When Alstad was younger, she wanted to do it her own way in the arts and crafts classes. Photo: Private
Lea Alstad (23) got 2 in arts and crafts at school. Now she is her own boss, and makes a living from the art she creates herself.
Published:
Yesterday 17:35
Updated less than 10 minutes ago
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The short version
- Lea Alstad (23) is self-employed and makes a living from art, despite a low grade in art and craft at school.
- Alstad has illustrated a book and is represented in several galleries in Norway.
- Her freelance career began when, as a teenager, she couldn’t get a summer job and had to think outside the box.
- She now shares her everyday life as a young artist on TikTok.
- Torbjørn Urfjell, director of the Directorate of Culture, encourages young people to invest in art and culture.
The summary is made by the AI tool ChatGPT and quality assured by VG’s journalists.
Sea view
– When I was younger, I dreamed of living the life I do today, says Alstad.
The 23-year-old is currently self-employed and makes a living from his hobby. She has, among other things, illustrated a book, and is represented in several galleries around Norway.
– I have always liked having my own projects, she says.
Think New
It all started when she couldn’t get a summer job as a teenager.
– No one wanted to hire me so young, so I had to think outside the box, says Alstad.
At the time, she earned money by painting Russian costumes, drawing Russian logos, and running a summer school for children.
– All this grew and became much bigger than I had imagined.
Being able to draw and paint every day was Alstad’s childhood dream. Photo: Private
The road to turning art into a livelihood has nevertheless been challenging. Alstad is open about the fact that there are some risks associated with working as a freelancer.
– You have to be quite economical, and save funds for times of lower income.
Furthermore, she says that it is crucial to dare and take chances in this type of profession.
– It has probably helped me to be a little naive, and dare to take a risk.
Alstad also helps organize “girls only” parties with three other friends. A concept they have come up with themselves. Photo: Private
Could you make a living from your hobby?
Sharing on TikTok
Now Alstad shares about his work and everyday life as a young artist on TikTok, which is well received.
– I think many people find it exciting to see someone who lives life a little differently.
Here’s an example from her TikTok account:
Alstad will also show that working life does not have to be the way we are often presented at school.
– I think more people than me miss a more innovative approach to working life.
Alstad further says that she has never been employed somewhere for longer than two months. Nor does she envision that in the future.
– This life suits me better, she says.
Many possibilities
Torbjørn Urfjell, department director for society and arena in the Directorate of Culture, emphasizes the importance of young people daring to bet on art and culture.
– We have a vision of a society filled with art and culture, and that requires that someone bet on that too, he says.
Urfjell further confirms that being an artist involves a lot of trial and error.
– Therefore it is probably also associated with a somewhat higher risk, he says.
Urfjell sees a general tendency for more young people to want a creative working life. Photo: Trym Schade Warloe
Furthermore, Urfjell reminds that Norway is one of the countries with very good arrangements for support and scholarships.
– It is again about us wanting to have culture and art around us in Norway.
In conclusion, Urfjell points out that being self-employed is not the only way to make a living from art.
– Creative competence is also in demand in many types of positions in various sectors.
The possibilities are therefore many according to Urfjell.
Published:
Published: 21.02.24 at 17:35
Updated: 22.02.24 at 13:28