Making art a full-time job takes effort, but it’s attainable with the right knowledge. I’ve helped over 4,000 artists grow their art businesses, and one of my favorite things is bringing them together and talking about how each of them became a successful artist.
I recently hosted an alumni round table full of creative business owners who took my course, Leverage Your Art, and asked them to share about their experiences of turning their art skills into a profitable career. Today I’m going to share some of their advice for anyone who wants to become a professional artist.
Each piece of advice addresses a different category, giving you just an appetizer of the wisdom they have to share. Let’s see what they have to say to their fellow artists.
“All of this doesn’t happen overnight. It’s step after step. It’s little goal after little goal.” -Emily Johnson
Emily’s wisdom here is crucial! So many art business owners think that if their business doesn’t explode overnight, they aren’t cut out for this line of work. The truth is, no matter what type of art you make, sustainable growth will always come slowly.
The only thing that can make your business growth take less time without cutting corners is finding the right information. Getting professional help and learning best practices from successful small business owners will help you make each business decision wisely, leading to quicker growth.
“You can lift each other up, and you can share, and in the hard days, the other person that you’re friends with is probably going through a fantastic day, and they can lift you through those times.” -Ash Cascade Design
In the long run, succeeding all on your own is much tougher than succeeding with encouragement from a strong community. Surrounding yourself with a lot of artists is the best way to find support and energize yourself as you build your own business.
“You can’t not do something because you’re scared. Growth and opportunity is on the other side of it.” -Laura Sevigny
Let’s be honest, the idea of making your own art business from scratch can feel very intimidating, even if you’ve always dreamt of it! It can be so tempting to not even try. But at the end of the day, taking the necessary steps even when you’re afraid is so worth it.
“I’ve taken every course out there… This is the only course that anybody really needs, honestly. If you want to have a successful business, this is the one.” -Debby Lightman
Now, I don’t share this to toot my own horn, but to encourage anyone who could benefit from my online course. Whether you went to art school and don’t know how to manage the business side of things, or you’re stepping out on your own with no experience, learning how to create and enact an art business plan that works for you could change your life.
I wouldn’t be hosting this course if I didn’t truly believe it worked. I’ve seen it change so many lives, and I want to offer that knowledge and support to you. Don’t buy into the myth of the starving artist! If you’re a talented artist and you need help building or scaling a business, I will be right here to walk alongside you and help you change your own life.
The ultimate key to running a successful art business is learning from creative entrepreneurs who have already achieved your goals. An easy next step to this is listening to the Art + Audience Podcast, where I talk with successful people in the art world about how they found their footing in the art industry.
If you’re more of a reader, check out my blog post breaking down some of my podcast guests’ best advice on how to build your own successful art career.
Your dreams are within reach! Take my hand, and let’s navigate this wild world of art together.
