5 Steps to Build a Sustainable Art Business

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

Artistic entrepreneurship is about more than creating beautiful pieces—it's about building a sustainable business from your creative skills. To transform your talent into a thriving art business, it takes more than just a passion for art; it requires strategic planning and diligent execution. This blog will guide you through five vital steps to turn your artistic passion into a rewarding and sustainable business.

1. Establish Your Art Business Vision

Your business vision is the guiding light for your artistic entrepreneurship journey. It's the big picture of what you want to achieve, and it gives purpose and direction to your everyday actions. Let's delve into the what, why, and how of establishing a compelling vision for your art business.

What is Your Vision?

Your vision is the ideal future you see for your art business. It's not just about financial success, but also about how you want to influence the world of art, and the kind of legacy you want to leave behind. This could be anything from revolutionizing a particular art form to creating a global network of art lovers. The key is to think big and dare to dream.

Why Vision Matters?

Your vision is the fuel that drives your art business. It motivates you when times are tough, and it helps you to make strategic decisions that will steer your business towards your desired future. More importantly, it communicates to your customers and stakeholders what you stand for, and why they should be a part of your journey.

How to Articulate Your Vision?

Articulating your vision is about painting a clear and inspiring picture of your business' future. To do so, consider the following steps:

Identify your passion: What drives you as an artist? What aspect of your art makes you excited to wake up every morning?
Define your values: What principles guide your work? Is it innovation, authenticity, or perhaps social impact?
Imagine your ideal future: Where do you see your business in 5, 10, or 20 years? What kind of impact do you want to have on the world of art?
Write it down: Put your vision into words and make it a part of your business plan, your website, and your marketing materials.

Remember, your vision is a reflection of your artistic entrepreneurship journey. It's about building a sustainable business that not only supports your creative skills but also contributes to the art world in a meaningful way.

2. Plan for Profit in Art Business

Art is a labor of love, but love doesn't pay the bills. To ensure your art business is sustainable, it is essential to plan for profit. Profit isn't a dirty word; it's merely the reward for your creativity, hard work, and business acumen. Let's explore how to make art that not only satisfies your creative spirit but also contributes to your bottom line.

What is Profitable Art?

Profitable art strikes a balance between creative expression and market demand. It's not about selling out or compromising on your artistic integrity, but about understanding what your customers value and being able to provide it. Profitable art can vary widely, from unique, high-value pieces for collectors to affordable prints for casual art lovers.

How to Make Art Profitable?

Turning art into profit requires a blend of creativity, market insight, and strategic planning. Here are some steps to guide you:

Understand your market: Who are your potential customers? What kind of art do they prefer? How much are they willing to pay?
Develop your unique selling proposition (USP): What makes your art unique? Why should customers choose your art over others?
Price your art appropriately: Pricing is a critical aspect of profitability. Ensure you consider the cost of materials, your time, and the perceived value of your work.
Diversify your income streams: Explore different ways to monetize your art, such as selling originals, prints, commissions, or even teaching art classes.

Why Profit Matters?

Profit is what keeps your art business sustainable in the long run. It allows you to invest in better materials, reach more customers, and even explore new artistic directions. But more than that, earning a profit from your art is a validation of your skills and hard work. It proves that you have succeeded in merging your creative passion with savvy business tactics, the very essence of artistic entrepreneurship.

3. Manage Art Business Operations

Creating art is one thing; managing the business around it is another. Even the most brilliant artists can struggle if they don't handle their business operations effectively. Let’s see how mastering the nuts and bolts of your art business can make a huge difference.

What are Business Operations?

Business operations in artistic entrepreneurship include everything from sourcing materials, creating art, maintaining your workspace, to keeping track of your finances. It also involves logistical tasks such as shipping artwork to customers or galleries and managing an online store if you have one. All these tasks may not sound exciting, but they are vital for building a sustainable business from your creative skills.

How to Manage Operations?

Effective management of your art business operations is all about being organized and efficient. Here are some tips:

Keep a tidy workspace: A clean and organized workspace can boost your productivity and prevent loss or damage of materials.
Track your finances: Keep a record of your income and expenses. Use accounting software or hire a professional if needed.
Master logistics: If you're shipping your art, ensure you have reliable shipping partners and that your artworks are properly packaged to prevent damage.
Leverage technology: Use online platforms to sell your art, social media for marketing, and productivity tools to manage your tasks effectively.

Why Operations Management Matters?

Effective operations management is what separates successful art businesses from those that struggle. It ensures that you have the time and resources to focus on what you love — creating art, while your business runs smoothly. Remember, artistic entrepreneurship is not just about great art; it's also about great business operations.

4. Market Your Art Effectively

Once you've mastered the business operations, it's time to let the world know about your fantastic art. Marketing is all about connecting with the right audience and communicating the value of your work. It's a key part of artistic entrepreneurship: building a sustainable business from your creative skills.

What is Effective Marketing?

Effective marketing is about more than just posting an image of your work online and waiting for sales to roll in. It's about understanding your audience, creating a compelling story around your art, and using the right channels to reach potential buyers. Remember, your art isn't just a product; it's a piece of you, and that's what you're selling.

How to Market Art?

Marketing art can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

Create a brand: Your brand is your art's identity. It should reflect your style, values, and the unique aspects of your work.
Build a website: Your website is your online gallery. Make sure it showcases your work effectively and provides easy ways for customers to purchase.
Use social media: Sites like Instagram and Pinterest are great platforms for visual content. Regularly post images of your work and engage with your followers.
Network: Attend art fairs, exhibitions, and other events to connect with potential buyers and fellow artists.

Why Marketing Matters?

Marketing is crucial because it helps your art reach the people who will love it, buy it, and support your artistic journey. Effective marketing can turn your passion for art into a thriving business. So, don't shy away from marketing; embrace it as a part of your artistic entrepreneurship.

5. Evaluate and Improve

Artistic entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination. Building a sustainable business from your creative skills requires constant evaluation and improvement. But don't worry, this doesn't mean you need to be perfect right away. It's all about learning, growing, and getting better with time.

What is Evaluation?

Evaluation involves taking a step back to look at your art business as a whole. It's about asking yourself important questions, like: "How well am I reaching my target audience?" or "Is my art resonating with people?" By evaluating your business, you can find what's working, what's not, and where there's room for improvement.

How to Evaluate Your Business?

Evaluating your art business can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here's a simple way to get started:

Check your numbers: Look at your sales, website traffic, social media engagement, and other metrics. This can give you a clear picture of your business's performance.
Get feedback: Ask your customers, followers, or fellow artists for their opinions. They can provide valuable insights that you might not see on your own.
Reflect on your experiences: Think about what you've enjoyed, what's been challenging, and what you'd like to do differently. Your own experiences are a valuable source of information.

Why Evaluation Matters?

Evaluation is important because it can guide you towards continuous improvement. It's like a compass for your art business, helping you navigate towards success. So, remember to take time for evaluation—it's an essential part of artistic entrepreneurship and building a sustainable business from your creative skills.

If you're inspired by our blog post on "5 Steps to Build a Sustainable Art Business" and want to deepen your understanding, we highly recommend the workshop 'Building A Sustainable Career As A Multidisciplinary Artist' by Rosa van Iterson. This workshop will equip you with practical strategies and tips on how to build a thriving, sustainable career as a multidisciplinary artist in today's competitive creative landscape.