"Art, INC.", by Lisa Congdon

In this book, Lisa Congdon shows us the essentials of building a career as an Artist. A must read!

Art Inc.

Chapter one:

Start with this simplest proclamation: "I am an artist." Repeat.

Before starting your business, embrace your identity and believe that you can thrive as an art professional.

Tackle your doubts, be careful with the most common myths like "you will starve as an artist," "you are not good enough," "you do not have the "right" materials, tools or moment," or "You are not prepared to start." And my favourite "You must find a real job"*.

Pay attention to the negative messages, write them down and "correct" the wrong believes. Example: go from "Good art sells itself " to "I proudly and actively share my art with the world, helping me making a living." There are several other examples in the book.

Find your voice

It will take some time and will progress through time. Start by working on what you feel safe and comfortable with: a method, a technique, or a theme. After this, take risks, make mistakes and keep going. Trust your instinct, follow your path, and practice, practice, practice. Hard work will have a significant role. As chance.

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.", Pablo Picasso

Find inspiration

Keep a sketchbook. Do not worry if it is a messy one. Have it with you every day: to draw or brainstorm ideas. Check on what others are doing but do not compare yourself with them.

Check on books and magazines, talk and share experiences, take a walk around your room, home, neighbourhood, city, country, etc.

Organize time and space. Keep to it.

Make time to work. Schedule some time in your timetable. Mean it, blocking out chunks of time in your calendar to make art. Little by little, over time, it adds up.

Find an art space to dedicate to your creative process: the kitchen table or a tiny corner of a room. Keep everything at hand and ready to work.

Promote your work

The Internet offers almost unlimited potential. Explore Etsy and Big Cartel. Choose wisely the social networks where you will be present*: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Youtube channel, Linkedin, etc. As it goes, adapt and reorganize.

Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, mentors, and clients.

There is no need to explain the importance of the last point. Be selective.*

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Chapter two:

Understand how to run a small art business and its basics: goals, brand, different incomes streams, and financial system.

Start small

A wise option would be to start while you're still on your daily, secure and reliable job. This will be the demanding but secure option. You will only have the end of the day/weekends to art work, but still be counting on a secure pay check at the end of the month. That also means that you must be selective and start with one or two streams at a time. See how it goes, and then add another one. A bit of trial and error will be marking the path. It's normal.

Determine the path your art business will take.

Write it down and draw it as a mind map. Do not forget to add the "crazy" dreams. It will be fun to check on it as you go.*

Keep your "map" near you on your sketchbook, work table, or wall. After this, establish a plan for each goal. Check on the book how to do it.

Brand your business

Design your website following your artwork, your color scheme, style and expression. Develop a logo and a business card following the same design. Ask for help if you need it (graphic designer). Interacting with your customers/clients/followers/friends is also part of your brand.

Explore different income streams

Living from one income stream is unusual. More common is to diversify.

Bet on passive income as on active income like selling originals/prints; Illustration or drawing painting on demand; licensing, etc.

Follow your heart, instinct, inner voice. Decide what is best for you, your personality, experience, available time, budget, etc. There is no magic method that will work for everyone. As you go, adapt: change your strategy, or keep it going. Only you will know the ones that will better fit you.

Financial system

This is a business and not a hobby, so you must have a dedicated checking account for your business, even if you are operating under your name.

Do not mix your private finances with your business, turning both complicated and confusing. Please keep all your business incomes and expenses in one place only.

Get sure of the licenses or permits needed, depending on where you are doing business. Also, check on taxes that you (or your customers) pay on whatever you are selling. Ask for some help on this (accountant).

Later on, as you establish yourself as self-employed, be aware of your health insurance needs, social security contributions, retirement options, etc.

Copyright your artwork

Publish your artwork on the Internet provides you some exposure and publicity, but people can easily copy and reproduce your work without permission. Check how the copyright laws apply to your business country. Ask for some help on this (government site or a lawyer).

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To know more, buy the book. - it's worth his price.

Have you read this book? What points would you highlight? Feel welcome top share with us your opinion.

*my comments 😁. Waiting for yours.