There are many aspects associated with running your own art business that you need to be aware of. From writing grants, creating contracts, keeping your eyes peeled for show opportunities, and more, the resources listed below will help you be successful on the business side of a fine art career. These web links are local arts collectives, councils, or websites that provide useful resources to fine artists including gallery show and residency opportunities.
There are many jobs you can get in the field of art. This website lists several types of current art employment opportunities from fabricators to marketing for museums, to sales in galleries, and more. If you're in the market for a job in the art field, click this link!
You need to get your work seen and participate in art exhibitions in galleries. There are several websites that host lists of “call for entries” which are listings of galleries and collectives that are looking for artists to submit their work to an upcoming show. Make sure to check these lists regularly, or better yet, join their mailing list so you don’t miss out on a show opportunity that would be perfect for your work! And let’s not forget those personal connections. Make friends with other artists. Often there are group shows happening and one of your artist friends may be showing in it, and they may recommend your work to be in said show. That’s the way it works!
There are many ways to make money in the visual arts. One of those ways is by securing grants for a specific project you may be working on or applying for an unrestricted grant for general operating support which would give you cash just to make your art. Not a bad deal, right? Right. However, you need to apply for these funds and there is a wrong and a right way to do it. There are national grants for the arts, state level grants, and almost every city has grant funding for the arts, so check your city government’s webpage to see what grant opportunities exist for you. The resource below will help if you find yourself needing to apply for a grant.
Artist residencies are one of many professional arts making, art exhibition, and networking opportunities available. Many public and private organizations host temporary residency opportunities, year-round, all over the world. Residencies are temporary studio locations that offer artists time and space to work on their art. Some offer materials, supplies, stipends, and equipment. Some offer lodging and transportation. Some expect an art show and/or art talk during the residency, and some have no expectations for production or engagement. All have varying timelines that can last from a few weeks to a few months. Participating in a residency is a great way to work on portfolios, develop new ideas, have access to equipment, have time and space to think, make new connections, and build resumes. There are far more residency opportunities than those listed, but these few are local and will get you started on finding a residency that’s right for you.
There are many places to sell your artwork besides galleries, or directly through your website. You can put your work up for sale on these websites that are dedicated to selling art and crafts. Some sites you’ll find are only for re-selling artwork you own by notable artists like Artsy.com, others are only for selling with gallery representation. However, on the sites listed here you can create your own accounts and sell your own original work or reproductions directly to consumers. Some of these platforms take commissions on each sale, some have annual fees, some have listing fees, and some are free all around. There are many more sites than listed here, but you can vet these sites for yourself and see if one or multiple are a good fit for you!
These sites do not sell original artwork at all. They will print images of the art and design that you upload onto various surfaces and/or various products like mugs, t-shirts, wall art, yoga mats, everything!
You want to get your art published! To build a credible reputation in the art world, you’re going to need some press. There are several online and print magazines that you can submit your work to for publication. Check out these sites and pay attention to calls for entries. There are often entry fees to be aware of. Look at your favorite artist’s websites and see where they’ve had their work published and see if you can get your work in there too! There are many more art publications than these, but these will get you started.
Art Publications to Read and Submit Your Work to
