Full Time Artist - Make a Living with Art Shows

Do I have to be Crazy?

When I’m exhibiting my jewelry, so many people say to me dreamily "I wish I could make a living as an artist." They really believe it’s a fantasy.

Have you wondered what it would take to become a full time artist? If you knew me, you’d realize I’m a pretty normal sort of middle aged woman. I’m not crazy, like they say artists are supposed to be. I’m not overly driven by my work.

In fact, I like to watch movies with my husband, our son and his wife, baby sit for my 4 year old granddaughter, and make homemade coconut milk ice cream. In other words, I’m not a workaholic, but work is certainly a large part of my life as an artist.

What to do First

I’m assuming you have already created something to sell. Be honest with yourself- if you need to practice more to have a professional item that can be sold, then please do that first! You don’t want to waste your time, or the time of a promoter or shop owner if your creations aren’t professional enough yet.

If you have aspirations of working as a visual artist, these are some things you might want to consider doing:

• Subscribe to a publication such as Sunshine Artists
• Attend some local crafts shows and get a feel for the environment
• Check out some shops that sell original arts and crafts

Now you’re just gathering information. It’s part of learning what people want to see. And it’s a good way to get inspired.

Arts and Crafts Shows- How to be Seen

One of the great things about a crafts show is that you will learn first hand what people want to see. One of the best ways to know what to create is the reaction of the public to your work.

I’ve made jewelry that I was thrilled with. Unfortunately, I was the only one who was. That inspired piece of jewelry sat unnoticed through five or six art shows until finally someone picked it up. And usually put it back down again.

The lesson is don’t be offended if your masterpiece is only a masterpiece to you. These things happen.

You’ll learn a lot through what people are purchasing. My advice is to find out first, before you put your heart and soul into creating 50 hand-painted shovel holders, what people are likely to buy.

But whatever you make, make it unique. Never copy another artist or craftsperson’s work. That’s the quickest way to not get into an art show. Promoters want original work done by the exhibiting artist. And it’s what the public deserves as well.

Besides, don’t you want to sleep well at night?

How do I Locate Good Shows?

There are a number of publications that have recommendations for lucrative art shows. I mentioned one such publication earlier, but don’t just depend on comments in a magazine. I’ve found that other artists are the best source of finding out where to go. Most craftspeople are generous about sharing their opinions and experiences.

Shows do vary in popularity from year to year. Sometimes an outdoor show is incredible one year and the next year it rains all three days.

And since you’re just starting out, you may want to stick to shows in your own state. We have traveled across the country for an excellent art show, but I wouldn’t recommend it to a new artist, assuming you were juried into such a show.

There are expenses to traveling, and the whole purpose is to make money, right? So stay close to home until you have a direction with your art that is starting to pay the bills. Meanwhile, as I said in my earlier article, keep your day job.

Do I need my own Booth?

Absolutely. I guarantee that there is not a single artist in any show anywhere who does not own his or her own booth set up. I’ve never come across an art show that provides the tent for you.

Every booth set up is unique. You can look at other artist’s booths just to get some idea of what is needed to display your work to full advantage. Talk to some of the old timers about their favorite brands of booths.

Your booth should be:

• 10 X 10
• Substantial enough to resist mild wind
• Easy for 2 people to put up.
Keep in mind ease of set up is not the first priority here. There are some booths that can be easily put up by just one person, but in a windstorm they sail away like gigantic kites. Not good

When will I be a Full Time Artist?

I think anyone with talent and drive can become a full time artist or crafts person within a year. It may take less time. I’ve always been confident in my ability to make a living as an artist, and it took me about 2 months!

I started out selling my jewelry door to door to businesses in California back in the 1980s. I didn’t do my first art show for about 6 months. I went directly to my potential customers, and there is a lot of appeal in that.

But you have to be pretty confident, and also kind of thick skinned. Not everyone will like your art. So what?

One of these days you’ll be sitting pretty with your livelihood as an artist, and whatever you went through on the way there won’t matter.

Take it a Day at a Time

Don’t worry if you need to improve your skills before applying to an art show. That is the sign of a real artist, as far as I’m concerned. You need to be your own judge of when you’re ready.

Art and artists are unique, that’s what makes us so special. Be sure you tap into your own creativity, and once you’re expressing yourself don’t let anyone talk you out of it.

My love of jewelry goes way back; it seems like the art form that has always called my name. If you think you’d like to try life as an art show artist, there are publications to help you choose where to apply.