As I enroll artists in my new 8-week course, “Making Art/Making Money,” they must complete an application and then complete a phone interview.
Why do I do this? Because there are certain characteristics that I’m listening for that indicate they could become successful and then there are red flags.
And there are some artists that I just can’t help and I don’t even care to try. Who? Artists who:
· think that if they just continue to hone their craft someday they will be discovered
· will not take complete responsibility for their success
· who are unprofessional and are cavalier about keeping commitments, budgets, schedules, or their word
· think they have to develop their career when they actually have to grow their small business
· have a scarcity mentality
· think that selling art is selling out but they can’t actually define what selling out means
· blame others for their failures and who are unwilling to examine them and to learn from them
· who can’t focus or who tell themselves they can’t focus even though every talented artist is capable of extraordinary focus
I just met a young filmmaker who proudly announced the release of his new film. I asked him who his target market was. “Everyone.”
Everyone? I replied. That’s not a target market.
A target is the red bull’s-eye in the middle of a target. If you try to reach everyone then that’s like trying to hit the entire target all at once. You’ll hit nothing.
He turned that remark to, I don’t really care about making money.
Really? I didn’t believe that for a second. Nothing inspires every artist that I know than making money from art that they are proud of.
Then he followed with his opinion that, George Lucas is just a businessman and he has forgotten how to make films.
Interesting, I thought. Do you really think that he has forgotten how to make films?
It’s this senseless and unproductive debate that I refuse to engage in.
If you don’t care about making money with your art, cool. Make art for yourself. It’s still a worthy pursuit.
But if you really do care about making money with your art, just admit it.
Then admit what you know and what you still need to learn about the business of selling art that you are proud of making.
Did you enjoy this article?
Wonderful Ann! Just what I needed. Thank you.x
You’re very welcome!
I am so glad I just came across this forum. Bless you for doing this free! I feel that I am pretty much on the track that you have so clearly outlined. I will be reading any and all things you have written to help the dedicated, compelled, struggling, sometimes miss led artist looking for good guidance. I’ve gone through different stages through this learning and growing process. It can be a emotional roller coaster at times. It is the questioning of myself that is the biggest obstacle. I have been pursuing this love and passion that I put aside years ago to raised my 5 children seriously for about 4 years. I have no regrets because it is who I am and strongly is the fuel to why and what I create. My children and family will always be my most valued masterpieces. On this new adventure I’ve taken up Photoshop, Illustrator, Photography, Computer skills, live artistry, working with galleries, co-op, a little merchandising, call for entries, and online networking. All this I did pretty much self taught by going online for help. I have a BA in fine art and graphic design but that was many years ago so I really feel like I am starting all over. That’s OK as long as I feel like I am on the right track at the age of 52. Thanks sweet Anna Rea for your straight talk.
You’re welcome Peggy!
Thank you, Ann Rea. You have shown a light on what I value and want to share with like like-minded individuals through my work. But if I’m the only one who gets it, that’s o.k. Too. This gives me a palpable sense of freedom. Now I just have to get to work (after a long illness). Thanks again, I’d like to follow you in your news letters!
Thank you Danny!
You’re authentically a very generous professional. That’s mirrored in all your newsletters. I have enjoyed receiving them. I’ve stored all that have come my way and re-read them sometimes. I hope good Karma is
returned back to you for all the good you do in motivating artists, giving direction to artists, and being a true fan of the visual artist gifted or not.
Bravo Ann.
This looks like such a great course! As and artist, I think that all art colleges should include business courses along with studio classes! Because they don’t we need people like you to help us learn the craft of business. X Jane
https://janeheinrichs.blogspot.com