What is Expected From a Professional Artist?
This text invites you to reflect on where you stand: I want to be an artist, I think I am an artist, or I am an artist. These are three distinct positions, each offering a chance for self-assessment and clarity. By understanding where you are, you can begin to map your path forward—whether it’s pursuing art more deeply, redefining your goals, or affirming your current direction. This reflection is not about right or wrong; it is about aligning your actions with your aspirations and taking intentional steps toward how you want art to be part of your life.
Before fully committing to a career as a Professional Artist, it is essential to undertake a thorough self-assessment and understand the context and realities in which you are entering and participating. Becoming a professional artist requires significant time, effort, and hard work. Determining whether this path aligns with your personal and professional aspirations is vital.
Engaging in a conscious and reflective self-validation process can be a powerful way to assess whether pursuing a full-time career as a visual artist is the right path for you or if art might be better suited as a meaningful side pursuit. There’s no hierarchy here—being an amateur artist or creating on the side is no less valuable than being a professional. It is simply about understanding how art can play a role in your life and making choices that align with your values, resources, and aspirations.
First and foremost, assess your current situation and goals. Reflect on your reasons for wanting to become a professional artist. Are you driven by a deep passion for creating art, a desire to share your vision with the world, or the ambition to make a living from your craft? Clarity of purpose is essential as it will guide your decisions and help you stay focused and motivated through your challenges.
Next, consider the effort and dedication required to succeed as a professional artist. The art world is competitive, and sustaining a career in this field demands consistent effort, economic resources, and resilience. Are you prepared to dedicate long hours to honing your skills, producing work, and promoting yourself? Understand that setbacks are part of the journey and that success in the art market often comes after years of persistent work.
Time management is another critical factor. Balancing the creative process with the business side of being an Artist—such as marketing, networking, and managing finances—requires practical time management skills. Are you willing to allocate time for creating art and handling the administrative tasks of a professional career? Being a full-time artist is a multifaceted job that extends beyond the studio.
Hard work is a non-negotiable aspect of this profession. Every aspect of your career will demand diligence and proactive effort, from continuously developing your technique to taking risks, staying informed about market trends, and building relationships within art communities. Reflect on your readiness to embrace this level of commitment, as you will probably be investing a lot of time and resources in your artistic career.
Making the right choice about how art-making and being an artist fit into your life can make all the difference. When you align your approach with what truly works for your lifestyle—whether pursuing art full-time, as a side pursuit, or simply as a passion—it becomes a natural, sustainable part of who you are. This kind of integration makes it possible to continue creating over the long term and brings a more profound sense of joy and fulfillment instead of forcing yourself into a path that does not feel authentic.
The Everyday Artist
Effective marketing is a cornerstone of a sustainable practice. Developing a comprehensive marketing plan that includes social media marketing, email newsletters, and participation in art fairs and exhibitions ensures that your work reaches a broad audience. Regularly updating your followers about new creations and exhibitions keeps them engaged and fosters a loyal collector base. This ongoing engagement is vital for maintaining consistent sales and financial stability.
Networking and building relationships within the art community are also critical. Attending gallery openings, art talks, and networking events provides opportunities to connect with other artists, collectors, and industry professionals. These connections can lead to collaborations, commissions, and exhibitions, all contributing to a sustainable practice. Furthermore, staying connected with collectors by sending updates and invitations to your events helps build a loyal and supportive network.
Building a sustainable practice is the first step towards flourishing in art. Once you have achieved that, the focus can shift to growth and prosperity. This involves scaling your efforts to reach a larger audience and increase your impact. Participating in prestigious exhibitions and art fairs, securing representation with reputable galleries, and leveraging online sales platforms can significantly enhance your visibility and market reach. As your audience grows, so does the potential for higher sales and financial gains.
Investing in continuous professional development is crucial for long-term growth. Participating in workshops, taking advanced courses, and seeking mentorship from established artists can provide new skills and insights that enhance your practice. This commitment to learning and improvement ensures that your work remains innovative and relevant, attracting new collectors and retaining existing ones.
Commercial Intermediaries
Navigating the art economy as an artist involves understanding where you fit within the different types and levels of institutions and economic realms and how to position yourself for visibility and success. One key aspect is deciding whether or not to seek gallery representation. Research galleries that align with your style and values—look for those with a history of working with artists at a similar stage in their careers. Attend their openings, follow their social media, and connect with gallery directors and artists they represent. This helps you build relationships organically, making it more likely that a gallery will take an interest in your work.
But how do you know if gallery representation is the right path for you? Consider your career goals and whether you are seeking the kind of structure and support a gallery can provide. Representation often means sharing a percentage of your sales with the gallery, but it also means gaining access to their network of collectors, promotional efforts, and exhibition opportunities. If you value the autonomy of managing your sales and relationships, or if your art practice is more experimental and less market-oriented, you might find that independent avenues suit you better.
Art fairs are another option to consider for expanding your reach, but they require significant investment in time and resources. To decide if attending an art fair is right, consider your current market presence and whether you are ready to present your work on a broader stage. Research fairs that align with your style and audience; check their reputations among other artists. Some art fairs are better suited for emerging artists, while others are tailored for established names. Understanding which fairs attract your target audience can make a big difference in whether the investment pays off.
Working with art advisors and merchants can also be a valuable strategy for reaching new audiences. Advisors often have deep networks of collectors and can help place your work in the right hands, while art merchants specialize in selling artwork to private buyers and businesses. Be clear about your artistic vision and pricing strategy to make these relationships lasting and effective. Maintain open communication and clear agreements, as transparency about expectations and commissions helps build trust and ensures that your work is marketed in a way that aligns with your vision and ambition.
*Disclaimer: These texts are a point of view, they are meant to inspire and guide you as a departure point for your professionalization, or perhaps a stepping stone to keep you on a critical stance and liberate your creativity. As an artist and educator, I try to approach art matters with care, openness and curiosity, feel free to send me a message if you find mistakes, misconceptions or milestones.