Comments on: When To Give Up On Your Art Business

By: Alyson Stanfield

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 20:55:09 +0000

I don’t think you’re alone, Claudia. I really get it. What I ask artists is: How do you want your life to be? Follow that thread.

This is a very old post and I’m curious as to how you found it and what you were searching for.

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By: Claudia Brookes

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:37:11 +0000

In reply to Victoria Pendragon.

I’m old. I’m tired. I still love painting, and have been a successful artist for 25 years (following another career of 30-odd years–do the math!). None of the reasons for quitting listed above apply to me, but I’m starting to think of quitting. It’s just so much to run a solo business and there’s simply no way I can see to just paint and forget the rest. You still need to keep inventory records, as well as financial records so you can pay your sales tax and taxes, frame and ship work to your galleries and shows, and do at least minimal marketing. I’ve quit teaching, quit the twice-a-year home and studio shows, and quit nearly all of the juried plein air competitions I used to do. Just not at all sure what’s next.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Sun, 12 May 2013 21:53:02 +0000

In reply to Julie Berthelot.

Thanks, Julie!

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By: Julie Berthelot

Sun, 12 May 2013 17:00:59 +0000

Thank you again, Alyson!
I think it’s important for some artists to know that it’s ok not to make a living as an artist, and that it doesn’t mean they’re too scared or too soft to hack it. It just isn’t for everybody.
As soon as you decide to make a living as an artist, you have to keep a client in mind, which can affect the art you’re making, and means spending a lot of time marketing, selling, networking (on no! lol!), and yes, letting ‘your babies’ go. That stuff can suck all the enjoyment out of art-making for many. It’s ok to make art for the love of it and for yourself, without having to consider a buyer.
That being said. I love to talk to people about my art. I love making money from it. I love the enjoyment people get from my shows and I make ‘my babies’ for them. So I’m in it to stay!
And I appreciate all the help I’m getting from your blog, tweets and your bootcamp, to make it happen!
Big Thank You! Alyson!
Julie

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:02:32 +0000

In reply to Leslie Allyn.

Congratulations on your progress, Leslie.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:01:48 +0000

In reply to Jennifer Reida.

Jennifer: I’m glad you found this helpful and motivating.

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By: Leslie

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:52:39 +0000

In reply to Kimberly.

Just a little update… I’m still working at figuring out how to actually get things to pay off, but I’ve actually started a picture book! Finally! (www.leslieallyn.com/spectra)

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By: Jennifer Reida

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:36:46 +0000

Just read your book, aaaamazing!!!!! I was afraid to read this blog post. I didn’t want it to say go back to your hotel job, this life isn’t for you!! I have to say I feel more confident after reading it. I am just starting my art career, I teach part time and do freelance and commission work but I am trying to build a complete body of work. This is harder than I thought it would be, but so far I am learning a lot. I soooo want this to work. fingers crossed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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By: Suzanne

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:55:15 +0000

In reply to Sari Grove.

Glad the article could help you! Solo show that’s a big deal! Enjoy the event.

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By: Pit Illustration

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:19:56 +0000

Giving up on my art buisness? no no no
Never 😉
It’s tough sometimes, but that’s daily life for us, artists.

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