Becoming a Freelance Artist

I wanted to write a short blurb for any up and coming artists who have interest in starting a career, or just for anybody who is curious.

It isn't easy. Here's the thing that nobody tells you about becoming a freelance artist: it isn't all about the art. Becoming a business owner (and yes, that is what you are as a freelance artist) takes a lot. It takes a lot of self discipline, self education, self management, and self criticism.

A lot of what you will be doing wont take place in the studio, with a brush or pencil in hand. In fact, most of it won’t. It means going out in person to promote yourself; it means time on your computer most days, working on your social media, (something I have some trouble with, sorry guys) or updating your website. It means actively searching for venues and opportunities. It means cataloging work, separating your money, and paying your taxes.

I know that doesn't sound appealing to an artist. It's actually downright daunting: but hang in there. It's tough, but it's rewarding. It will force you to open up in ways you may have never done before or to learn how to manage and schedule yourself, and that bleeds over into your social life and day to day activities. It can give you a level of self confidence, not just in your work, but in yourself and your capabilities that is hard to get by other means.

It's a hard road, but it's a path worth travelling. It won’t always be consistent or reassuring. Sometimes you will want to quit. But it will change you as a person, I believe, for the better, and most importantly, it will let you share your passion with the world.

If you stuck around for all of that, thanks for reading. I hope it can be of some help. And for everybody who supports me in my endeavors by buying my work, pointing me towards opportunities, or following what I put out on social media, thank you so very much. I can do everything in my power, but you guys are what makes my dreams a reality.