How can I get started in the art industry?

[FUJiFiLM]

To start off, I'm starting to get desperate, because I've been looking for stuff all over the internet and nothing seems to be helping! So, I'm not really sure about the areas of art, but I do know that I have a talent. I also know I can't rely on just talent, I have to learn and study what is behind what I do in order to make my profession. But the problem I'm having is that I just want to do and I don't know how!

Let me make it clear. I want to work in advertising. Working on magazine art and billboard art. I know this is design, I'm only 16 but I want to have some sort of basic foundation before I go to college. I really am desperate for some help on this. I've looked at internships and such but they all want things I don't have, like skills with photoshop and all that.

I really hope that my question made scense. I've noticed this is all over the place but if you think you can help me, please don't hesitate. I need to know ASAP how I can get started on being an artist.
So, I don't know how to thank you personally, but hopefully you read this. Thank you katiebelle411 and Karnak for helping me It's been really frustrating me that I didn't know all these things. I think right now I have to just get myself well rounded with people who know about these things so I at least have an outlet. I've really been relying on me, myself, and I for these things and I don't think that this is something you can do on your own. I think it's something that needs to be shared and helped. And Karnak, I'm really sad to say this, but my town is about 2 miles long and has no culture >_<. There are no galeries or art museums or anyone to help me out. I've looked into it I thought it was funny how you mentioned MS paint, because I spend ALOT of time on that program Also, you mentioned you are an art teacher, well do you know anyone in New Jersey who you can recommend me to see?

And once again, thank you both for helping me

 

[katiebelle411]

You need to take some classes, you are not going to get any kind of design job or internship unless you know how to do basic Photoshop and Illustrator functions. You can buy books on these programs, look online, download the free trials, and get to work!

If you are 16, you should really focus on learning the basics. See if you can design a friend's birthday party invitations, or some posters for an event at school. You need to get some kind of art/design experience and work on your basic design skills before you can ever THINK about getting a job or an internship.

I am currently a student, and most of the internships in my area only go out to college students in their final year of school. You are competing for internships with Seniors in college, so don't feel like you should be in some kind of rush.

(Also, most of the graphic designers I know are teaching right now, or working freelance, one is even working at Applebee's as a waitress until she can find a job, and these are people with COLLEGE DEGREES, the job market isn't great, so don't feel down when things don't automatically pop up for you)