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How did you sponsor your art business?
I want to be an artists and just create whatever I want and sell it. Id like to know how to get started
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Kim’s Answer
That's such a good question to ask, and it's essential that you're asking it in planning your life and career. There's an age old question about art existing for art's own sake vs commercializing it. The problem for artists in the world, for hundreds if not thousands of years has been this: whatever we spend our time doing, unless we are supported by someone else, we must find a way to make a living out of it. Throughout history, talented painters were supported and funded by royalty and the wealthy elite. In the world of gallery art, it is much the same today. Vincent Van Gogh's brilliant paintings were so different and unusual that the art world rejected his talent at the time. He was able to exist and stay alive only by his beloved brother's patronage. There's even a long standing joke that our work is only valuable after we've died.
However, there is a vast array of opportunities to make and sell art today that was never available before. The internet and technology has been a game changer for artists to market and sell their work via websites and through marketplaces like Etsy. Additionally, festivals and local fairs and markets, and local galleries and artist co-ops make selling your work easier.
Your question regarding what will sell is kind of a two edged sword. What do you want to make? That's the first sharp edge of the sword! There are so very many different mediums and materials with which to create art. What materials and artist tools are you drawn to? What makes you feel completely engaged in the art process? What kinds of feelings, expressions and ideas are you absolutely thrilled about exploring? Art is a journey through and within the self. If you are not aware of the answers to these questions for yourself, you can engage in online research to discover more. Look for art that you are attracted to and save these pages/images in computer files so that you can review them. Explore the materials and methods your favorite artists use by taking local classes, and/or enroll in a program at an online school like Sessions College for Professional Design. Get your feet wet. If you are a creative person, you will never, ever regret learning more about your passion.
There are two roads today, in the world of being an artist. One is to go all in by pursuing a Bachelor's degree in art as a starting point. The second is to learn as you go. If you take this road, you will seek long term employment in a different field, without the need to support yourself through art. You will be able to sell some of your work as a side income. You will want to choose a field for your main income that does not tax you emotionally or wear you out. That way, you can release emotions and passion into your art.
If you learn about marketing, explore all of the avenues of art in today's world, and eventually decide on a focus, your chances of finding a following are truly great! Wishing you luck and discovery in your important journey!
However, there is a vast array of opportunities to make and sell art today that was never available before. The internet and technology has been a game changer for artists to market and sell their work via websites and through marketplaces like Etsy. Additionally, festivals and local fairs and markets, and local galleries and artist co-ops make selling your work easier.
Your question regarding what will sell is kind of a two edged sword. What do you want to make? That's the first sharp edge of the sword! There are so very many different mediums and materials with which to create art. What materials and artist tools are you drawn to? What makes you feel completely engaged in the art process? What kinds of feelings, expressions and ideas are you absolutely thrilled about exploring? Art is a journey through and within the self. If you are not aware of the answers to these questions for yourself, you can engage in online research to discover more. Look for art that you are attracted to and save these pages/images in computer files so that you can review them. Explore the materials and methods your favorite artists use by taking local classes, and/or enroll in a program at an online school like Sessions College for Professional Design. Get your feet wet. If you are a creative person, you will never, ever regret learning more about your passion.
There are two roads today, in the world of being an artist. One is to go all in by pursuing a Bachelor's degree in art as a starting point. The second is to learn as you go. If you take this road, you will seek long term employment in a different field, without the need to support yourself through art. You will be able to sell some of your work as a side income. You will want to choose a field for your main income that does not tax you emotionally or wear you out. That way, you can release emotions and passion into your art.
If you learn about marketing, explore all of the avenues of art in today's world, and eventually decide on a focus, your chances of finding a following are truly great! Wishing you luck and discovery in your important journey!
Updated
Maggie’s Answer
HI Ina, you could maybe do a "raffle" of your Art. Where you sell tickets online for a certain amount, and allow people the chance to win some of your Art.
Updated
Viha’s Answer
Etsy (or similar websites) could be a great place to start a small business to sell different types of art forms!