In today's post we're talking about the business side of art. Yeah, I can see you raising your eyebrows already.
"What? Business? I'm an artist! I don't do numbers, spreadsheets or finance! I create!" That's what you're thinking, right?
Well, buckle up, 'cause we're going on a ride into uncharted territory. It might feel unfamiliar and even a bit uncomfortable at first, but it's necessary, and here's why.
Remember how you're putting yourself and your art out there on Instagram? You're showing up, pouring your heart and soul into your work, and letting the world see it. But let's be real. There's more to the art world than creating beautiful pieces, right?
You're not just an artist; you're also a business person. And your art? That's your product, your service, your brand! And you've got to treat it like one.
Now, I know this might be hitting a nerve, but stay with me here. Understanding this side of your art career will transform your life in ways you can't even imagine yet. This is the secret ingredient that'll take you from "starving artist" to "successful entrepreneur".
Look, I get it. This isn't what you signed up for when you decided to become an artist. But think about it. Isn't the ultimate goal to create art that you love and get paid for it? To have the financial freedom to dedicate your time and energy solely to your craft?
This is where the business side of art comes in. It's the bridge that connects your passion for creating with your dream of financial independence.
But here's the catch. You can't just learn about business strategies and expect to become a millionaire overnight. Just like creating a stunning piece of art, mastering the business side of art requires time, dedication, and most importantly, the right mindset.
Think about the last time you felt super charged about a piece you were creating. You were full of energy, enthusiasm, and a burning desire to share your creation with the world. That's the kind of mindset you need to approach your art business.
Imagine going about your art business with the same excitement and passion you have when you're creating. Posting about your work on Instagram, communicating with potential buyers, organizing exhibitions…all of these things can be fun and exciting if you approach them with the right mindset.
And trust me, it shows.
People can sense your passion and enthusiasm, and they're attracted to it. And more often than not, that enthusiasm translates into sales and opportunities.
So, are you ready to embrace this new side of your art career? Are you ready to give your art the platform it deserves? If your answer is yes, then let's dive deeper into why you need to really get to grips with the business side of art. Two sides of the same coin
First you need to understand that the art world and the business world are two sides of the same coin. In the contemporary world of art, you may feel like you’re walking a tightrope between your passion for creativity and the practicalities of surviving and thriving financially. Yet, in reality, they’re not mutually exclusive concepts. Instead, the art world and the business world are two sides of the same coin.
Bear in mind that art is, among many other things, a business, and that’s okay. Look, art is a beautiful, yet challenging endeavour. But if you really stop and think about it, any profession is just like this. It's a business. Whether you're a dentist or a teacher, a mechanic or a musician, there are the skills you’ve honed, and then there's the business side of things. You might not have signed up for the latter when you decided to pursue your passion for art, but that doesn't make it any less significant. Art is a business too
The truth is, the business side of art matters just as much as the creative side. As an artist, you’re not just creating; you're also selling. You're a brand. You're a business. Your art is your product. And you’re not just selling paintings or sculptures or prints; you're selling yourself, your vision, your talent.
So why should artists learn about business? Simple. Without understanding the business side of things, you won't be able to support yourself as an artist. You'll be just another creative person with a passion for expression, but no means to pursue it. That's why understanding business is so crucial.
Not only will understanding the business side of art help you monetise your passion, it will also empower you to stand on your own two feet. You won’t be left at the mercy of galleries or patrons. You can control your own art career. Negotiation leverage
But what does it mean to learn business skills as an artist? Well, it involves a range of things. It's about marketing your work, creating a brand, understanding the market, setting the right price for your work, networking, negotiation, contracts, understanding copyright laws, and so much more.
When you embrace the business side of art, you open up a world of possibilities. You gain the power to create your own opportunities, rather than waiting for them to find you.
You learn how to strategically place your work in the market, how to reach your target audience, and how to generate a consistent income from your art.
One of the keys to this is building a strong online presence. In today's digital age, your online presence is more than just a digital portfolio. It’s your brand, your voice, your platform.
It’s the tool you use to connect with your audience, to tell your story, to sell your art. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have become powerful tools in this respect. They're not just platforms for sharing pictures; they're platforms for building brands, for marketing, for business.
So, the business side of art isn't something to be scared of, it’s something to be embraced. It doesn't detract from the creative side of your work, it supports it.
It helps you reach your goals and push your boundaries. It gives you the freedom to pursue your passion and make a living from it.
And, remember, just like your art, your business journey is unique to you. There's no one-size-fits-all strategy, and that's where I come in. As an artist consultant, I can help guide you through this unfamiliar territory, teaching you the skills and strategies you need to make your art business a success. I'll be there every step of the way, cheering too! If you want to work with me, head here and as always, thenk you for reading!
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