It’s more than just art

IT’S happening. After much soul-searching, you are ready to take the leap and follow your passion to become a professional artist. Incredible!

Just let it sink in for a moment. You have done the biggest part – taking a risk – because many artists let excuses and fear stop them from even trying.

But you believe in yourself and your abilities, and that’s the all-important first step.

Despite the excitement, your head is not in the clouds and you understand the road ahead, because establishing yourself in the arts community and making a living from your work is not going to happen overnight!

It will take planning, time, effort, dedication, and a devotion to lifelong learning.

Now that you have chosen to take the leap, figuring out what to do next can be the trickiest part.

While you have pictured success in your mind, the space between that and your current situation looks a little blank at the moment - so, where exactly do you begin, you might ask.

Plan it all out - and I mean everything!

When many people decide to become professional artists, they often don’t realise they are actually starting their own arts business.

Like any business starting out, a business plan can help you map out the basics.

It sounds formal, I know, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Grab your laptop or a notepad and start jotting down the plans you have for this new and creative career.

Start by defining your art practice. What is your mission? How will you define success? What shortand long-term goals will help you achieve these?

Be specific, and stay true to what you want out of a career in the arts. Every artist will have a different answer.

Whether it's a piece of art or a performance, you're selling a product. People pay for it, so it's a business.