What's the best piece of advice you have for a struggling artist?

  • Grace Bonney

    research, research, research. there's always someone out there who's living your dream life or job. find out more about how they got where they are, and see if there are things they're doing you can learn from.

    research business advice as well. i find a lot of artists neglect the half of their job that's business based, and could be benefitting from a lot of great business and marketing techniques that would help them get press or better promote their work to customers. there are so many websites these days (including d*s, design for mankind and indie fixx' biz advice section) that give free advice from experts on a regular basis. check them out and see what tools might be missing from your business toolbox.

    also research your local network. finding people in a similar position as yourself makes for a great support group. when one person tries and learns something, the rest of the group can learn and benefit from that. so connect with your local support system and take advantage of the friendship and guidance they can offer.

    and lastly, when in doubt: make a business plan. i know it's not fun or exciting right off the bat, bu sometimes when you're forced to sit down and examine your goals and problems, a solution becomes clearer. perhaps some of your time is being spent on things you could delegate to an intern- try using that extra time to promote your work or visit more shops that could carry it.

  • Grace Bonney

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