How to Build and Maintain a Creative Career

This discussion is part of the monthly Business of Art series at Wild Goose Creative supported by the Ohio Arts Council, and meets every 2nd Monday of the month, 6–8pm.

On July 8th, our panel was lead by Corey Favor, co-founder of Creative Control Fest, Margaret Wunderlich, Assistant Director of Sherrie Gallery and Cody Heichel, full-time artist.

According to new U.S. government data just released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the arts and cultural sector contributed over $763.6 billion to the American economy in 2015 — more than agriculture, transportation, or warehousing sectors. In Columbus alone, the creative economy generates $9.1 billion, supports 60,011 jobs and supplies more than $3 billion in wages and income.

With creative jobs being a major part of the Columbus economy, Monday’s Business of Art discussed everything from pursuing gallery representation to managing side-hustles. Here are some of the major take-aways:

How to pursue gallery representation

1. Do your research. Be familiar with the type of space you are applying to. Some galleries represent artists full-time and others offer an open call for submissions for various exhibitions. Familiarize yourself with the type of work the show. Does your work fit in?
2. Go to the openings of the spaces you are interested in and get to know the gallery owners or directors of arts organizations. Establishing a personal relationship will better your chances of being accepted/represented.
3. If you are a visual artist, it’s unlikely that you will be able to sustain yourself full-time by just showing in Columbus. Broaden your reach by applying to shows in other cities. If you can, visit those spaces and try to cultivate a relationship with the gallery owners.

How to measure your success as a visual artist

1. Be clear with your plan. Success for some artists might mean securing gallery representation. For others it might be having pieces in galleries across the world, becoming a part of a festival circuit or just maintaining a creative side hustle.
2. Diversify your income by participating in festivals, doing commissions and broadening your reach beyond Columbus.
3. Utilize social media as a platform to showcase your work. Most important content should be on your website. Make sure your website is up to date and contact information is easy to find.

How to take advantage of resources in Columbus

1. Research and apply for grants such as the Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award ($5,000), Artist Supply Grant ($500), Create Columbus Commission.
2. Familiarize yourself with the open call dates for the exhibition spaces you are interested in.
3. Join arts societies and/or enter competitions.
4. Go to panel discussions like Business of Art to help strategize your own career and network with other creatives.

Join us for next month’s Business of Art on August 12th at Wild Goose Creative from 6–8pm.