This post really struck me… I remember getting to this stage where I felt like I was always worrying about costs. And I decided that I just had to go for it – book a bigger space, buy larger panels, invest in upgrades to my work space which would make a difference, outsource the framing to someone who could do a great job.

I’m not sure if it’s all those things, or just the mindset behind them, but since then things are really changing for me. Apart from anything else, working to create the best I can rather than the most affordable I can is just sooooo much more fun 🙂 I’m on track for my income goals this year and some really exciting things have happened as a result of switching away from a frugal mindset. I’ve sold larger work (can’t sell it unless you’ve made it first!), had work used in the launch of a top-end wallpaper range and appear in glossy interior magazines and am just starting a large commission which is significant both in cost and scale – exciting!

Was wondering if you could suggest how to respond to an email I just received regarding resale of purchased paintings. Please see below.

Marcella
Hi. It’s been a while.
I have loved and enjoyed your paintings for 25 years or more. It is time now for me to start my new life. My husband passed and I have to move. In my new place there is no room for the attached paintings. I’m hoping you can find a way to get them to new and grateful owners for a monetary value you think is just. I can bring the paintings to you.
You can’t imagine how much I’ve enjoyed your work these many years.
Please advise what you think can be done to honor your work.
Thank you

I really don’t know how to respond to this. Any suggestions would be most appreciated!
Thank you,
Marcelle
http://www.marcellezanetti.com
I was one of your Art Biz Students
Sent from my iPhone

So happy you are coming, Paula!

Someone absolutely is – “no assurance that anyone will actually look at them” is the most persistent myth about grant/competition processes (or possibly the second most persistent myth, after “You have no chance of winning unless you know someone on the panel”).

I’ve been part of many evaluation processes and in every case, the panelists’ first priority is to make the process fair and ethical. Yes, there are a few unethical calls out there (usually combining a high fee with an unstated clear aesthetic preference, meaning applicants who don’t fit that aesthetic won’t have a fair chance). But I have never seen an application processes run by an established non-profit org that wasn’t set up to absolutely give an equal chance to all applicants who submitted fully complete applications by the deadline.

I’ve been working on a money mindset change since end of 2015 when I realized I super NEED mindset changes.

Last week, I bought a super fountain pen…and two small bottles of ink…for a whopping $190 at a lovely pen specialty store. A year ago or more, there was NO WAY I would’ve considered it, much less go into the store. Now? I’m enjoying my “Corvette” pen and dollar cost averaging my usage (because it makes me feel better) while I ZING! through drawings with lovely sepia ink!!!! So far, I’ve used my pen enough to require a refill. YAY~!

I’ve slowly replaced my cheaper supplies with better supplies, too. Using better paints has a notable affect on how I feel applying color, textures, and just the paint itself. I am using up the cheaper paints as much as I can and celebrate every time a tube drops (almost) empty into the trash.

I am slowly, perhaps too slowly, changing my mindset to what you describe.

Hugs. Keep up the wonderful articles!

If you go to thrift stores in upscale nieghborhoods you can find pretty tablecloths and cakedishes, cases etc. Priced similarly to the normal thrift store fare found everywhere.

And if there’s a Trader Joe’s near you they have awesome florist quality flowers at great prices. They last a long time on my art desk too.

I’m struggling with this myself. I’ve always had a day job that had to come 1st because I require medical insurance for a serious medical conditions. So my art has come seconds.

But I can’t hold a full-time job anymore and am applying for social security disability. I feel that my art will be an ideal part time job. So I’m relaunching my art business. I’m hoping it will eventually be successful enough to replace a full-time income so I don’t use up all my social security on disability and can save more for retirement (I doubt I’ll ever stop making art, lifetime creative works are a family tradition).

I have quality art supplies stocked up. But am frugal because I’m on a severely limited income at I restart my art.

I’d love suggestions on how to be a frugal artist while keeping the rich appearance. For example, buying used frames and refinishing instead of cheep plasic ones.

I’m currently teaching myself wordpress web design, SEO a and social media marketing. I’ve a tech background so I feel confident I can do these for myself.