Moving From A Weekend Hobby To Career In The Arts

Building a career as an artist takes hard work. Because the field attracts so many talented people, jobs in this field remain competitive. If you major in an art program at the university level, the focus is not on business, but in studio art, graphic design or humanities. So it's wonderful that you learn about how to perfect your skills in art ? you need these skills. And, if you want to work for someone else, this education may be all you need to succeed. But many artists and creative professionals wish to sell their work independently from home. There maybe a looming gap in the education you receive in art class and I believe it is about basic business.

I've heard people say that you're a sell-out if you are distracted by tasks unrelated to creating your art. That may be true, but if you want to create your art, and put food on your table you will quickly understand that beautiful art does not sell itself. Turning your hobby into a career takes effort. Being a paid professional means you must understand and apply basic business practices.

While I won't bore you with a crash course on business, I recommend that you grab some paper and start by jotting down some general things you may wish to consider, as they relate to your creative arts business.

Business Strategy & Objectives ? In this category, let's focus on your overall goals. When you're listing your goals, be very specific. Don't just say I want to sell my art, instead provide the details. Describe your art/product. Will you try and exhibit your work, or sell it from your private studio? Do you want to sell it - locally, regionally, or internationally? Will you focus only on one medium or will you diversify? Can you exhibit your art at a gallery, or is it commissioned public art for everyone to enjoy? What are some obstacles you face in producing or exhibiting your work? Make the plan work for your situation and be flexible. You'll find as you take action on your plan, things may change. Be open to that.

Sales & Marketing ? Who does your artwork appeal to? Describe your perfect client. What do they read? Where do they go in their spare time? How can you get your art in front of them? At the very least you will need an artist's bio, resume and portfolio of your work. What other materials do you need to support your artwork ? a website, print advertisements? Add a creative spark to your marketing materials to make it unique and memorable.

Promotion & Public Relations ? This is a gold mine for an artist. If you don't have the budget for paid advertising, you can volunteer your time, teach classes, give seminars or speeches, and promote yourself and your work in other, more subtle ways. The goal here is to get your name out in front of as many people as possible. When they see you, they think ART. Produce press releases on your work, classes, seminars and exhibit schedules. Make sure you have business cards printed and give them out frequently.

Finance & Accounting ? While this is often one of the hardest parts of writing a business plan, it needn't be too complicated right now. Price your artwork to reflect your time, materials, any overhead and your profit. Determine your current budget. What are your financial targets? How much of your profits will you reinvest in your materials and supplies? How do you plan to keep track of the money you make? Writing down your basic financial goals will make it clear what you need to do to achieve them.

Production & Operation ? How much of your art can you reasonably produce and where do you make it? Can you hire someone to help with repetitive tasks? I'm not suggesting that you crank out art in the way a candy company produces bubble-gum. Instead, focus on creating high-quality art, using the best materials you can afford to use ? and by all means make sure that is reflected in your final price.

I know that thinking about your art as a product takes all the romance away. But it is rather essential to do if you want to become a creative professional. You are your own company, you produce a product that is full of your creative spark, your imagination, and your ideas. Marketing your art product simply becomes the effort it takes to let people see and gain an understanding of your work. Make an impact with your gifts!

This article, courtesy of http://www.centerofcreativity.com. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.

About The Author

Lise Richards is an Artistic Lifestylist, and Owner of the Creativity Center, Inc., a creative arts education center and gallery. Her Aspiring Artist Program helps people develop their art and market it to a diverse audience. Visit the Creativity Center online at www.centerofcreativity.com; director@centerofcreativity.com

---

Are You Bored By What You Do?

Is your working life in the doldrums? Do you feel... Read More

Bullseye Interviewing

An interview is much like a blind date. You have... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Assessing Personal Value

A week out of work is a vacation. You can... Read More

Q & A How to Find a Great Search Firm

Q & AQ: Are people sometimes cautious of 'headhunters'?A. Yes.... Read More

Salary, Raises, & Perks: Negotiate to Get Paid What Youre Worth!

Salary negotiation requires preparation and good timing. It's important to... Read More

What Not To Include In Your Resume

Do you have a difficult time determining what does not... Read More

The Secrets to Interview Success

Many well qualified and extremely able candidates fail at job... Read More

Career Education Options For Working Adults

Ask yourself this question: "Do I like what I do... Read More

The Five Most Common - And Most Avoidable - Résumé Errors

Writing an effective résumé can certainly be challenging. There are... Read More

Working From Home - Could You Cope?

It is a well-known fact that more and more people... Read More

Hair Dressing as a Career

Since the world started hair has been a very important... Read More

Six Factors That Can Cost You the Interview/Job

Most job seekers know that an unprofessional appearance will count... Read More

When Your Job Goes Away: Seven Tips

Q. "What do I do after a job goes away?"A.... Read More

Why Culinary Education

If you are thinking about a career in culinary arts... Read More

Advantages of Mobile Oil Changes; A Potential Small Business for You?

Mobile oil change and mobile lubes are great for fleet... Read More

Certification for Freelancers and Home-Based Business Owners

When we think of technical certification, most of us think... Read More

Business Dress for Women: Making Impact

Buying a suit can be an important investment when you... Read More

Create A Rappin? Resume

(Percussion sounds emanating from who knows where while you listen... Read More

Searching for an Executive Job

A job search for executives is far less complicated today... Read More

Travel Light to Work

As a frequent traveler, my goal for each trip is... Read More

Take This Job and...Re-staff It

Deciding to leave a job isn't easy. In fact, quitting... Read More

Tips for Getting Your Movie Career Launched

Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to... Read More

Im just me - An Overview of an Web er.. Designer, Developer, Consultant and Friend

I am going to give you a breakdown of my... Read More

Interview Questions: How To Stump The Interviewer

In the limited time an interviewer has with you, their... Read More

Successful Job Interview Tips

Congratulations! You've finally landed that job interview you've been waiting... Read More

The Springtime of Your Career

Rick Jarow, author of Creating the Work You Love, introduced... Read More

10 Tips For Writing A Professional Résumé

1. Start with an attractive layout. Use bold and italics... Read More

10 Warning Signs That You?re Ready for a Career Transition

1. You dread getting out of bed and going to... Read More

Career Advice: Are Resumes Obsolete As A Primary Job Search Tool?

In a day of background checks, pre-employment drug screening and... Read More

Leaders Meet Challenge Heads-UP With Confidence --

Maybe "buck" is better referred to as the Boss' Challenge.... Read More

The Changing Values Landscape of the U.S. and How It Impacts Midlife Job Searchers

Imagine a huge river that has been flowing for centuries:... Read More

Work In Dubai

Dubai is home to an exciting, diverse, multi-cultural blend of... Read More

How to Become a Successful Freelance Translator

After completing their translation training programmes at higher professional education... Read More