How Does an Artist Become Successful?

What makes one artist successful and another not?

I was talking with the mother of an artist recently, and she desperately wanted me to confirm that artists cannot make a living. She's so worried about her daughter's decision to pursue art. What could I say? I'm standing in her daughter's shoes, but wisdom helps me see her perspective too.

I think it's much easier to be an unsuccessful artist -- that's why we see so many of them. If an artist wants to be successful, it requires a lot of work.

Success requires the following skills:

• Lots of talent and versatility - There are many reasons that affect a person's decision to buy art: aesthetic appeal, financial investment, decorating decisions. An artist needs to be able to create very good art. At the same time, they need to understand current popular trends in art and decorating, and integrate them into their own personal style.

• Willingness to learn new skills - Being successful means learning general business management, sales and marketing skills. Whether it's accounting, business licenses, contracts, tax issues, designing an exhibit, or selling your artwork directly to customers or indirectly to galleries, an artist needs to be talented in many areas.

So, you say, "I can't do all of these things. I'll just get signed up with an art rep." If that is your goal, you will still need to promote your artwork until you are discovered -- and this could take years. By learning these skills, you will become much more professional, increasing your appeal to galleries and art reps.

Alyson Stanfield offers several courses and resources to help bring up the level of professionalism of your art business. http://www.artbizcoach.com/

I would like to encourage other artists out there to not give up, but be willing to re-evaluate their business approach. It's always good to have some critics that you trust who will tell you the truth about your art and business strategies.

Wisdom has taught me that I will never know everything, but to always be willing to learn from those who know more than you.