Avoid This Costly Mistake: Insights from Mable Tan’s Art Business Journey

An unexpected tax bill could have shattered Mable Tan’s art career—here’s how she turned a financial disaster into a lesson for all creatives.

Hey, art fam! In this episode of the Art + Audience podcast, Stacie sits down with Mable Tan, a Melbourne-based surface designer with an incredible journey marked by bold decisions, unexpected setbacks, and triumphant comebacks. Let’s break down Mable’s inspiring story and the wisdom she shares for every artist-turned-entrepreneur.

Mable Tan’s Journey: From Photos To Patterns

Mable Tan’s path to surface design was anything but conventional. Originally from Malaysia, Mable moved to Australia nearly two decades ago. With a background in writing and a passion for photography, she started by selling travel-inspired photo prints on Etsy, encouraged by her husband during their globe-trotting days.

Success found her, but life shifted with the arrival of her son. Closing her Etsy shop for eight months proved a costly move; the platform’s algorithm stopped sending traffic her way, leading to a drastic decline in sales when she returned. This setback pushed Mable to pivot toward a new venture: surface design. Self-taught and motivated by a love for fabric and paper, Mable immersed herself in learning and soon built a thriving business in art licensing.

The Tax Lesson That Changed Everything

One of Mable’s most profound learning experiences came when she achieved her dream of collaborating with major retailers across Australia, producing a full line of products from bed sheets to water bottles. The euphoria of success, however, was soon overshadowed by a harsh financial reality: an unexpected $80,000 tax bill.

The problem? An accountant who underestimated her business. During lockdown, Mable hastily selected an accountant nearby without thorough vetting. “He didn’t take my business seriously,” Mable recounted, a mistake that led to devastating consequences. But instead of succumbing to defeat, Mable took action: she fired the accountant, carefully researched reviews, and found a trustworthy firm that genuinely cared about her business. This new partnership helped her regain financial stability and understand the importance of proactive money management.

Actionable Advice For Artists

Mable and Stacie offer valuable takeaways for artists looking to avoid their missteps:

• Vet Your Accountant Thoroughly: Meet with multiple professionals, read reviews, and ensure they understand your unique business model.
• Separate Business and Personal Finances: Mable stressed the importance of using a dedicated business account for expenses to simplify bookkeeping.
• Start Early: Even if your income is small, it’s never too soon to track your finances meticulously. Stacie recommends using simple spreadsheets in the beginning and dedicating regular time to categorize income and expenses.

Laying A Strong Foundation

Both Mable and Stacie emphasized that treating your art as a business from day one can set you on a path to sustainability. Whether it’s scheduling time for accounting or carving out moments for art-making, consistency is key. As Mable wisely noted, “Lay the foundations properly at the start, and tell yourself you’re serious about your business. It attracts more opportunities.”

Final Thoughts

Mable Tan’s journey is a testament to the resilience required in the art world. From pivoting careers to weathering financial storms, she proves that with determination, a willingness to learn, and the right team, you can build a business that thrives—and one that learns from every misstep.