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. ​


Nevertheless, 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 for a fast progress was my clear understanding for my need to learn 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 rounds organised by NAVA or your local arts council.

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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   001

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 and become known for.

Being Business Savvy   002

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.

Your local arts council usually organises art business related events. NAVA offers frequent art related seminars all over Australia.

Networking Support   003

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. 

First meet your local arts council development officer and discuss in what way your local arts council can help. 

It's All About Evolving and Learning   004

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