Huey-Min Chuang, a Brooklyn-based artist, began her career at the age of 48 during the pandemic. She responded to an open call organized by an Artists’ Group in Long Island City and has since exhibited her work at various venues, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Marin Contemporary Art Museum. Her latest series of mixed media works explores the theme of islands, drawing on her upbringing in Taiwan and Argentina. Despite being self-taught, Chuang has built a sustainable career in the arts through dedication and hustle, showcasing her work at numerous museums and galleries.
Many individuals believe that arts careers are not sustainable and that it is difficult to make a living in creative fields. However, a significant number of talented people are successfully building independent careers in the arts, like Chuang. Median pay for art directors in 2023 was $106,500 per year, with employment in the field expected to increase by 6% from 2022 to 2032. As for special effects artists, animators, and craft and fine artists, the median salaries ranged from $59,910 to $99,060. Building a career around your passion for art is possible, as demonstrated by Chuang’s success in pursuing her creative dreams.
Chuang encourages individuals to have the courage to pursue their creative dreams without being deterred by the fear of judgment. She believes that taking the first steps and actively engaging in creative activities is essential in cultivating one’s creativity. By noticing the beauty in everyday things and embracing non-traditional education opportunities, like attending talks and exhibitions, individuals can improve their artistic skills and expand their knowledge. Chuang’s commitment to continuous learning and volunteer work has enhanced her growth as an artist and allowed her to develop her unique style.
Chuang emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and working through failures as opportunities for growth. By pushing herself outside her comfort zone and experimenting with new materials and techniques, she has been able to overcome self-doubt and foster inner resilience. Through challenging experiences, like creating art on parchment paper, Chuang has learned valuable lessons about persistence and self-discovery. She encourages aspiring artists to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and personal development.
Despite the uncertainties and self-doubt that come with pursuing a career in the arts, Chuang believes that the journey of creation is valuable in itself. By focusing on personal growth and self-discovery rather than external validation, artists can find fulfillment in the creative process. Chuang’s experience with creating art purely for the sake of exploration and learning has taught her the importance of staying true to her inner voice and embracing the surprises that come with artistic expression. Ultimately, building a career in the arts requires courage, dedication, and a willingness to challenge oneself to grow as an artist and as a human being. Huey-Min Chuang’s journey serves as an inspiring example of the rewards that can come from pursuing one’s creative dreams in the post-pandemic environment.
