Sustainability is a term used to encompass strategies, practices and policies that meet business and society’s present needs without compromising the ability to meet needs in the future. Do artists need to be concerned with sustainability?
Let’s look at sustaining, building and maintaining your own art business. Unfortunately, the days of the art patron seem to be long over. Most artists must balance efforts to product works of art with efforts to sell and promote their artwork. Very few artists ever reach a point where they can afford a dedicated staff, agent or line of galleries handling all their business affairs for them.
To be successful, you have to invest time selling, marketing, promoting and doing all the hundreds of activities necessary so you can have the time to produce your artwork. But if you spend too much time trying to sell or promote your work, you’re not creating. In my experience, you have to find the right balance of time and priorities to sustain your business that fits you. You must make a commitment to schedules and time. You must have the discipline to keep to your priorities and schedule.
Over time, you’ll probably find your own balancing point where you create during the week and sell some weekends when there are shows. You’re probably much more productive as an artist than you are a sales person . However, I have observed a number of really great sales people who are selling their art at a high price but having problems with the creative process. You have to search to identify the balance that fits your lifestyle, interests and passion. And, this point will change over time as your artistic reputation and marketing skills changes.
It takes an initial investment of time and energy to kick-start your sustainable art business. And, you need to reinvesting if you take unusual amounts of time off or withdraw large amounts of work from the business. It’s all about balance and sustainability.
Richard F. Farrell
