What cities/states are "Artist Friendly"?

[Devil Man 666]

What are some good cities/states for artists to choose from if relocation were necessary? Which ones are best for the sake of opportunities?

I've been told that Philadelphia is okay but pricey, California/Los Angeles (of course but even pricier), Atlanta, Washington, DC, New York (Of course). Florida?

I'm at the point where I want to just pull an "Alice" (pack everything up and just haul ass, remember that show?) minus that nine year "stop" in Phoenix and Mel's Diner. The Baltimore area is cluttered with artists being tossed out crumbs which seem more like salt crystals. I have been sending out resumes like a mofo ever since and right before graduation. It's been about three years now and I've only been doing substitute teaching (reluctantly) because there seems to be no options. When doing jobs searches online, I do the whole "search entire US" method but I am steadily losing patience.

With that said, would anyone offer me any advice about this? I'm not ready (financially) to go anywhere but just want options once something becomes available (position) while also formulating a plan. If anyone has any related stories, feel free to share.

Thanks in advance.

[Dash Martin]

Not Florida. It's full of close minded old people.

[xadrian]

Austin's a good place. Lotta good people here, very arts minded.

[riq]

Hey Devilman,

If you're looking for an artist friendly city.. I think ATL is the place.. Of HotLanta if you will. I probably can't list all of the reasons; but here's a try,

Gaijin Studios

At least 10 other comic artists in and around Atlanta, probably more

A whole crap of artists in North and South Carolina.

Heroes Con, one of the best conventions few know about, is 4 hours up the sreet in Charlotte

Cartoon Network( yep based in ATL)

Some great artstores

Lot's of art colleges( if you care)

An international airport with cheap flights to all corners of the U.S.

Decent, not excellent, job situation

and reasonable prices


We have shitty taffic though!!( beware)

And unfortunately, I think Georgia is the fattest state in the U.S., but remember Atlanta technically isn't very representative of Georgia( but I never find the need to venture out very far)

And if you like hip-hop,rap, or whatever you consider it.

Ludacris, OutCast, and quite a few more.

there ya' go. Mainly, if youre dedicated, get your work up to speed, and hardworking, there are a lot of cool artists here that are really cool about giveing advice, tips, and great insights.

riq.

[Mase]

*sigh*
I miss Atlanta. Good times, good times.

[riq]

Oops, double posted.. could someone get rid of one of these replies?

Damn Mase,

You really move around the board.. I guess since you have one of those omnipotent, moderator accounts nothing goes unnoticed.

And c'mon, Florida has great weather.. At least in the winter.

I think..

aw, what the hell,

truth is..

Sucks to be YOU!!.

haha!!

your friend,

riq.

p.s. Devilman.. I apologize in advance for filling your thread with useless drivel.. But if you or anyone else read this, please bow your head for a moment of sorrow for Mase..

[riq]

Damn Mase,

You really move around the board.. I guess since you have one of those omnipotent, moderator accounts nothing goes unnoticed.

And c'mon, Florida has great weather.. At least in the winter.

I think..

aw, what the hell,

truth is..

Sucks to be YOU!!.

haha!!

your friend,

riq.

p.s. Devilman.. I apologize in advance for filling your thread with useless drivel.. But if you or anyone else read this, please bow your head for a moment of sorrow for Mase..

[Dash Martin]

The winter weather may be "great", yet extremely dull, but that has nothing to do with art. Trust me...living in Florida is one of the most artistically crippling things on the planet. Just look at Crossgen...

[Mase]

Have you seen the Florida "State of the Arts" vanity plates? Ugliest plates ever. I think all of the pink and cobalt blue is really starting to get to me.

[Devil Man 666]

Originally posted by riq
Hey Devilman,

If you're looking for an artist friendly city.. I think ATL is the place.. Of HotLanta if you will. I probably can't list all of the reasons; but here's a try,

Gaijin Studios

At least 10 other comic artists in and around Atlanta, probably more

A whole crap of artists in North and South Carolina.

Heroes Con, one of the best conventions few know about, is 4 hours up the sreet in Charlotte

Cartoon Network( yep based in ATL)

Some great artstores

Lot's of art colleges( if you care)

An international airport with cheap flights to all corners of the U.S.

Decent, not excellent, job situation

and reasonable prices


We have shitty taffic though!!( beware)

And unfortunately, I think Georgia is the fattest state in the U.S., but remember Atlanta technically isn't very representative of Georgia( but I never find the need to venture out very far)

And if you like hip-hop,rap, or whatever you consider it.

Ludacris, OutCast, and quite a few more.

there ya' go. Mainly, if youre dedicated, get your work up to speed, and hardworking, there are a lot of cool artists here that are really cool about giveing advice, tips, and great insights.

riq.

Thanks for the reply. You are one of many to suggest ATL. I passed through back in early august. I have an aunt who has been living in Lawrenceville,GA for 10 years now. She kept telling me to move down there. This is my mother's bizarro (unidentical) twin sister. I would have to keep my distance from her/limited dealings with her. When returned from GA, I was almost set to just get up and "Alice" my way down there but of course I have to do the whole save up and send out more resumes that direction. You forgot to mention the women though, I did it for you

Yeah, it's back to the drawing/thinking board for the moment. I have even more to think about now. Thanks again for your advice, you too xadrian