just getting started. Another option for when you do decide to go out is to go teetotal for the night, because unfortunately, the cost of wine really ups the price of that bill.
Go Vintage
Being fashionable needn’t be expensive. Looking for a new outfit but don’t have the cash? Why not hit up charity shops and thrift stores? One person’s junk might be your new treasure, you never know what you might find. It’s also a good idea to go rummaging in your mom’s wardrobe too, because as they say, fashion always repeats itself!
Be Your Own Beautician
Getting our hair and nails done is expensive! But you can easily save money by doing all this yourself, nail polish and hair dye are super cheap in comparison to the salon and you may find you have a talent for it.
Perfect The Art Of The Side Hustle
Ever wanted to be an art writer, or even an artist yourself? Or perhaps you have interests that aren’t art related at all, a supper club perhaps, or maybe even yoga? A small side business might give you enough money to supplement your income, and also allow you to pursue your other interests. It’s a win-win
Try Out A Greener Lifestyle
Instead of taking public transport everywhere, walk or ride a bike when you can instead. It’s free, good exercise and you’ll get some fresh air too. By walking you may discover parts of town that you often overlook and you’ll never be burdened by traffic jams or transport strikes.
Go On Studio Visits
Museum exhibitions can be expensive. Instead, why not connect with your favourite artists on Instagram and arrange a studio visit? You’ll be able to get up close and personal with their work, hear about it from the artist’s mouth, and see something that might very well make it into a museum show one day.
Text Lizzy Vartanian
