The Artist's Dilemma, The Merging Of Business And Art

by: Kristin Alexander

Html View | Print View Total views: 3 Word Count: 617
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2010 Time: 5:36 AM - 0 comments

Do you dream of earning a living with your art? Do you want to spend your days doing what you were born to do? You can do it! You can create a living as an artist, but you must prepare. Begin by asking the questions only you can answer. Ask yourself what does success as an artist mean to me? Do you measure it in money? If so, how much money? Does it mean being famous or just respected for your skill? Perhaps you just need to earn enough money to support yourself and your family. How much money is that? Before you do anything clarify what you expect and how you see your life as an artist. Really give this some thought because it will dictate how you move forward.

Now that you have a clear picture of what your life will look like and how much money you will create with your art, consider how you will invest in your business education. This is an important step, don't skip it! You will not always be studying the concepts of business, but right now, at the beginning of learning how to market yourself and your art, time spent learning the fundamentals of business will be time very well spent. You may be a master artist and produce beautiful inspiring pieces, but if you don't know how to market your art and yourself, the money will not come in regularly, and your dream of making a living as an artist will end. So engage your right brain to begin to analyze the steps you need to take to learn the fundamentals of business.

First use your talents to research and choose the way you will set up record keeping for your business. Choose the software you will use and spend a day or two learning it. It is vital that you keep track of all business expenses, and sales. Choose a name and get a business license. Consult with a tax professional. Once the decision to be in business selling your artwork is made, you will be sending the world a strong message if you act professionally and take the time to set things up properly. That means doing due diligence as you lay your foundation.

Now that you're ready to go to the next step you must invest in your education. I'm not talking about years of college or degrees, I'm talking about practical knowledge. Make an investment of your time and money now to learn how to start, run and profit from your art business. Don't assume you can just jump in and everything will happen without problems because you just don't know what you don't know!

Knowledge is valuable and will save time, stress and money in the end. Invest in an art marketing course, read books, find forums or blogs that are talking about what you need to know. Network with other artists, keep an open mind and be willing to learn. Time and money spent in education will ensure your success as you become a professional artist. Your art may not be all about the money, but if you are choosing to make your artwork your daily work, then the money will make that possible.

Many artists shy away from the business of art because they feel it cheapens their work. In our world respect is earned by those who follow their dream and at the same time manage the business of their lives with integrity and professionalism. You do not have to be a "starving artist." Pay attention to your business and enrich the world with your art!