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The Best Way To Make A Living From Your Art

“But Crista,” they ask, “How can I make a living from my art?”

“I want to be wealthy! I want to live on a beach and be dripping in jewels! And I want my art to pay for it!”

Then I reply with something that artist Kiki Smith once told me:

Your art doesn’t have to support you. You have to support your art.

Say what?

That’s right. Turn it around.

You weren’t given this talent so that you could take from it.

You were given this talent so that you could nurture it. You were given this talent so that you could share it. You were called to be an artist so that you could serve your work.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t live on a beach and make huge amounts of money. Maybe you can.

But it does mean that you’re looking at your gift the wrong way.

Instead of cursing it, instead of being angry that the collectors aren’t banging on your door clutching fistfuls of cash, try asking yourself this one simple question.

Are you supporting your art?

Are you continuing to learn those things that will make you a better artist? Are you contributing to your community? Are you leaning into those difficult tasks that get your work in front of a larger audience?

Imagine your artwork was your child, are you investing your resources into its future?

I challenge you to list 3 ways that you could support your creativity even better than you are now. And then take the steps to follow through.

Because the best way to make a living from your art? The best way to attract support from others? The best way to build a lucrative career?

Starts by investing in it yourself.

 

Do you want to learn more about transforming your own art practice? Sign up for my mailing list today!

Working in the international world of contemporary art, Crista Cloutier has spent her career selling art and marketing art to art galleries, museums and private collections. 

Using her professional experiences, Crista has created The Working Artist Masterclass, where she’s developed a global reputation as an artist’s coach. Crista can teach you how to be an artist; including how to sell your art, how to sell art online, how to sell photographs, how to price your art, how to succeed at art fairs, and even how to find your art style. 

Crista has worked with established, blue-chip artists to raise their profile and attract greater opportunities. And she’s also helped thousands of emerging artists to build a professional art practice. To learn more, visit https://theworkingartist.com

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