Martina's Art Business Tips

Your voice is your art, so it's time getting the word out!

Any artist aspiring to live off their skills could certainly use some art business tips to help them make a success of their art business. No doubt you've already figured our that being an artist is far from a secure and steady career path. The reality is that the arts industry suffers from an over supply of artists for the number of jobs available. Few full time positions exist in the arts and artists who wish to pursue their passion and avoid poverty, often end up having to supplement their income through other means of employment.

Never the less, it is possible to create a rewarding career in the arts. Artists need negotiation, client liaison, business and administrative and promotional skills. To create artwork is not enough. You will also need to be aware of your rights and responsibilities both legally and contractually. But if this all sounds a bit daunting, don't be discouraged. When I started out, I knew absolutely nothing about business, let alone negotiation skills. I am almost amazed at how easy it was to grow into a successful arts career. I believe the main reason was my interest in learning business skills, despite that I had an an utter distaste for business at first. 

Start by connecting with peers, your local arts development officer, business discussion round organised by NAVA or your local arts council.

Martina Pook

Before Starting an Art Business

Earn From Your Drawings

Where To Market Art These Days?

Tips for Instagram Success

Australian Copyright

The Power of Pinterest

Business Planning for Artists

Creative Content Writing

How To Price Your Artwork?

Networking for Artists

Organise an Art Business

Why We Need Creativity?

The Key to Art Business Success
By Martina Pook

As an artist, your business is likely somewhat different from those run by other professional entrepreneurs; and the key difference is probably that your business is also your passion. And that’s what makes offering art business assistance just a bit more challenging!  However, here are some guidelines for anyone that wishes to meet with success in his or her art business:

Art Meets Niche
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Indulging in generic drawings and paintings is a great business for artists; however, true success can only come when you specialize in a particular niche. That’s because art is such a huge ocean, that building a business model based on ‘it all’ will leave you spending a lot of time on things that you might not be so good at! 

Since this site is all about art business support, I believe that finding and supporting a specific niche such as portraits, sketches, landscape paintings, canvas paintings etc., will help you focus on a narrow line of business which you can concentrate all of your energies on.

Being Business Savvy
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One of the best art business tips that anyone can give you is to become financially savvy. What does that mean? Well, you don’t need to turn to a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or a Chartered Financial Accountant (CFA) for art business help. However, you should understand the basic principles of how you can turn your passion into a successful money-making operation.

Join discussions rounds or art business seminars or training. Even if you feel reluctant to spend time on such uninspiring matters, you will not regret it, as every bit of knowledge brings more freedom and competency.

I am offering both one on one sessions as well as Art Business Seminars, check here. NAVA also offers frequent art related seminars all over Australia.

Networking Support
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Networking support: As your business grows and thrives, you will likely continue to look for art business support throughout the life of your business. The one sure way to ensure that you learn from, and emulate other successful artists, is by working to build and maintain a network of artists whom you admire or are inspired by.

Other successful artists in your niche may have already encountered, and successfully dealt with, challenges that you are likely to face in the future. Turning to such individuals and groups within your network, for art business assistance, will save you a lot of time and trouble in addressing those similar challenges.

It's All About Evolving and Learning
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No single person, group or website can provide you all the art business tips you’ll ever need. However, as you run your own business, you’ll start learning a lot from real-life experience. Success in business for artists comes from learning from experiences, and adapting business models to include those lessons learned.

Don't ever believe that time spend on business skills is wasted. The more and the faster you learn such skills, the earlier you are likely to get out of a job you don't like to make a living.

I hope you will be inspired by the various business article you will find here on my Website.

Martina Pook