9 Tips On How To Become A Fine Artist That Isn't Starving

    Get the inside scoop from How To Become a Successful Artist.

    Loryn Brantz
    by Loryn Brantz

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1.

    create a mission statement
    Via Phaidon Press

    Stop thinking of yourself as solely an artist. You will need to accept that you are an entrepreneur running a business.

    A mission statement is a brief description of your core purpose. Ask yourself: what’s your purpose? Why are you creating art? Whom do you want to influence?

    2.

    figure out your vision
    Via Phaidon Press

    A vision statement is a big, ambitious statement about who you are and what your intention is in the world. Ask yourself: What do you want to be known for? How do you see the world changing because of your impact? Where do you see yourself in five years?

    3.

    decide on your goals
    Via Phaidon Press

    Goal-setting is essential: you should set targets alongside your statements, as they will define what you have to do in order to achieve your vision and mission. Differentiate between short term and long term goals. Be very specific.

    4.

    work from the love of creation
    Via Phaidon Press

    Trust what you do well. Other artists will recognize that.

    5.

    don't expect perfection
    Via Phaidon Press

    At the beginning (e.g don’t expect star treatment from the moment you appear on the scene) take it one year at a time.

    6.

    showcase your art
    Via Phaidon Press

    Do not think about the value of each single work. Think about your body of work as a whole. When building an instagram portfolio do not post random pictures. Be strategic, make the grid look cohesive as a whole.

    7.

    target your efforts
    Via Phaidon Press

    Don't send emails to info@ to find gallery representation or do cold calls. Decide which galleries you would like to show in and get to know their community. Reach out to artists, gallery staff, collectors and friends of the gallery. Network, network, network!

    8.

    be generous
    Via Phaidon Press

    Give to other artists what you can: Compliments, advice, your time, contacts. You’ll get back what you give.

    9.

    never give up
    Via Phaidon Press

    Any successful artist will tell you the road to success is bumpy, expect rejection, but keep persevering. Believe in yourself and you’ll get where you want to be!

    For more insider tips from real artists, collectors and gallery owners order How To Become A Successful Artist here.

    Magnus Resch is an art-market economist, serial entrepreneur, and bestselling author. Magnus is a Professor for art economics, lecturing at Yale University. He holds a Ph.D. in economics and studied at Harvard, the LSE, and University of St. Gallen. His career has been portrayed in a Harvard Business School case study and in various articles, in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair and the Financial Times.