Business Smarts - Get Some!

  This is a topic I re-visit periodically - making your art your business. Too many artists don't take themselves seriously as a business. Being an artist isn't like any other job - there is a lot of emotion attached to what you do, sharing a piece of yourself is serious stuff. It's important to decide whether you're a hobbiest or an artist trying to make a living. Neither one is right or wrong, its a personal choice. But if you're an artist trying to make a living then you better have some decent business sense.

    

    That's one of the most important things I've learned over the last 10 years. You have to have some business savvy if you want to be taken seriously. You need to know what a Business Plan is - you should have an Artists Statement - you need to know about marketing, taxes, credit card sales, shows, wholesale, expenses, record keeping and the worst one of all..... PRICING YOUR WORK!!!

     If you don't know some of this stuff.... be smart, contact your local Small Business Development Center (there are over 10,000 offices in the US) and make an appointment!! I'm so glad that I did this. Their services are usually free or really affordable. They have contacts that will help guide you through all the business pitfalls. SBDC's hold workshops in every subject under the sun. Every time I attend one of their workshops I feel so much more confidant about my work, my goals and myself.

    

    Besides the SBDC every town has a Chamber of Commerce which can also be a great resource. I live in a really small town but we have several groups that support local businesses. Even if you don't have a brick and mortar location you're a business and they'll have advice that can help you grow and thrive. Don't hide out in your little workshop listing on Etsy and hoping for the best... Get out there!!

Get smart - its good for you.