[pan69]

When you say "market" I assume you want to make a living out of doing this. If this is the case then this is the strategy I would advice:

You're currently a sophomore in high school with probably zero work experience. This means that for the next 5 to 10 years you need to start making a name for yourself. You need to become that guy who creates awesome stuff. Few examples of these sorts of people are Dr Doob (mrdoob.com), Andre Michelle (lab.andre-michelle.com) & Grant Skinner (incomplet.gskinner.com). These are guys who made their name in the Flash platform scene over the past 5 to 10 years. They do visual experimentation but they way they make their money is but working for digital advertising agencies.

Now depending on where you live, get your self a junior role at a "large" digital adverting agency and work there for the next 2 or 3 years. I emphasis large because it's important and will come back on this later. Focus on things such as HTML5, Javascript and mobile, or anything front-end that is in fashion, because those are the technologies these guys will be using for their clients. They will tell you that Processing is cool and all that but no client will pay for that. At least not in your current position. Now, work your ass off for say 3 years and learn as much as you can. Next to that get to know as many people as you can. Getting to know people is key! And also the reason you need to work in a large agency, there are simply more people there to get to know. Build your network. This means you need to hang out with them in the pub etc. Be really social. Become part of the in-crowed. While you work there other people will leave the agency, stay in touch with them! You might need them later on in live. Though, be genuine about your relationship with others!

After three 2 or 3 years you might want to swap agencies, go work for another big one. Do good work, do work that's respected by others and be humble, honest and sincere. Because you work in another big agency you expand your network even further. Try to get to know people who work in "events" agencies. Events agencies usually do not have a strong tech element in-house but they often work with freelancers and contractors. Event agencies usually put up large shows and stands for big companies at, guess what, events. This is where your visualization passion comes in. Let them know what you do and show 'm your passion.

After 5 years of working your ass off you can start venturing out on your own. You have a massive network of people who respect you, want to work with you, know how awesome, humble and honest you are. Start by doing small things on the side and if it works out plan to make a big jump. The key is in your network. If you're just some starving artist sitting lonely in a room without knowing anyone you can forget about it. You'll be spending your days/nights in the bread factory. Don't let it come to that.

Good luck!

[Banekin]

I'm going to graduate next year, so maybe I'll take a year off and try to find something to do in NYC. Do you recommend college before working so I have an easier time finding relevant jobs? I imagine it would be difficult to get a job at a digital advertising agency without any credentials. Realistically I can't work during High School, so I guess I should just study up in the meantime.

[pan69]

I would definitely recommend college and I would even go as far as to advice you to get a university degree. The thing is, say you're 25 years old and you have 5 years of work experience but no degree, employers will be very eager to hire you since your friends who did study for a degree (same age) will have zero work experience. The amount of work experience definitely makes up for the lack of a degree when you're 25 years old (and also because you'll be relatively cheap as a 25 year old, something that employers like very much).

Now fast forward 10 years into the future. By that time you have 15 years of work experience and still no degree. However, your friends will now have 10 years of work experience AND a degree. Suddenly those extra 5 years of work experience you have don't mean an awful lot anymore. Someone with 15 or 10 years are basically equally experienced. It's similar to when you where 7 years old. The 9 year old kid down the road was someone you didn't communicate with because of the massive age gap. However, when you're 27 you'll have no problem hanging out with a 29 year old.

So, yes. Get a much education as you can get your hands on. While you study, spend as much spare time on your passion as you possible can. Take advantage of the fact that you can stay up all night (because by the time you're in your late twenties that will have disappeared :).

Most digital agencies have no problem hiring people without credentials. Just be aware that you'll be at the bottom of the food chain. Don't expect to be at par with the big guys there. If you go for that, just do what you're told (within reason of course) and try to do the best job you can. Again, be honest, humble and sincere. Agencies are always looking for that "awesome junior" which basically means someone who can do great work but they don't have to pay 'm much because of the lack of professional experience.

Again, good luck!

[Gianteye]

There are lots of folks at Eyebeam, Fat Lab, and NycResistor who produce art for a living. Some are artists for hire, constantly living from project to project, others work for agencies. I'd definitely look into those labs and possibly collaborate on projects to get a handle on the lifestyle that comes with being a creative programmer.

[wdewind]

I interned for Eyebeam - it's an awesome place and can highly recommend it.