Advice for Artists / Another Reality Check: Selling Art as a Career
This blog post was inspired by a comment from another artist with an MFA, who expressed their frustrations about making a living as a full-time artist. Like me, this artist has been giving it their all for over 10 years and has scarcely made a profit. At the end of the year, they barely break even after all the expenses of being an artist and business owner add up. This mirrors my own experience, and I wanted to write something in response and in support of this sentiment. I've met numerous young artists, filled with excitement about their future, who look at me and feel inspired, believing they can make a living selling their artwork. In reality, it is not that simple.
A Bit About Me
I am a mixed-media artist living between Chicago and Detroit. I hold a BFA and MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the best art schools in the country. Art has always been a part of my life; it’s something I never stopped doing from childhood. When I turned 15, I decided I wanted to go to art school. I became obsessed, spending every waking moment making art, reading about art, exploring materials and techniques, and traveling to learn more about art.
After graduate school, I applied to over 100 teaching positions at universities across the United States. I received callbacks from only three and didn’t get the jobs. Instead, I finally found a position at a local museum art school, making a meager $7.50 an hour after accounting for the time it took to prep classes. Frustrated with teaching and finding it emotionally and creatively draining, I decided to step away.
After having an office day job for a couple of years, my husband encouraged me to try art fairs, something I had previously dismissed due to the manual labor involved and the dismal profits I experienced after trying it a couple times. My 6’7” husband offered to help, and so our journey in the art fair circuit began.
The first year was pretty dismal, but I made enough to pay for my booth setup that I made myself. The second year, I doubled what I made. The next year, I doubled it again. Now, 10 years in, I leave an art fair with a chunk of change—but it’s still not enough. As your business grows, you need more: more materials, more equipment, more time, more space, more business expenses, and more help. I still find myself barely breaking even at the end of the year despite selling what most people would consider a lot of art.
The Hard Truths of Selling Art
1. Niche Market
Very few people consider themselves art collectors. There are far more people who consider themselves artists compared to those who consider themselves art collectors.
2. Highly Competitive Market
There are too many educated artists competing for the same small pool of buyers. The sheer volume of talent makes it difficult to stand out.
3. Saturation of Art Shows
There are too many art shows, dispersing the art buyers. This saturation means that the potential customer base for any given event is smaller.
4. Expensive Participation
Art events are very expensive to participate in, often with a low return on investment. The costs for booth fees, travel, lodging, and materials can quickly add up, sometimes outstripping sales.
5. Volatile Art Market
The art market is incredibly volatile. Economic downturns can lead to prolonged periods without sales, making it difficult to maintain a stable income.
I've had a month where I made $15,000, followed by two years where I made half of that. This inconsistency is not sustainable for most people.
6. Competition with Mass Production
Artists are competing with cheap, mass-produced art from countries like China. You can go to a grocery store and buy "art" for your wall at a fraction of the cost of an original piece.
The Martyrdom of Being an Artist
Artists are often expected to be martyrs. Whenever I price my work appropriately for the time, my education, and the financial investment I have made into my practice, it doesn’t sell because it is cost prohibitive to most people. I often hear comments about my prices when I price appropriately for my time and material investment. If the average person understood the financial investment I have made into my studio and looked at my books, they would wonder why I am doing this. The answer is this: I am obsessed with making art and I cannot stop. I am a martyr for my art.
But that doesn’t make a sustainable business.
This reality is hard for my family, who pity me and have negative feelings about my inability to find traditional success in this field. My work is in private collections all around the world, I have exhibited internationally, I have made big epic works of art that have actually sold. But, if you look at my art in financial terms, it would appear to be a failure. This is a hard thing emotionally and financially for me to live with.
The Van Gogh Paradox
Reflecting on the struggles of making a living as an artist, it's worth considering the story of Vincent van Gogh. Despite being one of the most celebrated artists in history, van Gogh famously sold only one painting during his lifetime. This stark reality underscores the unpredictable and often heartbreaking nature of the art world.
Van Gogh's story is a powerful reminder that even immense talent and dedication do not guarantee financial success. He produced over 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, yet he lived in poverty, supported primarily by his brother Theo. Today, van Gogh's works are priceless, but during his life, he battled obscurity and financial instability.
This historical example serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring artists. The art world is notoriously fickle, and recognition may come too late—or not at all. Van Gogh's life illustrates that passion and commitment to art can coexist with profound struggles.
So, as you embark on your artistic journey, remember van Gogh. Embrace your passion, but also be prepared for the challenges. Diversify your income streams and remain open to various opportunities within the art world, such as teaching, commissions, or even unrelated day jobs. This balance can provide the financial stability needed to sustain your creative pursuits without sacrificing your dreams.
Exploring Other Avenues
It's important to note that there are various ways to make money as an artist beyond selling art directly. This article focuses specifically on the challenges of selling art. I often joke that making a living as an artist is all about hustling—finding the right combination of activities to pay the bills. This might include teaching, commission work, murals, graphic design, day jobs, and more.
My intention is not to dissuade you from pursuing your passion as an artist. I simply want to offer a reality check about the difficulties of quitting your day job to exclusively sell your art. While the journey is rewarding in many ways, it's crucial to be prepared for the financial and emotional challenges that come with it. Balance your passion with practical considerations, and keep your eyes open to the diverse opportunities within the art world that can help you sustain your creative life.