As an artist, you’ve spent hours honing your craft, learning the latest techniques and practicing your skills to get to the level you’re at today. But there are many other skills that will also help to make you a successful artist—and no, these aren’t skills related to. . . read more
Joining an arts collective can help you advance your arts career in many ways. A collective will offer networking and collaboration opportunities, events and exhibitions, advocacy, and even shared studio space and discounts off materials. But what if there isn’t an arts collective in. . . read more
Creating art from found or recycled objects is usually called “up-cycling” because it’s less about breaking items down, and more about taking a complete item and reworking it to make it into something more beautiful or useful. The trick with up-cycled artwork is to find the. . . read more
Many artists eventually outgrow the home studio or backyard shed. Moving into a studio space enables rooms in the home to be freed up, and can provide a huge boost to the artist’s business via the studio’s marketing initiatives. A dynamic studio space filled with other practicing. . . read more
Found art (from the French objet trouvé) is a specific type of art that focuses on creating artworks from objects that aren’t normally considered art. The objects chosen are undisguised—so you can understand their pre-art form—but are often modified to create new and interesting. . . read more
Have you ever asked for constructive criticism on your art, your art blog, or your media kit only to find yourself feeling a little taken back by the harsh comments or painful truth that you received? Have you ever received unwarranted, or unwanted, negative feedback simply because you have a. . . read more
Publishing a book of how-to projects for artists and crafters definitely won’t make you rich, but it’s a great way to improve your career as an artist and build a solid brand for yourself. Plus, seeing your name on the spine of a book is pretty awesome. So how do you go about. . . read more
If you’re a good writer, selling ebooks can be a great way to earn some extra money as an artist, especially if you already have a popular blog or art/craft related website. Unlike print books, ebooks are inexpensive to make and deliver, so the profit margin is much higher. Selling is. . . read more
As an artist, getting a request for a commission and working out the details with that potential client is one of life’s biggest thrills. It’s a justification that your work is worth something, and that you’re skilled enough and professional enough to take on your own. . . read more
Let’s say one of your long-time clients has just asked about an unusual commission: he wants to have one of your drawings inked on his skin. What do you do? Tattoo commissions aren’t the most common type of art commission, but they do occur. It’s an honor as an artist to. . . read more
Taking projects on commission is a great way to earn money and increase your skills as an artist. You will often find yourself working on all kinds of different and unique projects, and will also have the opportunity to learn how to work creatively within client briefs. Commissions come in. . . read more
What's your story? Perhaps that's not a question you've heard a lot as an artist. Perhaps you think it's a silly question. Perhaps you think your story is obvious - visible in your work. . . read more
So you’ve decided that 2013 is the year you have your own art exhibition? Good for you. Now that you’re working toward this goal, the first thing you’ll need to do is find a gallery that’s willing to host it. Finding a gallery isn’t as simple as choosing one from. . . read more
Japanese artist Hokusai said this on his death bed, “If Heaven had only granted me five more years, I could have become a real painter.” Hokusai’s quote applies equally well to art students, amateur artists, and full-time artists. Learning about art is a life-long pursuit;. . . read more