Six Key Step to Take Your Art Hobby to an Art Business
Transitioning from a hobbyist to a professional artist can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. While it requires dedication, perseverance, and planning, with the right mindset it's absolutely achievable. In this blog post, I'll share tips that I found to be critical in making the shift from a hobby to a business.
1. Define your WHY: If you don’t dig deep and figure this out, when times get tough you will most likely quit. Your why needs to be strong enough to dominate when you are uncomfortable, scared, or tired, and start to question yourself.
Book Suggestion: Find Your Why by Simon Sinek
2. Make a Decision: This means go all in, or don’t go at all. Keep your art practice as a hobby if it won’t be a priority. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, there is a whole lot that is good about it. You get the mental and physical benefits of a creative hobby without the stress of running a business. But, there is so much more out there if you want it and are willing to do the work.
Book suggestion: Put Your Ass (where your heart wants to be) by Steven Pressfield
3. Invest in Yourself: So much can be done without spending a penny. If you have a budget for this, awesome! You will be able to do more faster. Here’s a few suggestions: read self -development books, art books, visit art museums and exhibitions, take free workshops, listen to podcasts by accomplished artists, eliminate negative influences, spend at least 10 minutes outside every day.
Book suggestion: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
4. Make a contract with yourself: If you are the type of person that wouldn’t let a friend down if you committed to something, then commit to yourself that you will NEVER let yourself down by quitting. You WILL have times that you question what the hell was I thinking, but remember that you promised yourself that you would always be there for you.
Book suggestion: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
5. Be Persistent and Resilient: Building an art business takes time, persistence, patience, and resilience. If you don’t hear back, follow up. Most of the time it has nothing to do with you or your art, they are just busy or forgetful. Rejection isn’t always bad. Twice I have applied to a juried show and had pieces rejected, then within a week of the rejection the art sold. Rejection doesn’t always mean NO, sometimes it just means not now. Develop the mindset that every rejection, bad painting, etc. is just another step in the direction of success!
6. Network and Collaborate: Networking is essential for building relationships within the art community and expanding your opportunities. Attend art events, exhibitions, and network gatherings to connect with fellow artists, collectors, art professionals, etc. Collaborate with other artists on paintings, exhibitions, community outreach or anything you can dream up to gain exposure and broaden your reach. I’ve found that participating in pop up Art Markets is a great way to broaden your reach. Yes, it is a lot of work and sometimes very uncomfortable (hot, windy, cold, etc.) but it is very effective.
Remember, each journey is unique, and it's important to find what works best for you while staying true to your artistic vision and passion. With dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you can turn your dreams of becoming a professional artist into reality. Embrace the journey, trust in your talent, and keep creating art that speaks to your soul and resonates with others. The world is waiting to experience the magic of your creativity.