Tips For Making A Success In The Entrepreneurial Arts Field

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By Pamela Hughes


If you are a talented artist, who wants to make a living painting, sculpting, or in some other genre, you have to approach it as a business enterprise. Van Gogh's work sells for millions today, but during his lifetime he only sold one painting. If you don't want this to happen to you, you have to make plans. You can't expect art lovers to find you. Making a success in the entrepreneurial arts field means blowing your own horn.

Whether you are a full time artist, or are still working at your day job, you must set a schedule and take the time to create almost every day. There is a reason most employers don't let their employees come into the office whenever the mood strikes them. You might not always feel like sketching or painting, but you have to approach the creative process like it's your job.

Setting up a master price list is very important. Even people who love the work you produce want to know how much you charge. Having a master list should give them all the information, including shipping and taxes, they need to make an informed buying decision. You need to make it available on your website, pass protected, for your most serious clients.

When it comes to pricing, you have to be realistic. You don't want to price yourself right out of the market, but you also don't want to be so insecure that you think you have to give your work away before anyone will be interested. It's just a matter of going online to do the research and find out what similar artists are charging.

Sales are business transactions. A contract must accompany every sale you make. You will find sample artwork sales contracts online you can download and use, but it is best to spend a little money and have a lawyer familiar with contracts write one specific to you. It must contain language regarding reproduction and exhibition rights.

You must market and advertise your business. If you want to sell work, people have to know about it. You should create an interactive website that reflects who you are as an artist. You could get some local publicity by hanging your work on the walls of local restaurants and hotels. Art in the park shows, local galleries, and art centers are good places to start showing your best work.

Be sure to pay your taxes. You are going to need an accountant. As an entrepreneur, no one is taking taxes out of the money you earn. You need to do this yourself by reporting quarterly earnings. Even if you operate at a loss, you still need to file a tax return. Keeping detailed records is essential.

If art is your passion, you can make a living doing it. You must be realistic and practical to make it work however. You don't want to want to be dead, like Van Gogh, before the world realizes what an artistic genius you were.




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