COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS | Apprenticeships

Historically, apprentices lived and worked under a master for seven years, a tradition dating back to the medieval era. In exchange for an apprentice’s labor, the master would provide food, lodging, and a formal education in their respective field of expertise. Apprenticeships offered structured higher learning, tangible skills, and knowledge.

Today this training system is most often linked to academic and vocational institutions. The duration of master tutelage has shortened considerably, with more emphasis placed on internships or on-the-job training.

One of the more effective ways to learn is through active participation in real-life experiences, which allow students to gain empirical knowledge. Because of the unpredictable nature of the arts industry (there is no formula), it’s difficult to properly prepare for a future career solely in a classroom environment. This is why internships are so important. They give students an accurate, inside look at how others run their daily business on a creative and practical level. They also provide opportunities for networking and relationship building.

When soliciting an internship position, it’s important to be somewhat selective in whom you choose to shadow. Seek someone more advanced in their career rather than a successful up-and-comer, because the up-and-comers are probably still making their fair share of mistakes as they navigate uncharted territory. Look for someone whose career you admire—someone with a practice that resembles the one you aspire to. It’s also a good idea to find an internship in the geographic area where you would eventually like to be based.