As artists, we have ideas running through our minds. We express our ideas through different mediums. Some choose oil paint, watercolor, ink, found objects, cold wax, clay, wood, etc. Each material has unique properties that artists are drawn to execute the thoughts and experiences they seek to put into the world.
When you have all of these ideas what is the thing that you need most in order to start turning them into a reality? Time. Time is the number one commodity for artists. Time is precious and with time you are able to create without feeling rushed or pressured. Having time to just think, being in your studio, and play is necessary.
Many artists struggle to find time due to the constraints of having a full-time job, caring for family members, and other responsibilities. This is completely understandable and finding and making time is key to continue to grow your practice. If you have constraints on you at the moment the best thing you can do is find areas of your life where you can get some more time back. Cut out anything that may be wasting your time. Swap out binge-watching your favorite series and make some art instead. Only you know where and what can be removed from your life to give you more of that precious commodity.
Let's talk more in-depth about other ways to gain access to more time that is not talked about within the art industry. Most artists who start to sell realize quickly that by selling their artwork they now have funds to buy more art supplies. Amazing right?! It allows you to continue doing what you love, making art. When this starts to happen the artist is primarily breaking even and are ok with that.
As time progresses the artist will soon realize this isn't enough. Breaking even is ok but that is it, it is just ok. There is no growth happening and feelings of frustration will start to come in and you may scramble to figure out what you can do to earn more.
Ok, so let's get back to the #1 commodity for artists, time. Artists want to sell to break even but also earn some profit to put into their next piece of work. Over time the artist will raise their prices and hopefully keep selling which now will give them more profits. More profit means a bigger studio space (or your first one), creating a website, hiring an assistant, etc. The artist is now building a business.
What does the profit buy the artist? Profit buys freedom. Freedom provides time. As I talk about above, time is the most valuable commodity for artists.
Now that you know all of this why then would you guess how to run your artistic business?
Why would you randomly assign some numbers to your artwork and hope it sells?
Why wouldn't you learn the core elements needed to grow your artistic business?
Why don't you have a business model and plan?
Sadly the main reason why is that it is not being taught. The basics that successful artists are doing are not shared within the industry. It is starting to happen here and there and I have taken courses from New York and California galleries to see what magic formula they have to share. Guess what? There is no magic pill that will make it any easier. With anything it takes time and the willpower to keep going, keep learning, and keep investing in yourself.
Ready to do those things? I got ya covered. I created the online course, Building Blocks for Running Your Creative Business. The five courses outline what is needed from you to start or grow your artistic business. Each course has valuable insight to guide you toward success.
Enroll today and start working towards the best commodity for you, time!