'Artists need an online presence'
Jenny Core, originally from Bolton, England, shares her tips in this week’s My German Career on being an artist in Berlin. The 27-year-old exhibits her work regularly in the city, including next to a Turner Prize shortlister.
1) Where are you located and what do you do?
I am a freelance visual artist working in contemporary drawing residing in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin.
2) What brought you to Germany and how long have you been here?
I fell in love with Berlin after holidaying here last year. What I love about Berlin is the culture and the great art scene. I've been living in Berlin for three months.
3) How did you land your job and do you have tips for anyone seeking similar work?
Art is something I've always loved doing. It is a job/lifestyle that demands a lot of hours and it's incredibly difficult to maintain a steady income.
My advice to anyone wanting to be an artist would be to have a lot of persistence, persevere, have a signature style (artistic style). You also need to have a strong online presence and networking skills and most of all, love what you do.
4) Is it important for you to be able to speak German in your position? I think learning German would really help open doors and widen my audience. I am currently taking German lessons in Neukölln.
5) What are the best and worst parts about working in Germany?
I've only been here for three months but the best part of working in Germany is that there are always art events/exhibitions and opportunities to visit and take part in.
I guess the worst part would be not speaking German (even thought there are a lot of English speakers here). I am currently trying to solve this problem with German lessons.
6) Do you plan on staying?
Yes! Most definitely. I love it here.
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1) Where are you located and what do you do?
I am a freelance visual artist working in contemporary drawing residing in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin.
2) What brought you to Germany and how long have you been here?
I fell in love with Berlin after holidaying here last year. What I love about Berlin is the culture and the great art scene. I've been living in Berlin for three months.
3) How did you land your job and do you have tips for anyone seeking similar work?
Art is something I've always loved doing. It is a job/lifestyle that demands a lot of hours and it's incredibly difficult to maintain a steady income.
My advice to anyone wanting to be an artist would be to have a lot of persistence, persevere, have a signature style (artistic style). You also need to have a strong online presence and networking skills and most of all, love what you do.
I think learning German would really help open doors and widen my audience. I am currently taking German lessons in Neukölln.
5) What are the best and worst parts about working in Germany?
I've only been here for three months but the best part of working in Germany is that there are always art events/exhibitions and opportunities to visit and take part in.
I guess the worst part would be not speaking German (even thought there are a lot of English speakers here). I am currently trying to solve this problem with German lessons.
6) Do you plan on staying?
Yes! Most definitely. I love it here.
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