Andy, the original Art Hustler. Here with Bob. Photo Nat Finkelstein.

10 Tips for Struggling Artists.

Want to succeed as an artist? Read this!

Making a living as an artist is not only hard, but can sometimes feels impossible. Most artist support their art with a second job or grants if they’re lucky. So how do you make your artist career soar? Here is my list, in no particular order, of things you can do to boost your struggling artist career.

1. Be confident when telling a potential buyer a price. I mean, if you don’t really believe in the value of your own art, then who will. I can’t tell you how to price your work, but don’t aim too high, too early.
2. Do something for the art scene. Arrange a group show, write an article, throw a party, start a blog or (my favorite)start a fanzine. The reason behind this, is to give some value to others at the art scene, while at the same time making connections and building relationships. The importance of this can not be stressed too much. I know it can be hard to balance your day job, family and studio time, but doing something for the scene is paramount if you want to be able to quit your day job. It’s also really good NOT to talk about your own art for a change. This also gives you a some social flexibility after staying in your art bubble for a long time.
3. Go to more openings. Artist are usually good at going to openings when they are young and free. But after they get kids or get older they tend to go much less, if at all. The benefit of going to openings is obviously meeting people, but you will also be seeing a lot of art. And the artist will appreciate that you made an effort by coming to their show. You will also learn a lot about contemporary art. Knowledge is power.
4. Be serious about your instagram. Instagram is now more important than having a homepage. The reason for this is that people use instagram everyday, while checking your homepage perhaps once. It can be one of your greatest tools to show people what you are working on. Instagram can also help you build your identity as an artist. With a high number of followers, 20K and up, you start getting some real influence and can use instagram to sell actual work.
5. Hustle hard. Who do you think is gonna sell your work? You can not be dependent on a gallery to take care of all your sales. That’s just not realistic. Being an artist is basicly being a hustler. You need to be thinking about selling your work constantly. Too many artist are locked up in their studio worrying about unimportant stuff. Get out of that comfort zone! When I say hustle, I do not mean pushy or rude i social settings. A sure way to be left out future social events. Know how to behave.
6. Be positive and professional when dealing with your gallery. Don’t make the gallery regret having you in their stable. It will be much easier for the gallery to sell your art if they feel positive towards you.
7. Be positive about other peoples art. There is so much bickering and toxic talk in the art world. Don’t let your critical sense poison your brain. Work hard to see the positive side in things without coming off as a lightweight.
8. Spend less time in the studio. You need real time to work the scene and work on those other projects listed above.
9. Don’t be afraid to suck. Sometimes you have to push/sell things that you wish were better. Sometimes the choice is not sell/push anything. I get it, everyone wants a reputation as someone who makes quality work. But you also need sell some work and get on with the next project. It will get better over time. Don’t be the perfectionist who can’t see the big picture.
10. Respect your studio space. I don’t have a computer in my studio. It interrupts me way too much when I’m painting. Make sure, that you get what you need, to preform your best. Different folks , different strokes.