HOW TO SURVIVE AS A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST
Sarah Edmonds looks at the different ways you can make an income without compromising your passion for art
Holding down the same job for 40 years until retirement is a thing of the past. These days we are all juggling what’s commonly known as a ‘portfolio career’ – different strands of business that make up our annual income, and it’s no different for an artist.
Let’s reframe the pastiche of the penniless artist, living in a garret! These days an artist with a commercial mindset and desire to succeed can maximise all the platforms at their disposal in a growth industry brimming with optimism. This kind of environment makes a portfolio career an entirely viable one. The UK claims 24 per-cent of the global art market and generates 8 billion pounds a year – and it is growing.
Digital media has revolutionised the art world as an e-commerce and auction platform, enabling the sale of art at every level – online art sales are forecast to increase exponentially. Alongside the many advantages for artists, it has spawned a raft of associated specialists including arts marketing, specialist production agencies and websites geared towards online galleries, exhibitions, sales and curation.
In the past few years there has been a surge in the arts and crafts industry, with many of us turning away from our screens to more mindful past times. Time at home will have allowed you to focus on creating and perhaps you are at the point where you want to take the next step.
In this month’s case study, artist Barry Herniman shares how he made the leap from graphic designer to full-time artist and viewed the transition as ‘a golden opportunity’. Over time, he has built up a busy schedule that includes painting, writing, demonstrating and teaching at home and abroad. As an ambassador for respected German art materials brand Schmincke, author of three books, a regular contributor to this magazine and demonstrator at the Patchings Art Festival, he has a rounded knowledge of the industry and a deep passion for his craft.
His determined and positive approach has helped him nurture a network of industry colleagues and supporters, providing a solid framework for longevity, recognising early on that taking a long-term view and commitment would be an important factor in making a living from art. Seeking out opportunities, but also having a responsive mindset is helpful – saying yes to offers, aligning yourself with likeminded organisations, building relationships and enjoying the work. ‘Now that I am more established, I can make a living at it and the rewards of doing what I absolutely love far outweigh the financial aspects.’
So how do you stay motivated when things don’t go to plan? ‘Those times when you don’t feel like being positive are the times when choosing to be positive makes the biggest difference. Looking back I think my main strength has been staying positive – to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negatives seems to work for me.’
I have witnessed first-hand Barry’s infectious enthusiasm as he leads a group of painters down an overgrown path and onto the canal towpath for a day of plein-air painting in the sparkling sunshine. The combination of adventuring, painting and sharing his immense joy with others is his sweet spot.