How did you help your creative child find a career in an art field?

[creativeresearch234]

For parents with creative children, do you help nurture your children's creative interest? How do you help guide them to a career in art?

Art degrees seem like a waste of money and not necessary to get a job in the field, I'd like to help before universities come into their mind but not sure how.

I always encouraged my DD to do what she enjoyed education wise. She's very creative.
She loved art. Did GCSE, A level and a Foundation year.
She then went to university and studied Film ( also loved working with camera's). While at Uni she sold digital art work online to earn extra money.
She now works in film and TV and really enjoys it.

Not my child, but I work in a similar industry and gone through a similar path.
Stating the obvious, but it's a hard industry to get into. That's not a reason not to do it but she will need to be very motivated and persistent.
Fine Art degree isn't the only option though, she could research degrees that develop her creativity but also give her skills for the workplace. Eg Animation, design etc.
She could also find out where the University's graduates go on to get a job. Uni are a lot more switched on about this these days! They might have links to employers in the industry.
When I'm recruiting I totally accept younger people won't have lots of relevant work experience. But will interview someone with relevant extra curricular activities/experience over someone without as it demonstrates their commitment and motivation. Clubs, volunteering etc.
Best of luck to her. It's hard to break into but ultimately much better to get up every day doing a job you love!

I would say that this is one of those careers where the child needs to be absolutely passionate and prepared to knock on many doors themselves (with many of them not opening).

Depending on the age, volunteering at a local theatre or art gallery might help them make contacts and understand the industry better.

Ds2 ( 24) is a graphic designer now , but he did an animation degree at Uni. One of his A levels was fine art
Animation is very hard to get into , but at least this way he can do some design / art
The creative courses are not seen as important as other subjects and being cut back when it comes to further education and not generally that well paid either , but he followed his heart.

Art degrees seem like a waste of money and not necessary to get a job in the field

Thats not true, whilst a degree isn't necessarily essential it can absolutely help and isn't a waste. It allows you to learn and develop even further under the guidance of professionals, create a professional portfolio, build networks and get opportunities that would be exceptionally hard otherwise. The other way would be to try and secure work experience or an internship, these are highly competitive and often unpaid so I guess financially support. It depends as well though on what they would like to do, there are a lot of opportunities.