Learn the steps needed to start creating, promoting and selling your work on a professional level. In this blog post we will be covering the following:
Personal qualities needed to succeed
Your collection of art work
Studio space
Developing your art career
Marketing your work
Making the decision to devote your time and energy to try and make a living (full-time or part-time) out of your art can be very daunting. Questions such as 'where and when will I create my work?', 'is my work good enough?' and 'where will I exhibit my work?' may be flooding your mind.
This blog post will answer the important questions and will also give you confidence as you will be more equipped to face the challenges ahead.
1. YOUR COLLECTION OF WORK
Do you have a collection of work that you would be confident in presenting to a gallery owner with the hope of exhibiting there? If not, you need to look at your art and decide how you are going to produce such a collection.
Artists are not often 100% happy with their work, due to their strive for perfection, but it has to be a collection of work that you believe has quality. You need the passion to explore subjects, techniques and designs until you create a collection of work that you are proud of.
Artists are always learning and developing their work but you need a good starting point.
2. PERSONAL QUALITIES YOU NEEDED TO SUCCEED
As a professional artist you need to have:
A willingness to market your work either in person or online
A personal belief that your work is worth buying
The aspiration to network with other artists and contacts such as gallery owners
The ability to be your own boss and to self-motivate
Knowledge of how to manage your accounts
Patience to create art
3. STUDIO SPACE
A studio space is your own special place where you can create your art and be however you want to be: a place to express yourself and let your ideas flow. A messy yet organised space at the same time. Ideally a place where paint spills or cracks in the walls don't matter. Privacy is important too so you can focus on your work with no interruptions.
Your studio doesn't need to be a purpose-built rented space where you are immersed in the art world (although that helps!) It can be a little space in your shed or spare room: wherever is affordable and practical for you.
Studio space checklist
Aspects to consider when choosing a studio space:
Storage space
Windows for fresh air and natural light
Electrical sockets for equipment
Privacy
Other tenants (if sharing a rented studio space)
Distance to the facilities
Opening hours
Access to sink (washing brushes etc)
Access to your own studio key
4. PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT
• What does your current selection of work represent?
• Which idea or technique of yours is the best for developing into a collection of work of a professional standard?
• What is your time schedule before exposing your work to potential buyers and galleries?
• Which type of customer are you aiming to attract?
• Do you have a gallery in mind you'd like to exhibit your work at?
Once you know the answer to these questions you will be in a better position to make the correct decisions about where to take your art next.
5. PROMOTING YOUR WORK
Online:
Social media (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram etc)
Collect email addresses and keep people informed on your recent work, exhibitions and sales
Your website or blog
In person:
Visit art galleries/venues, introducing yourself and swap business cards
Attend networking events (art-specific ones and other general start-up business ones)
Have a short statement about your art ready for when people ask you in social situations what your profession is.
By following these tips, creating art work you love and by marketing your work you are on a sure path to earning a living as a professional artist.
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