Tag: art business

You know that feeling when you split a bill with friends and somehow end up paying way more than what you ordered? That’s how a lot of artists feel when they first see a gallery’s commission rate. Fifty percent ,  sometimes more ,  can sound like daylight robbery when you’re the one who spent months creating the work. But that number isn’t random, and understanding where it comes from changes everything about how you approach it. Gallery commissions are less about greed and more about systems. Rent, staff, marketing, shipping, openings…

You can’t fix what you don’t measure. It’s one of those unglamorous truths of being a working artist ,  the creative part might keep you inspired, but the numbers keep you afloat. Every sketch, sale, or submission eventually ties back to how you manage what comes in and what goes out. Yet most artists push this side of their practice to the very end of the to-do list, right next to updating their portfolio and replying to overdue emails. An annual audit isn’t just a finance exercise, it’s a form of…

Ever heard the saying “Your art speaks for itself”? It sounds nice, but anyone who’s tried to get their work seen knows that words matter too. The way you describe your process, the stories you tell, even the short lines on your website, they all help people understand what they’re looking at. Writing quietly shapes how your art moves through the world, whether you notice it or not. Most artists treat writing like a chore at first, something you do because the application asks for it. But after a while, it…

Most artists are told to focus on the work, not the numbers. But at some point, you realize your art isn’t just a practice ,  it’s a business that needs fuel. You start wondering how other artists manage to plan their income, handle slow months, or decide what to charge. That’s where a financial model comes in. Not in the corporate, Excel-heavy sense, but as a personal roadmap that helps you see where your time, effort, and money actually go. The idea of “financial modeling” can sound intimidating, like something meant…

If you’ve ever wondered why some artists’ prices seem to rise steadily while others stay flat, it usually comes down to one unglamorous but powerful thing: consistency. Not just in how often they create, but in how they show up, communicate, and build trust with their audience. Consistency doesn’t make headlines, but it’s the backbone of every sustainable art career. Collectors, curators, and even followers learn what to expect from consistent artists. Their work carries a rhythm, a visual or emotional through-line that says, you can rely on me to show…

You’ve got a portfolio that looks amazing, every piece tells a story, every image has personality, but here’s the thing: views alone won’t pay the bills. Scrolling through your work, seeing a few likes or hearts, maybe even getting the occasional compliment, feels good, but if those clicks aren’t turning into commissions, sales, or meaningful opportunities, all that time, energy, and heart you poured into creating those pieces is just… hanging out online. And let’s be honest, seeing a stunning piece of yours admired but not purchased can feel frustrating. Monetizing…

When you hear the phrase “artist bio,” it might sound like one of those formal, box-checking tasks that galleries or websites make you submit. But in reality, your bio is often the very first doorway through which people encounter your art. Before someone dives into your portfolio or takes the time to stand in front of your work, they usually glance at the words you’ve written about yourself. This small paragraph can either intrigue them or make them scroll past. That is why treating it as an afterthought sells your work…

1. The Evolution of Your Practice Is Your Greatest Asset Your latest work isn’t just a collection of new ideas. It’s proof of your growth, your changing perspective, and your evolving skills. Every brushstroke, photograph, or sculpture carries the weight of everything you’ve learned since your last portfolio update. Think about it ,  the work you’re making now is likely more refined, more intentional, and more aligned with your current artistic voice. Curators, galleries, and collectors are always asking, “What are you doing now?” They don’t want to invest in yesterday’s…

When you think about gallery representation, it often feels like a far-off dream: openings, collectors, exhibitions, but how do you get there? The secret is a portfolio that functions as more than images, it’s your ambassador, your visual resume, and your invitation. Artists across the community share that representation often hinges on what they present before they walk into a gallery. A truly thoughtful portfolio signals clarity, reliability, and readiness. It shows you can think beyond creating work, you can present it professionally and strategically. This article translates first-hand artist experiences…

Your Portfolio Isn’t Just for One Kind of Viewer Your art portfolio is more than a digital flipbook of pretty things. It’s your handshake, your voice, your invitation into a world only you can build. But here’s the curveball, every person who stumbles across your work sees it with different eyes. A gallery owner might zero in on technique, a buyer might search for connection, and a fellow artist might look for experimentation. How do you cater to all these minds without losing your own artistic soul? That’s the tricky part.…