Tag: art business growth

Being an artist is already very hard. Between painting, managing your studio, and trying to get your work seen, it often feels like you are juggling too many balls at once. What if I told you there’s a simple formula that makes it easier to get your work done, handle the behind-the-scenes tasks, and actually see results? The 60/30/10 rule does exactly that. It’s a surprisingly small adjustment with a big payoff, helping you balance creative time, admin tasks, and marketing without feeling like you’re drowning in to-dos. Here’s why it…

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…

Scarcity has always held power. The fewer there are of something, the more people seem to want it. That same principle that drives rare sneakers or collectible coins also applies to art. Limited editions create a sense of urgency and value that open editions rarely can. But behind that allure lies a real balancing act ,  one that requires an artist to think like both a creator and a strategist. A limited edition isn’t just about cutting the number of prints. It’s a signal. It tells collectors that what they’re buying…

You’ve just opened your inbox to find that message every artist secretly hopes for. A brand wants to collaborate. Maybe it’s a local clothing label that loves your paintings, or a lifestyle company that wants your designs on their next campaign. Your heart skips a beat, your mind races ahead to all the visibility, the validation, maybe even the paycheck. But somewhere between the excitement and the reply button, a quiet question starts to creep in ,  what exactly am I agreeing to? For most artists, brand collaborations sound like the…

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…

Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about earning money without constantly painting, drawing, or hustling exhibitions? You know, that fantasy where someone buys your art while you sip coffee in your PJs? Well, that dream isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. Thanks to the digital age, artists like you can actually turn their skills into passive income, and yes, that includes selling digital downloads and tutorials. Here’s the thing: passive doesn’t mean zero work. You still have to put in the time upfront to create something valuable, a digital print, a…

Have you ever noticed how you can look at a piece of art, like it, and then suddenly love it once you hear the story behind it? It’s a bit like seeing a necklace in a shop window that looks nice, then finding out it was handmade by someone’s grandmother ,  suddenly the emotions hit harder. That simple backstory shifts the way you see it, and it’s no longer just an object, it’s a memory, a piece of someone’s life, and it feels more valuable instantly. That’s exactly what happens with…

Imagine scrolling through an art website or Instagram feed late at night. You pause when a striking painting catches your eye, but you realize you have never heard of the artist before. The colours might pull you in, the style might intrigue you, but do you instantly feel ready to buy or reach out for a collaboration? Chances are, the answer is no. Curiosity without trust often fades as quickly as it appears. For most people, the leap from interest to action requires reassurance, and that reassurance is rooted in trust.…

Every artist dreams of having a single, perfect portfolio that impresses everyone. But here’s the catch: what speaks to a gallery curator doesn’t always connect with a private collector, and what wins over a client commissioning work might bore someone browsing for investment. Each audience views your portfolio through a different lens, and pretending that one version works everywhere is like wearing hiking boots to a black-tie event. Practical, yes, but not the impression you want to leave. Consider this: a gallery seeks depth, consistency, and a clear trajectory in your…

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…