Business Planning for Artists–part 1

Artists are different!

Most business planning books and articles are not really aimed at artists, or more particularly at the specific sort of business that artists are. Most artists are not normally looking for investors – buyers and collectors, but not investors. Our need for a business plan is to provide a framework and a discipline for what we do. The exception to this might be setting up a gallery, or perhaps seeking funding for a major show. Neither of these however are about the business of being an artist and are best addressed by specific project plans. With this in mind I’ve been dabbling at producing an e-book on business planning for the working artist for some time, without making any serious progress. So, to move things along, I’m going to share with you some extracts from my own business plan, removing some of the numbers but otherwise simply presenting it as it stands, as a ‘work in progress’. I have also removed some things that are very specific to my personal circumstances like family and health issues. If you adapt this model you will need to think about what these personal issues might be for you.

Where I am now and what I need to do improve things?

• I need to develop and improve my technical skills in printmaking

• I have to become more productive - I need to work BETTER

• I need a working discipline

• I want to start making real money from this new career. I’m not going to be rich, but I need to make more than pin money

• I need to be better at placing my work, at getting out to venues and at getting into shows etc.

The Vision Statement

By the start of the financial year 2017/18, I want to be making at least X% of my income from art.

How will I do this?

By increasing my presence in a range of outlets – if it isn’t ‘out there’ it can’t be sold.

1. An improved online presence.

• I need to revamp web site

• I need to refresh the content on a regular basis

• I need to write more blog posts linking to my own work

• I need to use other online sites in more controlled ways as promotions and as a channel to my own site

2. Placing items in more retail outlets and galleries

3. Getting into more shows, both open and curated - but especially curated.

4. Exploring possibility of direct sales

• at craft fairs/art fairs

• at car boot sales.

• ‘pop up’ venues

• targeted sales – e.g. selling dance images through dance related groups/events

By increasing the output of saleable work – I can’t sell what I haven’t made

1. better work discipline

2. better productivity

Increasing name visibility – I can’t sell if I can’t be found

1. marketing and promotion

2. press releases

Improving and extending skills – better skills means better saleability and perhaps better prices

1. look at particular techniques e.g. solar etching, dry point via short courses

2. get to more major shows

The next section deals with targets – turning these aspirations into specific tasks to be done by defined dates. This will form the next post.