How to make a living as an artist

This conversation between Laura Horn and Leana Fisher on "how to turn your #artpractice into a business" arrived just on time.

My highlights on this podcast are several, but you should listening to the entire conversation because is full of good tips for every art business beginner. Anyway, you will also have to check if I'm not missing anything. And, please do not forget to comment. Is always good to ear from you.

"Success comes when you are grounded in your purpose. Hard work and luck will always be an essential part of this, but building an artistic career comes from a place of truth and trust. " - Leana Fisher

1. Be in love with your artwork. Do what you enjoy, following your natural path without being so concern about what others are doing. You will know that you are there when you feel well and comfortable with everything again, in your little #artworld.

2. Practice, practice, practice. At some point, it is just that. Repeat your design/ drawing/ painting until you feel good with it. Be a healthy perfectionist, not a maniac.

3. Learn with practice, but also observe others, attending classes, checking on books/ expos/ visual media.

4. You are not your social media. Don`t let it take over you. Set some boundaries.

5. Choose wisely the social networks where you will be present*: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Youtube channel, Linkedin, etc. As it goes, adapt and reorganize.

6. Establish some (crazy) goals for your business and your artistic career. (Example given: "I would like to generate enough passive income to pay my bills.")

7. Create collections (example given birds and flowers on #100dayproject). When you create a best-selling product 🤞 (example given: a calendar), make a yearly/season launch.

8. Diversify. Do not rely on only one source of income. Try to find the right ones for you. (It's different for everyone. Examples given: Esty, website shop, royalties, print on demand, teaching/ workshops, gallery shows/ craft markets, selling originals, painting on request, etc.). As it goes, adapt and reorganize.

9. Invest in your brand website. Be prepare for a hard beginning, (" to be listening to the crickets"*) but in long term it will be an asset.

10. Take good care of your subscribers/ followers/ costumers/ friends. Nurture them with some free wallpapers, positive quotes, discounts, etc. Ask for feedback.

11. Open your studio to visitors, virtually or locally if you can.

12. Participate in local community art & crafts events, travelling a bit around.

13. Take good care of yourself. Establish a working schedule, eat healthily, do exercise, stop when you feel tired, rest. Understand how you work better: stablishing a schedule for each task - packing day, painting hours, workshop month, etc. As it goes, adapt and reorganize.

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. This podcast conversation between @laurahornart and @mayweflydesign appeared at the right time. Check it out here.

Be patient. Be positive. Do your best. Have fun!*

*my comment 😁. Waiting for yours.