| Building a career as an artist takes hard work. | | | | other materials do you need to support your |
| Because the field attracts so many talented | | | | artwork - a website, print advertisements? Add a |
| people, jobs in this field remain competitive. If you | | | | creative spark to your marketing materials to |
| major in an art program at the university level, | | | | make it unique and memorable.Promotion & Public |
| the focus is not on business, but in studio art, | | | | Relations - This is a gold mine for an artist. If you |
| graphic design or humanities. So it's wonderful that | | | | don't have the budget for paid advertising, you |
| you learn about how to perfect your skills in art - | | | | can volunteer your time, teach classes, give |
| you need these skills. And, if you want to work | | | | seminars or speeches, and promote yourself and |
| for someone else, this education may be all you | | | | your work in other, more subtle ways. The goal |
| need to succeed. But many artists and creative | | | | here is to get your name out in front of as many |
| professionals wish to sell their work independently | | | | people as possible. When they see you, they think |
| from home. There maybe a looming gap in the | | | | ART. Produce press releases on your work, |
| education you receive in art class and I believe it | | | | classes, seminars and exhibit schedules. Make sure |
| is about basic business.I've heard people say that | | | | you have business cards printed and give them |
| you're a sell-out if you are distracted by tasks | | | | out frequently.Finance & Accounting - While this is |
| unrelated to creating your art. That may be true, | | | | often one of the hardest parts of writing a |
| but if you want to create your art, and put food | | | | business plan, it needn't be too complicated right |
| on your table you will quickly understand that | | | | now. Price your artwork to reflect your time, |
| beautiful art does not sell itself. Turning your | | | | materials, any overhead and your profit. |
| hobby into a career takes effort. Being a paid | | | | Determine your current budget. What are your |
| professional means you must understand and | | | | financial targets? How much of your profits will |
| apply basic business practices.While I won't bore | | | | you reinvest in your materials and supplies? How |
| you with a crash course on business, I | | | | do you plan to keep track of the money you |
| recommend that you grab some paper and start | | | | make? Writing down your basic financial goals will |
| by jotting down some general things you may | | | | make it clear what you need to do to achieve |
| wish to consider, as they relate to your creative | | | | them.Production & Operation - How much of your |
| arts business.Business Strategy & Objectives - In | | | | art can you reasonably produce and where do |
| this category, let's focus on your overall goals. | | | | you make it? Can you hire someone to help with |
| When you're listing your goals, be very specific. | | | | repetitive tasks? I'm not suggesting that you |
| Don't just say I want to sell my art, instead | | | | crank out art in the way a candy company |
| provide the details. Describe your art/product. Will | | | | produces bubble-gum. Instead, focus on creating |
| you try and exhibit your work, or sell it from | | | | high-quality art, using the best materials you can |
| your private studio? Do you want to sell it - | | | | afford to use - and by all means make sure that |
| locally, regionally, or internationally? Will you focus | | | | is reflected in your final price.I know that thinking |
| only on one medium or will you diversify? Can | | | | about your art as a product takes all the |
| you exhibit your art at a gallery, or is it | | | | romance away. But it is rather essential to do if |
| commissioned public art for everyone to enjoy? | | | | you want to become a creative professional. You |
| What are some obstacles you face in producing | | | | are your own company, you produce a product |
| or exhibiting your work? Make the plan work for | | | | that is full of your creative spark, your |
| your situation and be flexible. You'll find as you | | | | imagination, and your ideas. Marketing your art |
| take action on your plan, things may change. Be | | | | product simply becomes the effort it takes to let |
| open to that.Sales & Marketing - Who does your | | | | people see and gain an understanding of your |
| artwork appeal to? Describe your perfect client. | | | | work. Make an impact with your gifts!This article, |
| What do they read? Where do they go in their | | | | courtesy of You may freely reprint this article on |
| spare time? How can you get your art in front of | | | | your website or in your newsletter provided this |
| them? At the very least you will need an artist's | | | | courtesy notice and the author name and URL |
| bio, resume and portfolio of your work. What | | | | remain intact. |