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What does it really take to be an artist?

3/2/2015

4 Comments

 
Johann Christoph Erhard - The Painter Johann Adam Klein at the easel in his studio in the Palais Chotek in Vienna - Google Art Project.jpg
The Painter Johann Adam Klein at the easel in his studio in the Palais Chotek in Vienna - Google Art Project
This is one of those questions that nobody really asks. It is often hinted at, but nobody wants to confront the answer.

The answer is...

It takes work.

Yes, I know. You do art because you love it. Because you have to. Because it's part of who you are. I get that.

However, just because you call yourself an artist, doesn't mean that you are one. I could call myself a doctor, but that doesn't make me one.

It takes hard work and dedication to become a real artist. Not only do you have to learn all the techniques for your chosen art form, but you also have to learn how to run a business. Because if you want to do more than give all your art away as gifts, then you are going to have to get your work out into the world. That will only happen through learning the business side of art.

And, it's really not that hard. There are basic principles that govern any type of business, and the art business is no exception. And, the best place to start is with a business plan.

Yes, I know, I am hearing the groans already. Trust me, it will really help. All you need is a one page document that spells out what you are going to create, who you are going to be selling it to, where you are going to sell it, how you are going to sell it, and why are you doing this. Very simple.

This is just to keep you focused. Use it as a road map to get you to your goal. And keep doing art!

4 Comments
Annie
3/2/2015 11:09:14 am

This is something I keep dragging my feet on (making the business plan). I've got parts of it done but it seems like I keep changing my mind on other parts, so I can't seem to finish it (who I'm going to sell to and where).

Question: what is the difference in meaning between figuring out where you are going to sell it and how you are going to sell it (this is an honest question I have - not trying to be flip)? When I answer the question where, it's usually something like "at small shops" or "at fairs". Same thing when I answer how. What aspect am I not thinking about? Thanks ~

Reply
Loretta link
3/2/2015 12:58:38 pm

Hi Annie!
My first answer is that it really doesn't matter. The point is to get something down on paper. It is better to have something in writing than nothing at all.

The more detailed answer is this: Where you are going to sell encompasses things like will you sell at weekend shows, through online stores, at brick and mortar stores, through art galleries, or through your own website. How you are going to sell means will you do all the marketing and promotional activities yourself, will you use an artist representative, or leave it all to chance?

If you really want to take your art career to the next level, you need to start thinking more like a business. That means having a real business plan. I have developed a template that you can use as a starting point. Just fill in all the blanks that are applicable to your work.

http://www.theshyartist.com/uploads/7/5/1/0/7510872/marketing_plan_template.pdf

Hope this helps!
Loretta

Reply
Annie
3/2/2015 06:45:18 pm

Loretta,
Thanks! I really like that template. It will help me to form a better description of each part of the plan. It asks me questions I hadn't thought of.
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it.
Annie

Loretta
3/2/2015 06:53:08 pm

Hi Annie!

You are welcome. Glad I could help.

Loretta

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Loretta Alvarado, Fiber Artist

    About the Author

    Helping artists and crafters improve their sales, one word at a time.

    Loretta Alvarado is the author of several business for artists books. She spends most of her time in her studio making art and writing. But you can sometimes find her on Facebook.



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