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Here is the survey I did of Jason Sabbtoka because I wanted to know how to get into the art field because I like to paint and he also said painting skills are being looked for at designing job.

Thank you for your time tell us a bit about yourself?



I have been a professional artist, exhibiting since 1993. In addition to working as an artist, I have had academic appointments at the University of Minnesota (where I taught Printmaking, Drawing and assisted in Printmaking, Digital Art and Art Appreciation). I built the Open Art Studio at the Tacoma Art Museum—a hands-on art-making gallery that is managed by the Education Department. I received tenure at LWIT in 2011 and teach art, humanities and course for our bachelor’s degree in Design.





What skills do you need for the art field and painting?

1.     Drawing—even non-objective painters need a solid foundation in drawing.

2.     A strong understanding of value contrasts—lightand dark and the range in between.

3.     Color theory and color mixing—color is dangerous in the wrong hands.

4.     A willingness to iterate and sketch—concept ideas prior to committing to the work.

5.     A business mindset—especially if you are marketing your own artwork.



What kind of works do you do in the field?

1.     Oil and acrylic painting

2.     Sculpture (bronze, ceramic, found object and carved wood)

3.     Printmaking: Specifically lithography and intaglio

4.     Life drawing

5.     Polaroid and digital photography



How did you get started in the field?

1.     I was born and nurtured by an artistic mother.

2.     I was mentored by jr. high, high school and college instructors.


Can you list 10 things that a young artist should need to know before getting in to this field?

1.     There is always someone better than you are.

2.     Bravery is needed as much as skill.

3.     Strength is built from skill and talent—one alone is not enough.

4.     Stand by your work but be open to criticism---just because you like it doesn’t mean it’s good.

5.     You can like bad art and can hate good art. Like is subjective.

6.     Art is integral to all aspects of life.

7.     There is a real desire among some to make people less visually literate and less artistic in order to make them less able to defend against propaganda and advertising.

8.     If you have a good idea repeat is multiple times---don’t cram too many ideas into one work.

9.     Don’t become formulaic.

10.  Buy art. Why would someone purchase yours if you won’t buy others’ art?


Jason Sobottka MFA
Humanities and Visual Art
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
425.739.8181