3 answers
Reagan
Student
Adams, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
485 views
How do I sell my art ?
If I did this on the side while doing medical school would it be smart?
If I play basketball and do nursing I’m collage woul that be a lot.
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3 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Reagan
Wow, you are very ambitious, and that is great that you want to continue with your passions of art and basketball, and go to med school to become a doctor (after college) or a nurse. All of those goals will take a lot of effort and dedication, so be ready to work hard. I will address your interest in selling artwork, as that is what I am doing now.
Selling artwork seems easy, but it is really more involved than most people think. There are some things you need to know and put in place before you sell. You really have to have a good body of art to sell, know how to price your art, plus you have to investigate where to sell in your community or where to sell online. In addition, you'll need to get a small business license from your state, and know how to pay sales taxes and income tax on the things you sell.
There are lots of online platforms to sell art and crafts, and Etsy is one of the biggest. It is also very well organized and very welcoming to people new to selling, with lots of online tutorials, so check it out. Once you have your Etsy shop up and running, you will need to maintain it, and figure out how to package your artwork for sending to the buyer once it sells. You will pay a small fee to Etsy when you sell something. Also check out other artwork on Etsy and see what is selling; when you click on an Etsy shop, you'll see how many sales that person has made. Etsy.com
You can also see about selling your artwork at local art and crafts fairs. Just Google, art and craft fairs with your zip code to see what fairs are happening, and visit to see what is selling. Be aware that applications for art and craft fairs are often due weeks to months before the fair, and that there will be a fee to apply. Again, you'll need a small business license and you'll need to collect sales tax and pay income tax on what you earn. You'll also have to some way to collect the money for sales if a customer wants to use a credit card. Square is an app that will let you do makes sales with a customer using a credit card, and is easy to use and to track your sales.
The least complicated way to sell your artwork is seeing if a local gallery or other store will sell your artwork for you. They will display your artwork and then take a commission when something sells, anywhere from 20%-60% of the selling price. However, getting accepted by a gallery or other store can be very competitive. See if you can find a non-profit community gallery to sell your work, they often are more welcoming to new artists and take less of a commission. You will still have to pay income tax on what you make, and in some cases, report and pay the sales tax.
So selling artwork online or in person is a little complicated, but doable, especially on summer vacations during college. It's really like running a small business, but be aware that, like most small businesses, it may take time to become profitable. Of course it depends on your artwork, and if it takes off and sells well, that is great. However, if you really need the money to save for college or med school or nursing school, then you might need a steadier job.
As for selling your art while in med or nursing school, that depends on you, and what you can fit in. I once had a roommate who had just finished med school and was a first year medical intern, and she said med school was very intense, and being a medical intern was even more so. Nursing school is not as long, and maybe less intense, but still challenging. If you are really committed to a career in any medical field, you really need to focus there, and once your career gets started and settled, then think about showing and selling your artwork. But please, keep doing your artwork when you can; you have some busy years ahead, but eventually things will settle down and you can enjoy some of you other interests besides work.
I hope this helps. Best wishes.
Wow, you are very ambitious, and that is great that you want to continue with your passions of art and basketball, and go to med school to become a doctor (after college) or a nurse. All of those goals will take a lot of effort and dedication, so be ready to work hard. I will address your interest in selling artwork, as that is what I am doing now.
Selling artwork seems easy, but it is really more involved than most people think. There are some things you need to know and put in place before you sell. You really have to have a good body of art to sell, know how to price your art, plus you have to investigate where to sell in your community or where to sell online. In addition, you'll need to get a small business license from your state, and know how to pay sales taxes and income tax on the things you sell.
There are lots of online platforms to sell art and crafts, and Etsy is one of the biggest. It is also very well organized and very welcoming to people new to selling, with lots of online tutorials, so check it out. Once you have your Etsy shop up and running, you will need to maintain it, and figure out how to package your artwork for sending to the buyer once it sells. You will pay a small fee to Etsy when you sell something. Also check out other artwork on Etsy and see what is selling; when you click on an Etsy shop, you'll see how many sales that person has made. Etsy.com
You can also see about selling your artwork at local art and crafts fairs. Just Google, art and craft fairs with your zip code to see what fairs are happening, and visit to see what is selling. Be aware that applications for art and craft fairs are often due weeks to months before the fair, and that there will be a fee to apply. Again, you'll need a small business license and you'll need to collect sales tax and pay income tax on what you earn. You'll also have to some way to collect the money for sales if a customer wants to use a credit card. Square is an app that will let you do makes sales with a customer using a credit card, and is easy to use and to track your sales.
The least complicated way to sell your artwork is seeing if a local gallery or other store will sell your artwork for you. They will display your artwork and then take a commission when something sells, anywhere from 20%-60% of the selling price. However, getting accepted by a gallery or other store can be very competitive. See if you can find a non-profit community gallery to sell your work, they often are more welcoming to new artists and take less of a commission. You will still have to pay income tax on what you make, and in some cases, report and pay the sales tax.
So selling artwork online or in person is a little complicated, but doable, especially on summer vacations during college. It's really like running a small business, but be aware that, like most small businesses, it may take time to become profitable. Of course it depends on your artwork, and if it takes off and sells well, that is great. However, if you really need the money to save for college or med school or nursing school, then you might need a steadier job.
As for selling your art while in med or nursing school, that depends on you, and what you can fit in. I once had a roommate who had just finished med school and was a first year medical intern, and she said med school was very intense, and being a medical intern was even more so. Nursing school is not as long, and maybe less intense, but still challenging. If you are really committed to a career in any medical field, you really need to focus there, and once your career gets started and settled, then think about showing and selling your artwork. But please, keep doing your artwork when you can; you have some busy years ahead, but eventually things will settle down and you can enjoy some of you other interests besides work.
I hope this helps. Best wishes.
Edgar Parada
Consultant
2
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Edgar’s Answer
Wow, you've got some fantastic questions! Let's dive into them one by one.
Firstly, it's wonderful to see your enthusiasm for selling your art. There are several ways to go about this, but the key is understanding who your audience is and where you can reach them. Are you looking to sell physical or digital art?
If you're dealing with physical art, you might want to check out local art festivals or marketplaces. As for digital art, numerous platforms are available now (like NFT, Dribbble, Behance, and so on).
Do you have a place online to display your creations, such as a website or social media account? It might be worthwhile to consider selling your art on platforms like Dribbble, Behance, Etsy, or Redbubble.
Secondly, yes, it's entirely feasible to chase an artistic career while also studying for a medical degree, but it could be a tough juggle. It's crucial to ponder if you have the necessary time and energy to dedicate to both, ensuring neither gets neglected.
Lastly, juggling basketball and a nursing study program is indeed a tough nut to crack. It's admirable that you're passionate about both, but it's essential to be practical about how much time and energy you can allot to each. Nursing is a rigorous field that demands a lot of focus and commitment, so make sure you've got ample time to study and prepare for your classes.
Firstly, it's wonderful to see your enthusiasm for selling your art. There are several ways to go about this, but the key is understanding who your audience is and where you can reach them. Are you looking to sell physical or digital art?
If you're dealing with physical art, you might want to check out local art festivals or marketplaces. As for digital art, numerous platforms are available now (like NFT, Dribbble, Behance, and so on).
Do you have a place online to display your creations, such as a website or social media account? It might be worthwhile to consider selling your art on platforms like Dribbble, Behance, Etsy, or Redbubble.
Secondly, yes, it's entirely feasible to chase an artistic career while also studying for a medical degree, but it could be a tough juggle. It's crucial to ponder if you have the necessary time and energy to dedicate to both, ensuring neither gets neglected.
Lastly, juggling basketball and a nursing study program is indeed a tough nut to crack. It's admirable that you're passionate about both, but it's essential to be practical about how much time and energy you can allot to each. Nursing is a rigorous field that demands a lot of focus and commitment, so make sure you've got ample time to study and prepare for your classes.
Madi Dunlap
Forensic Consultant
193
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Reagan,
It's absolutely possible to juggle outside work and hobbies while in school so selling your art sounds like a fantastic idea! Your medical school network could be a goldmine for potential art clients.
Balancing your time might be a bit challenging initially, with coursework, basketball, and your art business. However, with careful planning and a well-structured schedule, you'll be able to manage it all.
Good luck!
It's absolutely possible to juggle outside work and hobbies while in school so selling your art sounds like a fantastic idea! Your medical school network could be a goldmine for potential art clients.
Balancing your time might be a bit challenging initially, with coursework, basketball, and your art business. However, with careful planning and a well-structured schedule, you'll be able to manage it all.
Good luck!