Behind the scenes in Brandy Saturley's studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

The true measure of success will always be growth—both personally and in business. 

Yes, booming art sales and accolades are great, but it’s the lessons we learn along the way that are the most valuable to our art careers.

As we pause to contemplate the year 2023, we stand on the shoulders of invaluable insights generously shared by the artists we work with on a daily basis. 

From battling complacency to embracing challenges, take a look at the important art business lessons we will be celebrating for years to come.

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Keep taking small steps in your studio practice and art business—they add up. 

“Don’t stop. Small incremental steps add up in the end,” urges oil painter Rebecca Prince. 

Progress often comes in tiny, consistent doses—taking things day by day—instead of getting overwhelmed by the magnitude of your goals. But, challenges like resistance, fear, and discomfort can be formidable foes.

Rebbeca reflects on the challenges she faced, pointing out that resistance emerged as her strongest enemy this year. 

But, she's been able to transform that resistance by working through when it was uncomfortable. “Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone has made this year my best one yet.” 

Her advice? “Don't rush the process, there is no one right way or right next step.”

Angela Fehr, Streams in the Desert, 15 x 22 in

Diversify your art practice, but let it evolve.

When you start out in your art career, it’s tempting to focus on a single style or medium, or even believe that selling art should be your sole income source. 

Watercolor artist Angela Fehr advises that artists avoid specializing in their craft or medium too soon. 

“Think of your early years as your apprenticeship," she suggests. "Use that time to develop your skills and explore ways to diversify your art practice. The broader your influences, the more options you create for yourself.”

Consider teaching art workshops or courses, offering art-related services like illustration or arts writing, and exploring new mediums and techniques. Embrace the beginning of your art career as a time of growth, experimentation, and learning. 

But remember, your art practice is ever-evolving—it doesn't always have to look the same. 

“This year I chose to pace myself more intentionally,” Angela reflects. “I want to let go of saying yes to everything that will bring revenue, and focus instead on what will drive me and my art in the direction I want to take.”

Look at your art career with a growth-oriented mindset, allowing it to transform with you. 

 

Embrace challenges as chances for growth and self-reflection.

There is never a wrong time to reflect on your creative direction.

This year, multimedia abstract painter John Paul Berry practiced embracing the slower periods in art sales as an opportunity for self-discovery and exploration. 

Instead of dwelling on setbacks, John's goal was simple: “To see if there are ways I can change or branch off into a direction I've been wanting to explore.” 

When faced with challenges like galleries going out of business, think of them as another chance for you to reflect on where your art is headed and what you can do to improve.

Laura Hunt, Footbridge (Japanese Gardens), 8 x 8 x 0.875 in

Make as much artwork as you can.

"Paint. Paint a lot,” artist Laura Hunt declares. 

Producing art consistently is a surefire way to improve your skills. Just like any other craft, practice is essential for growth.

So, create as much artwork as you can, and do so without the burden of perfection. Free yourself from the paralyzing fear of making mistakes or producing flawless pieces every time you pick up your tools. 

“This will not only improve your work but will lead you toward the style that comes out of you naturally,” Laura adds.

When you create without the weight of perfection, you give yourself permission to experiment, take risks, and explore your true style.

 

Apply for art opportunities, but strategically.

We all know how valuable art opportunities are for our art careers. But, when you’re chasing down opportunities, think of quality over quantity. 

“Focus on only applying for the opportunities that best help reach your goals,” advises environmental artist Tracy Penn. 

Instead of spreading yourself thin and going after everything that comes your way, take a step back. Think about which opportunities truly align with your artistic visions, goals, and dreams. 

You’re more likely to land opportunities that will build meaningful connections and collaborations that can push your art career forward. 

Showing up is half the battle. 

We all have days when inspiration seems to be avoiding us. 

It’s something every artist has grappled with at some point. You’ve probably told yourself, “I can’t go to the studio today because I’m too busy/ too heartbroken/ my family needs me too much/ [insert any excuse here].”

It can be even more challenging when you’re confronted with the frustration of tackling difficult projects, or staying motivated when work doesn’t sell right away. 

So, how can you overcome these hurdles and keep your creativity flowing? Oil painter Cate Kauffman has a simple yet powerful solution: “I just make myself go into the studio. Usually, I can work once I’m there.” 

When you stop making excuses, when you refuse to yield to the fear masquerading as resistance and simply show up for yourself, you take control of your creative direction.

 

Craft a routine to keep you motivated.

You likely became an artist because you wanted to escape the nine-to-five. But, there is something to be said about setting working studio hours.

Your studio time, where you create your artwork, deserves its own dedicated time in your daily life. Creating a routine is key to keeping yourself accountable and mindful of your art practice. 

A routine isn’t about replicating the nine-to-five grind you sought to escape. Instead, it’s about setting a rhythm that aligns with your creative energy, letting you give your art career the attention it deserves. 

Yet, let’s not forget the not-so-glamourous side of being an artist—the admin work—the necessary evil that involves managing contacts, marketing, finances, and all the other bits and bobs that keep your art business afloat.

This is why visual storyteller Brandy Saturley recommends creating not one, but two schedules: “Make a schedule for office work and one for studio work. Try to adhere to them the best you can,” Brandy says. 

Integrating these schedules into your routine sets you up for success; it helps you navigate the fine line between being a free-spirited creator and a business owner and keeps you motivated to nurture every aspect of your art career. 

Petra Schott in her studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

Things develop at their own pace—there is no need to rush.

Painter Petra Schott’s advice is as simple as it is profound: “Just go on with what you love. Your love will guide you!“ 

As a professional artist pursuing something you love, you’re still bound to experience those frustrating moments when everything seems to hit a standstill. We’ve all been there, right? 

“At times, everything seems so stagnant, nothing moves on,” Schott confesses. “As I’m not a patient person, I try to press and rush things forward.”

Yet, Petra picked up a valuable lesson from a wise Japanese saying: “If you are in a hurry, make a detour.” For her, and many other artists, this saying holds true. 

Take a step back, catch your breath, and pause when you need to. Sometimes, things just need more time to unfold. 

 

You are your best business manager (at least at first)

This year, visual artist Alicia Bay Laurel discovered that “the business manager/agent I was hoping to find for my art business turned out to be me.” 

It's a realization that resonates with many successful artists who've ventured into the world of entrepreneurship.

(There’s a reason why we call you an “artrepreneur”)!

Even if you’re a thriving artist (or have dreams of reaching that level), it’s crucial to understand the ins and outs of your own art business. 

Whether you're a one-person show or managing a team, you need to be able to establish your foundation and set clear systems. If you're not familiar with the nitty-gritty details of your business, it's easier for things to slip through the cracks, and you might not even notice. 

When you’re at the point where you can hire a team, you’ll be able to guide them effectively and ensure that your art career stays on course.

Lisa Cirenza, Tulips, 63 x 45 x 3 cm (framed), 2023

Stay authentic to yourself, and don’t get caught up in the external noise. 

“Know your why, and stay true to it," says multi-media artist Lisa Cirenza.

Why is this important for you? Knowing your “why” will keep you on track. “It will help you stay the course and not get sidelined by all kinds of noise that keep telling you to divert off your chosen pathway,” insists Lisa. 

Take a moment to reflect on these questions: Why do you choose art as your medium of expression? What's the big picture you want to paint with your art? Who is your audience, and how does your creative mission connect with them? How do your materials and tools of expression further all of the above?  

Remember, this path of being an artist isn’t always smooth sailing. “It’s filled with boulders, storms, and slippery moments,” Lisa admits.

“Try not to miss the sublime joy in the journey gifted through those ‘aha’ moments, and the resonance of your work when others are moved by it.”

 

Keep complacency in check by regularly challenging yourself.

It's all too easy to settle into monotony, stick with what you know, and become comfortable with your body of work. While this familiarity might offer a sense of security, it can also lead to boredom. 

Your work might start to feel repetitive, predictable, and worst of all, uninspiring. You became an artist to escape these things, right? 

Artist Erin Parish understands this all too well. “Complacency and familiarity make my work stale,” she claims. “I set myself up with a challenge with each work of art I make, requiring me to learn new skills and often take risks.”

Not everything in art needs to be meticulously planned. Sometimes, the unexpected can lead to marvelous outcomes (or “happy accidents” as Erin puts it). 

Rebecca Rath En plein air painting in Broken Back Mountains Australia. Photo courtesy of the artist

Creative burnout is real, take care of yourself.

Creative burnout is a very real challenge that many artists face at any stage of their careers, especially after significant projects or prolonged periods of intense work.

“After a big solo exhibition, I gave myself time to sit on the couch, eat whatever I wanted, and watch the entire series of the Hunger Games,” remembers painter Rebecca Rath. 

“I realized that putting too much on my plate doesn’t mean I’m successful. It’s not healthy or productive to work this way."

Success in the art world isn't solely measured by the quantity of work produced or the number of exhibitions held. True success also includes your well-being, the sustainability of your creative practice, and the impact your art has on others. (And, let’s be real, you won’t create your best work when you’re burnt out).

So, grant yourself permission to rest, not as a luxury, but as a fundamental part of your art practice. Unplug, reflect, and recharge, and continue to create from a place of balance and well-being. 

 

Don’t underestimate the power of getting organized.

We'll say it again: as an artist, one of the most important things to realize is that you are not just a creator of art; you are also a business owner.  

The more organized you are in your business, the less stress you have in your life—that's where we come in. 

Artwork Archive is more than an inventory management tool; it’s a partner in your art career.

With tools that help you manage your art inventory, track your exhibitions and sales, and even connect with collectors, it covers the essential aspects of running your art business efficiently. 

What’s more? You don’t have to wait until you’ve built a large body of work or racked up numerous exhibitions. Artwork Archive is a tool designed to support artists at any stage of their careers. 

In fact, environmental artist Tracy Penn firmly stands by her advice to "start using Artwork Archive right from the beginning to help track your art career.” It'll be a lot easier if you do! 

Embracing organization isn't just a practical choice—it’s a powerful step toward unlocking your art career’s full potential. Want to see how it can boost your own art business? Create your free account.