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Professional artists - help and advice needed!
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Message
Posted
Hello all,
As of Monday this week, I'm leaving my job - it's only taken me 11 years to get up the nerve, about time too. I officially finish next Friday and will be paid til the end of October, so I've got a bit of time to get myself sorted before the bailiffs come knocking.
I'm hoping that any professional artists out there can give me some advice or point me in the direction of resources that will help me go legit at long last. I've sold some paintings over the years but only in a 'pocket money' capacity, and I now feel the need to do things properly. I'll have a part time/day job as well so at least I won't be living in a cardboard box (hopefully), and probably some freelance design work as well, so starting a one-man business covering both art and graphic design makes sense.
Any advice or guidance on starting a self-employed creative business will be gratefully received.
Thanks,
Anth
Posted
Well now - I've more or less entirely retired now, though never say never: the resource you really need though is a gallery in which to show your work, and failing that a website (ideally including that, of course) to which you can drive traffic. Don't look at mine, it's grievously out of date and software issues have mucked it up good and proper. I was thinking of starting a new one, though.
You may find you need to supplement earnings from artwork through teaching - very many do. And you'll need to seize on every opportunity to publicize your work - use any local papers, local radio, tv stations, anything; get your work seen; tout for commissions. All the things I can't be bothered with any longer, basically....
It can be done, but it's hard work to get established, and I hope you haven't made the break too early, before you've established a reputation AND a baseline price for your work which people are willing to pay.
But - I couldn't describe myself currently as a professional artist: I just pick up crumbs here and there these days. So maybe someone who is currently making a living at it will look in and advise.
Posted
Crickey!, this is one giant leap for mankind - well for you anyway Tony.
Teaching is the usual route to follow as a supplement to your income, as Robert has said, but you will need a teaching degree etc etc before you can open any of these doors. (in most instances anyway). Of course, you may have that, I don't know.
I have a couple of colleagues from my college years who have branched out alone, both leaving well paid secure jobs in the art field. They had established themselves fairly well before taking that decision, lots of gallery representation and so on. They have both been successful. Starting from ground zero will be tough!
Your work is truly remarkable, but obviously time consuming, and I don't know much about this 'specialised' field that would categorise your work. But jolly good luck in your new venture, it won't be easy but that shouldn't be a stumbling block if you have the right temperament and approach. Be pro-active is my final word.
Posted
Thanks so much to both of you...I appreciate the advice!
I have considered teaching and I'm seriously thinking about getting a teaching qualification, as I have friends who are in higher education who could probably get me work.
I'm hoping that some serious social media promotion over the next few months can start to get my face out there, and I'm fortunate that I'm part of a large car subculture in the UK - I just need to see if people actually want to spend money now!
Anth.
Posted
Talk to HMRC when you get your first income - do they still offer an exemption from National Insurance contributions for self-employed-low-income so your pension contributions don't stop.
Free advertising - I get plenty of business through the local community pages on Facebook - before paid advertising
And - ignore the muppets who'll e-mail you about giving them money to do search engine optimisation on your website; the only people who can get you on the first page of Google for money are Google
Edited
by alang23
Posted
Thanks Alan ;) Going to speak to a business startup service week after next so hopefully they can keep me right as far as HMRC etc goes. Plan on upping my social media presence the next couple of weeks, along with a new website, and yes, know a little bit about SEO so I know that a lot of these companies are inhabited by snake oil salesmen :)
Posted
Well, as of this morning Aunty HMRC are aware that I'm now a sole trader dealing in graphic design and fine art - may God have mercy on my soul :) On the plus side, I've got a few commissions lined up and the possibility of freelance work til Christmas, so at least I can sleep at night for a couple of months.