To start with, you would have to have been practicing in such arts for a long time first before attempting to make a career out of them. Such people would have been interested enough to practice during their adolescent years, especially in their school’s arts and performance programs.

For example, those interested in music as a career would have joined the school band, playing orchestra music for various events like sports and what not, or perhaps forming their own music group to play the music they like, while attending music lessons alongside their normal school curriculum. Eventually, going to a college or university to pursue a degree in music theory or music performance would be a logical choice, and some institutions offer scholarship programs that are highly sought after by aspiring musicians or singers.

For most musicians or singers however, it would be a matter of leaving secondary education, working a normal job while practicing their craft during their free time, and playing for independent gigs for whoever is interested in listening and most importantly, whoever is paying. And even more so to get noticed by patrons with connections to the music industry, which opens a path to musical stardom. Many famous bands, like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones have gotten their start like so.

Likewise, potential actors who aspire to be on film or in theater would certainly join the film and drama clubs of whichever school they attend as youth, honing their skill in the prime of their youth, or again, seek out instruction outside school. Upon graduation, they would attend college or university to obtain degrees in acting or drama, with the intent of being noticed by the movie or theater industry. Plenty of Shakespearean actors have started their acting careers in such a manner, given how revered the works of the renaissance era playwright William Shakespeare are to this very day.

On the other hand, most people would simply finish secondary education, attend classes, and practice their skills in their free time, then try to audition for any available play or movie that may be produced in their area. The Hong Kong cinema industry has long recruited people who have displayed good pugilistic skills, to star in its movies. With some of them becoming famous enough to star in Hollywood action films no less. Countless martial arts stars have used this example to start their careers.

Regardless of either music or acting, potential aspirants always start out doing the smaller gigs that pay little, as with most careers. It takes years, decades even to develop the artistic skill needed to advance up the ranks, earn more money and certainly become more famous and well-known. The thought of doing extra jobs unrelated to the industry is common, to obtain more financial support as their careers are built and developed.

Despite the glamorous lifestyle of such people, many personal sacrifices would have to be made to devote oneself to such a career, especially if one is starting out. The basic idea is that to become better and sought after in the industry, plenty of practice and finding as much work as possible is required. This can result in limited time for leisurely activities, as with most careers. And yet, the life of a performer or entertainer never ceases to excite and inspire people, so you can imagine how worthwhile it is for those who work as such.

Such people have a unique approach to life-long learning, for in the arts, there is the concept of genres. The idea is that someone who works in the industry, instead of doing one genre of media for their career only, they can attempt multiple genres. For example, an actor who normally does action films, can also attempt a romantic comedy, or perhaps a horror film. Such actions do well to help the person become well-rounded in his or her career, improving their employability and renown in the industry. Likewise, musicians need not only play one instrument for their entire career. They welcome to practice with other instruments, thus improving their musical ability. And they are also able to take up singing as well, along with performing in other genres of music too. Such is the life-long learning of those in the entertainment industry.