A few things I have learned as a self employed artist

There are a few things I have learned as a self employed artist. Two of the most important are unless you are already generating a lot of income, you should have multiple revenue sources and you should surround yourself with experts, especially in the business fields.

Multiple revenue sources also means creating more passive money making scenarios... like selling a product online while you sleep. I do think we should not overextend ourselves, and that these different things bring us more pleasure than not. (Meaning the work fits us.)

Finally, we should really educate ourselves as to how business works... and I mean learning from people that are successful. If you can't hire someone or are not in those circles, then read Art Calendar Magazine or other business materials. There are numerous books and programs for artists. But, stick with it. We should all have some consistency to our business practices the same as we do with our craft!

One of the cool things about being an artist in Charlotte, N.C. is we have great resources here through our North Carolina Arts Council (www.ncarts.org) and our local Arts & Science Council (www.artsandscience.org). They both offer excellent professional development in the business of art!

This economy is rapidly changing. Look at what is already working for you and what is not... and think about why. When we learn from the good and bad and others who have gone before, it seems we get "there" quicker. I hope we all get there soon!