Sketching out a career

Fresh graduates from the Central Academy of Fine Arts present the best of their work at a recent graduation exhibition. Their pieces vary in media and genres, from installations, oil paintings and Chinese ink art to picture books.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Taking up art for a livelihood is more than just striking a brush on canvas. Lin Qi reports.

A degree from an art college does not always mean that you embark upon a path to become a successful artist. Instead, it simply means that you have entered a very competitive arena, and that you have to survive a rather high rejection rate.

"A lot of people will quit in the first five years after college, when they cannot support themselves, or they can find no support from outside," says Wang Meichen, 34.

She graduated with a master's degree in oil painting from Tsinghua University's arts and design academy in June.

"I told my mom that I would concentrate so much on painting that I may not have time to have children. She is OK with it because I have a sister who is married.

"Many talented girls get married and give up art after having a child. I feel sorry for them," says Wang.

"Once you stop it is unlikely you will restart."

Her wish to be a painter is so strong that Wang gave up a job as a product designer three years ago. She felt that the work was becoming routine.