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Tips for the Artist Community from a friendly point of view
8 years ago
With many of my artist friends seemingly having struggles as of late, I thought that it was time that I put pen to paper as it were with some of the things that have been swirling around in my head. I honestly don't think that many of them will read this and if any of them do they will likely believe that this doesn't apply to them. But here it goes.....
Please take note that I am writing this journal from the point of view as someone within the business and banking community as well as someone that is involved within the art community as well. Many of those that I know and those that are watching me have been starting to or have been trying to use their art talents to completely support themselves. While I am in full support of you all doing this, there is a strategy that must be followed while doing this. And while there are many ways to do it, I am going to lay out what I believe is a safe and easy way for you to do it.
1. Start Out Small One of the things that I see happening frequently is that people believe that just because they have a talent for art that they can use it to support themselves right out of the gate. I don't want to burst anyone's bubble here but that just isn't the case in almost every scenario. This is a harsh business, one that requires a lot of time and a lot of luck to succeed. Set small goals to start out, ones that are attainable and measurable. Put the proceeds, ALL of the proceeds, towards something that you want or need in your life while continuing to work your normal life. An improvement to your house, car, or a pieces of tech that you want...it can be anything. Then take measure of just how long it takes to attain that.
2. Effort, you will need a lot of it. One of the biggest mistakes that many artists fall into is believing that once they are good at art, people will just come along and buy from you. This is likely not going to be the case. It will need to be a constant and complete string of advertising, streaming, and conversing with perspective clients. This will include, unfortunately, people that will ask you about art and expect it for free, not end up commissioning you, and just being plain ole ignorant. It is something you will have to fight through unfortunately.
3. Prove it to yourself If you feel like you have made it to the level that you can sustain yourself on art alone, great! But at the same time I don't think that you should get too far ahead of yourself when you are just on a winning streak. Don't quite your job, take an extended vacation, or anything like that until you know you can do this for an extended period of time. Give it three months, though six months is a better span, and make sure that you continue to make enough that you can continue to do so without much of a problem. If you can, let loose and start setting your own schedule. You earned it.
4. Hitting a slump? Everyone has them no matter what they do for a living. Only difference is that most people aren't running their own business and can make it through anyways. I recommend doing this even while you are doing well to continue to increase your popularity, but not everyone is in favor of this. Run specials, discounts, loyalty programs, and any other manner of thing that you can think of to make your customers feel appreciated. Run a raffle and give a big discount away to everyone that commissioned you last month, run a stream that has discounts or a free raffle at set intervals, give them a discount for multiple commissions, or keep track and give out something free once they order enough.
5. Get and Stay Organized Nothing makes a client more angry than someone that is disorganized and needs constant reminders. Staying organized will allow you to make deadlines, keep people happy, and get repeat business. Start a commission queue somewhere, provide sketches and updates where you are....the more contact the better.
6. Get some help Most people can't do this sort of thing alone. Get someone that you are connected to, or someone that you can possibly pay, to help you. They can run your specials for you, upload updates, keep your queue up to date, and run the normal communication with prospective clients. If there is a lot of work going on, it will allow you to keep working while everyone that is trying to gain your attention....gets a response.
7. Pay your Bills! This is really the most important tip that I can give you. Beyond any kind of supplies for art, upgrades to programs, or anything like that....pay your rent, heat, electricity, and food. It won't help you at all to have a room for a con that you are going to vend at.....if you are living in your car once you leave.
Please take note that I am writing this journal from the point of view as someone within the business and banking community as well as someone that is involved within the art community as well. Many of those that I know and those that are watching me have been starting to or have been trying to use their art talents to completely support themselves. While I am in full support of you all doing this, there is a strategy that must be followed while doing this. And while there are many ways to do it, I am going to lay out what I believe is a safe and easy way for you to do it.
1. Start Out Small One of the things that I see happening frequently is that people believe that just because they have a talent for art that they can use it to support themselves right out of the gate. I don't want to burst anyone's bubble here but that just isn't the case in almost every scenario. This is a harsh business, one that requires a lot of time and a lot of luck to succeed. Set small goals to start out, ones that are attainable and measurable. Put the proceeds, ALL of the proceeds, towards something that you want or need in your life while continuing to work your normal life. An improvement to your house, car, or a pieces of tech that you want...it can be anything. Then take measure of just how long it takes to attain that.
2. Effort, you will need a lot of it. One of the biggest mistakes that many artists fall into is believing that once they are good at art, people will just come along and buy from you. This is likely not going to be the case. It will need to be a constant and complete string of advertising, streaming, and conversing with perspective clients. This will include, unfortunately, people that will ask you about art and expect it for free, not end up commissioning you, and just being plain ole ignorant. It is something you will have to fight through unfortunately.
3. Prove it to yourself If you feel like you have made it to the level that you can sustain yourself on art alone, great! But at the same time I don't think that you should get too far ahead of yourself when you are just on a winning streak. Don't quite your job, take an extended vacation, or anything like that until you know you can do this for an extended period of time. Give it three months, though six months is a better span, and make sure that you continue to make enough that you can continue to do so without much of a problem. If you can, let loose and start setting your own schedule. You earned it.
4. Hitting a slump? Everyone has them no matter what they do for a living. Only difference is that most people aren't running their own business and can make it through anyways. I recommend doing this even while you are doing well to continue to increase your popularity, but not everyone is in favor of this. Run specials, discounts, loyalty programs, and any other manner of thing that you can think of to make your customers feel appreciated. Run a raffle and give a big discount away to everyone that commissioned you last month, run a stream that has discounts or a free raffle at set intervals, give them a discount for multiple commissions, or keep track and give out something free once they order enough.
5. Get and Stay Organized Nothing makes a client more angry than someone that is disorganized and needs constant reminders. Staying organized will allow you to make deadlines, keep people happy, and get repeat business. Start a commission queue somewhere, provide sketches and updates where you are....the more contact the better.
6. Get some help Most people can't do this sort of thing alone. Get someone that you are connected to, or someone that you can possibly pay, to help you. They can run your specials for you, upload updates, keep your queue up to date, and run the normal communication with prospective clients. If there is a lot of work going on, it will allow you to keep working while everyone that is trying to gain your attention....gets a response.
7. Pay your Bills! This is really the most important tip that I can give you. Beyond any kind of supplies for art, upgrades to programs, or anything like that....pay your rent, heat, electricity, and food. It won't help you at all to have a room for a con that you are going to vend at.....if you are living in your car once you leave.
