Art is Business
Yes, you read right. Your art is your business. Disregarding this is the reason so many emerging artists fail to succeed.
Talent does not equal success
Thomas Edison said wisely that "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration". Inventors like him are probably the closest relatives to artists in the business world. I know you wish it were false, but I'm sure you can identify plenty of amazing artists whose work just never got bought.
Another similar quote is Woody Allen's "90% of life is showing up". If you're sitting in your studio creating your art like there's no tomorrow, how will anybody ever know that your art exists? The artists who sell their art are the ones that are networking at galleries, vernissages, events, seminars, auctions, etc...
Business means structure
Owning an art business (aka being an artist), means you must structure and supervise your working days. Many aspects of running a successful business are essential, notably marketing, administration, accounting and law. Learning these skills (through courses, books or even on the internet) is essential to be able to make a living from art.
Here is a list of some things you should be able to (or must learn to) do:
These tasks might seem like a huge mountain for someone who has never been interested or learned about anything relating to running a business. But luckily, while artistic talent might be innate to some, business skills can be learnt.
Remember that your creativity and talent alone are not enough to sell your art work - developing your business skills will be the best way to enhance your success.
Talent does not equal success
Thomas Edison said wisely that "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration". Inventors like him are probably the closest relatives to artists in the business world. I know you wish it were false, but I'm sure you can identify plenty of amazing artists whose work just never got bought.
Another similar quote is Woody Allen's "90% of life is showing up". If you're sitting in your studio creating your art like there's no tomorrow, how will anybody ever know that your art exists? The artists who sell their art are the ones that are networking at galleries, vernissages, events, seminars, auctions, etc...
Business means structure
Owning an art business (aka being an artist), means you must structure and supervise your working days. Many aspects of running a successful business are essential, notably marketing, administration, accounting and law. Learning these skills (through courses, books or even on the internet) is essential to be able to make a living from art.
Here is a list of some things you should be able to (or must learn to) do:
- Write a business plan
- Promote your artwork to potential buyers
- Effectively negotiate contracts / price your work
- Finance your projects (apply for grants & awards)
- Keep track of your income & expenses (basic accounting)
- Protect your copyright
These tasks might seem like a huge mountain for someone who has never been interested or learned about anything relating to running a business. But luckily, while artistic talent might be innate to some, business skills can be learnt.
Remember that your creativity and talent alone are not enough to sell your art work - developing your business skills will be the best way to enhance your success.
posted by Brad @ Sparkio.com at 12:12 AM
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