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Resources for artists abound. The biggest challenge may be deciding to which advice you should listen and how much you want to read and research. Below are some of OVAC’s recommendations to help your art practice. Let us know if you have more specific questions.
Click on the areas you are interested in for suggestions on how to take action.
I'm just getting started as an artist. What should I do first?
I have already shown some and make artwork regularly, but am ready to take it to the next level and/or make some money at it.
I feel fairly established and have shown lots, what’s next?
I’m just getting started as an artist. What should I do first?
This is an exciting time! We recommend you immerse yourself in art and art making. Below are some suggestions with links to resources and articles.
Make art! Consider: Are you refining your techniques and concepts? What is consistent about your work?
• Do you need more studio training?
Attend as many exhibitions and art events to consider where you might want your art someday.
• See art and see how others make art.
Meet and learn about other artists.
• Even if you really want to work alone in your studio, meet other artists to help you in many ways. • Participate in artist groups, whether formal demonstrations or informal gatherings (friends).
• Volunteer: help the community, meet people and learn how things work.
• Attend training in business skills and technology.
Get on as many email and mailing lists as possible: learn about local, regional and national events.
• Follow galleries/museums/groups/artists on Facebook, Twitter and other social media.
Show your work and/or apply:
• Test the waters, see what it’s like to show it to the world.
• Prepare for rejection if it’s a competitive submission, sorry to tell you that is part of being an exhibiting artist.
• Prepare for selling artwork (and know you don't have to).
…Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Build your artistic practice one step at a time.
I have already shown some and make artwork regularly, but am ready to take it to the next level and/or make some money at it.
Congratulations on developing your technical abilities, launching a regular studio practice and first presenting your artwork to the world. You may be ready for more... more opportunities, shows, business advancement, etc. To prepare at this stage, you must begin or improve your business methods and studio setup.
Refine your professional foundations: the basics of getting your work out there and gaining recognition.
• A website and online presence is fundamental to raising your visibility and establishing yourself as an artist.
• More people will want to know what you make and why, so you need to practice writing and talking about your work.
• Consider how your work is seen, such as the presentation of your artwork through framing.
Prepare more submissions and applications to more opportunities.
• Organize your portfolio.
• Develop your proposals for things like solo exhibitions and grants.
• Select your opportunities wisely.
Develop your business structure; it greatly affects your practice.
• Do you need a studio space, either new or better?
• Make contracts with galleries, for commissions, etc, to solidify business relationships.
• Take control of your finances.
• Yes, you too are responsible for taxes.
• You need health insurance (if you don’t already have it).
• Prepare for emergencies.
…Meanwhile, don’t forget MAKING ART and fostering your connections to a supportive community of artists.
I feel fairly established and have shown lots, what’s next?
As you are recognized as an artist, your practice may become more complex. Plus, your involvement in the art field may grow as you are able to connect to broader communities. Here are some key strategies for keeping your artistic practice vibrant and public profile alive.
How do you keep inspired and making satisfying artwork?
• Seek feedback and/or writing about your work.
• What continued training or retreats would help?
Should you expand your markets, scale, and/or networks?
• Think regionally and nationally and/or about showing at more professional venues.
• Consider whether public art commissions are right for you.
• Look for new awards and funding.
What is your leadership role in the community and art field?
• What advocacy for artists is vital to your practice?
• Does your work have a role in social or political advocacy?
Plan for the future: Most business and artist consultants agree that planning is key for a satisfying artistic practice.
Resources for artists abound. The biggest challenge may be deciding to which advice you should listen and how much you want to read and research. Below are some of OVAC’s recommendations to help your art practice. Let us know if you have more specific questions.
Click on the areas you are interested in for suggestions on how to take action.
I'm just getting started as an artist. What should I do first?
I have already shown some and make artwork regularly, but am ready to take it to the next level and/or make some money at it.
I feel fairly established and have shown lots, what’s next?
I’m just getting started as an artist. What should I do first?
This is an exciting time! We recommend you immerse yourself in art and art making. Below are some suggestions with links to resources and articles.
Make art! Consider: Are you refining your techniques and concepts? What is consistent about your work?
• Do you need more studio training?
Attend as many exhibitions and art events to consider where you might want your art someday.
• See art and see how others make art.
Meet and learn about other artists.
• Even if you really want to work alone in your studio, meet other artists to help you in many ways. • Participate in artist groups, whether formal demonstrations or informal gatherings (friends).
• Volunteer: help the community, meet people and learn how things work.
• Attend training in business skills and technology.
Get on as many email and mailing lists as possible: learn about local, regional and national events.
• Follow galleries/museums/groups/artists on Facebook, Twitter and other social media.
Show your work and/or apply:
• Test the waters, see what it’s like to show it to the world.
• Prepare for rejection if it’s a competitive submission, sorry to tell you that is part of being an exhibiting artist.
• Prepare for selling artwork (and know you don't have to).
…Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Build your artistic practice one step at a time.
I have already shown some and make artwork regularly, but am ready to take it to the next level and/or make some money at it.
Congratulations on developing your technical abilities, launching a regular studio practice and first presenting your artwork to the world. You may be ready for more... more opportunities, shows, business advancement, etc. To prepare at this stage, you must begin or improve your business methods and studio setup.
Refine your professional foundations: the basics of getting your work out there and gaining recognition.
• A website and online presence is fundamental to raising your visibility and establishing yourself as an artist.
• More people will want to know what you make and why, so you need to practice writing and talking about your work.
• Consider how your work is seen, such as the presentation of your artwork through framing.
Prepare more submissions and applications to more opportunities.
• Organize your portfolio.
• Develop your proposals for things like solo exhibitions and grants.
• Select your opportunities wisely.
Develop your business structure; it greatly affects your practice.
• Do you need a studio space, either new or better?
• Make contracts with galleries, for commissions, etc, to solidify business relationships.
• Take control of your finances.
• Yes, you too are responsible for taxes.
• You need health insurance (if you don’t already have it).
• Prepare for emergencies.
…Meanwhile, don’t forget MAKING ART and fostering your connections to a supportive community of artists.
I feel fairly established and have shown lots, what’s next?
As you are recognized as an artist, your practice may become more complex. Plus, your involvement in the art field may grow as you are able to connect to broader communities. Here are some key strategies for keeping your artistic practice vibrant and public profile alive.
How do you keep inspired and making satisfying artwork?
• Seek feedback and/or writing about your work.
• What continued training or retreats would help?
Should you expand your markets, scale, and/or networks?
• Think regionally and nationally and/or about showing at more professional venues.
• Consider whether public art commissions are right for you.
• Look for new awards and funding.
What is your leadership role in the community and art field?
• What advocacy for artists is vital to your practice?
• Does your work have a role in social or political advocacy?
Plan for the future: Most business and artist consultants agree that planning is key for a satisfying artistic practice.