I’ve been a professional artist since age 14. In other words, a very long time. (When I was 14, I was a freelance illustrator and represented by an agent. Really.)
So, over the years, I’ve written a few articles about earning a living as an artist.
Yes, some of those articles may be outdated, but most contain at least some helpful information.
Here they are… and there will be preview images with them, soon. And I’ll edit/update them, too.
Art Consignment for Beginners
Every year, new art galleries and crafts shops open. Often, they’re launched on a shoestring. They need consigned items to sell. Every year, new artists and crafters decide that this is the year they’re going to launch their careers. They need places to show their artwork. It could be a perfect partnership for your artwork … Continue reading "Art Consignment for Beginners"
Be Friendly at Art Shows
It’s important to be friendly when you have a booth at an art show, a crafts fair, or any art-type festival. Often, owners of new art galleries visit shows like this, to spot new talent. You may be invited to participate in an upcoming gallery show, or find a similar opportunity to “move up” to … Continue reading "Be Friendly at Art Shows"
Write About Your Art? Yes, You Can!
Have you wanted to see your own article published in Expression, The Artist, Somerset Studio, or Art Doll Quarterly? Do you dream of someday writing a successful book about the art that you love? One day, waaaay back in 2005, I had coffee with NJ writer Mary Beth McCabe Temple. She & I discussed what … Continue reading "Write About Your Art? Yes, You Can!"
How to Start Teaching Art
The first and most important rule is… Visit places where you’d like to teach, and ask them how to get started. It’s that simple. Just visit, call or email the people who might hire you to teach. Other than that, anything that I say reflects only my experiences and opinions. The one and only opinion … Continue reading "How to Start Teaching Art"
How much do artists earn?
I’m not netting $50K right now, but in past years, I have earned in that vicinity. I earned the most right before my third child was born, and–if you adjust for inflation–my gross was around $180K, with maybe 3/4 of that being net income. The bulk of my income came from three sources: Original art … Continue reading "How much do artists earn?"
What art teachers are paid
Many teachers won’t talk about how much they get paid. They don’t want to risk future gigs by revealing the financial side of events. After all, many teachers make more at a four-day event than their students earn in six months. Some event organizers won’t talk about money, either. They prefer to keep their profit … Continue reading "What art teachers are paid"
Sell your art locally
One of the most successful ways that I’ve sold my art has been through local businesses, using the community art association as a liaison. If your goal is gallery representation, local sales can build your reputation and add credibility to your resume. And, your income from local sales can exceed what you earn with some … Continue reading "Sell your art locally"
Teaching at National Art Events
If you’ve been teaching at shops for awhile, national art events might be your logical next step. However, they’re not the best choice for everyone. For the first year or two, expect to lose money teaching at art events. Event paychecks may look juicy, but when you factor in travel, supplies (that you provide), and … Continue reading "Teaching at National Art Events"