Helpful Art Business Facts For Every Professional Artist

Some of the most valuable allies you can use in your art career are the simple and straightforward facts that stand the test of time. However they often are the ones we forget so easily. Here are some helpful art business facts for every professional artist. They will serve you well throughout your art career. It’s never too late to integrate or focus on these empowering principles for improving your art business practice.

Don’t Expect Art to Sell Itself

Occasionally someone will fall in love with your art and have an overwhelming desire to buy it. Most of the time, however, prospective art buyers need reassurance from you. Supply support materials for them to peruse. Provide an up-to-date résumé and biography that includes exhibitions and awards. Share positive testimonials from previous art buyers. Quote favorable excerpts from your reviews. Describe the important details of your art that emphasize the quality of your art and materials. Also, show images of your art in situ on your website so that potential buyers may visualize it on their walls.
Read How to Add Value to your Art So You Can Raise Your Prices.
Read How to Recognize Different Types of Art Buyers.
Read You’ll Sell More Art When You Define Your Art Customer Profile.

Create A Powerful Art Business Plan

Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity. You can plan for success or wait for failure — it’s up to you. Statistics prove that most businesses that don’t have a business plan are doomed. I encourage my coaching clients to prepare their business plan during the first session. It provides them with a foundation, direction and enormous self-esteem.
Read How to Create Your Art Business Plan.

Follow The “Rule of Thirds”

Generally speaking, one-third of your time is spent creating the art; one-third of your time will be spent focusing on marketing and promotion; and one-third is spent doing those pesky administrative tasks. My solution is to delegate or hire others to do what you don’t enjoy doing and/or find ways to become more efficient at accomplishing those necessary tasks in order to increase time doing what you love. Read Time-Saving Tips For Busy Artists.

Don’t Be Shy About Promoting Yourself

If you don’t make self-promotion a habit, it is likely no one else will want to do it. Replace feelings of shyness with self-worth. Share enthusiasm for your current art project, announce recent honors and awards you received, and share the news about your sales. Make these events the subjects of your social media posts, blogs and email newsletters. Practice self-promotion with dignity, sincerity and confidence. And, when you receive publicity share the good news far and wide.
Read What To Do When You Receive Publicity.

Build Positive Relationships

The most powerful tool in your career arsenal is the art of building and sustaining relationships. Every successful artist follows these basic principles: Hunt (seek out relationships); Farm (cultivate relationships) and Feed (nourish your relationships). Also, avoid burning any bridges because you never know when the young gallery intern you offended will later become a museum curator. Learn how to create your network.
Read Follow The Laws of Nature to Grow Art Career Relationships.
Read Build Your Art Career With People Power.

Get Comfortable Discussing Your Art

You should be able to answer in a brief statement, “what kind of art do you do?” without any hesitation or stumbling. When someone asks you this question, speak about your art in a succinct, compelling, enthusiastic, confident and informative manner. Write about your artwork in the same way. Avoid using language that is either simplistic and superficial or complicated and difficult to understand.
Read How to Write Your Artist’s Statement – 28 Guidelines.

Create Your Own Signature Style

Be the best artist you are capable of being. Focus on your strengths and develop those areas that make you unique. Express yourself with authenticity, stay true to your personality, spirit, character and values. Let your creative greatness shine. Avoid producing derivative art work. Ignore the destructive critical voices in your head.
Read Expressing Your Unique Vision As An Artist.

Don’t Rely on Your Art Talent Alone

This may seem unfair but it’s true. Galleries, curators, and art buyers have an enormous population of artists from which to choose. This competitive profession requires more than talent. When you demonstrative more of your attributes you’ll be in greater demand. Develop your understanding about the art business, organizational skills, art history and other areas of knowledge. And, don’t wait for people to “discover” you. In addition to striving to attain your creative goals, also focus on achieving your career and financial goals.
Read 16 Steps to Achieve Your Art Career Goals.

Use Contracts

When a gallery or agent offers to exhibit your art or represent you, they may tell you verbally what they plan to do for you. Before your emotions take over, take a deep breath and discuss the details of the relationship. Get your agreement in writing.
Read Your Relationship With Art Galleries & Agents & The Written Agreement.

You’ll need a contract when a customer or agency hires you to create a work of art – whether it’s a commissioned mural, portrait or site-specific installation. This is an essential tool in doing business as a professional artist. Missing this step may cause conflicts and grief. Also specify the payment structure in an agreement including the deposit and subsequent payments with deadlines.

Apply the 20/80 “Pareto Principle”

Your art buyers are valuable assets. Whenever you make a sale, recognize it as the beginning of a long, rewarding relationship. According to the Pareto Principle, 20 percent of your clients will bring you 80 percent of your business. Don’t ignore those 20 percent. Cater to them, focus on their needs, keep them on your radar.
Read How Smart Artists Treat Their Art Buyers.