Artists: Ditch Starving, Build a Business

Opinion: The starving artist trope needs to die. The arts are a vital part of our society, and artists deserve to thrive, not just survive. By adopting specific business strategies, embracing technology, and prioritizing self-promotion, artists can build sustainable and fulfilling careers. So, what are the proven strategies that separate hobbyists from true professionals in the arts news space?

Embrace the Business Side of Art

For too long, artists have been told to focus solely on their craft, leaving the “dirty work” of business to others. This is a recipe for disaster. I’ve seen countless talented individuals struggle simply because they lacked basic business acumen. In my experience, success in the arts demands a dual focus: honing your artistic skills and mastering the fundamentals of business.

What does this look like in practice? It means understanding your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your art? What are their interests, their values, and their spending habits? Once you know your audience, you can tailor your marketing efforts to reach them effectively.

It also means pricing your work appropriately. Don’t undervalue your time and talent. Research comparable works, factor in your materials costs, and add a reasonable profit margin. Remember, you’re running a business, not a charity. And don’t be afraid to negotiate, but always know your bottom line.

I had a client last year who was creating stunning ceramic sculptures, but she was selling them for barely more than the cost of materials. She was afraid to ask for more, fearing that no one would buy them. After working with her to develop a pricing strategy that reflected the true value of her work, she not only increased her sales but also attracted a more discerning clientele who appreciated the quality and craftsmanship of her art. She moved from selling at local craft fairs in Brookhaven to having her pieces displayed at the Alan Avery Art Company on Peachtree Road.

Master the Art of Self-Promotion

Talent alone is not enough. You need to get your work in front of the right people. This means actively promoting yourself and your art.

Social media is an essential tool for self-promotion. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even LinkedIn can be powerful channels for reaching potential collectors, galleries, and collaborators. Share high-quality images and videos of your work, engage with your followers, and participate in relevant online communities.

But social media is just one piece of the puzzle. You also need to build a strong online presence. Create a professional website showcasing your portfolio, biography, and contact information. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. No one wants to squint at a desktop-sized page on their phone while waiting for the MARTA train.

Don’t forget about traditional marketing methods. Send out press releases to local media outlets, such as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, announcing upcoming exhibitions or events. Network with other artists, curators, and gallery owners. Attend art openings, workshops, and conferences. The more people you meet, the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself. Don’t underestimate the arts as a key to innovation.

Here’s what nobody tells you: self-promotion can feel uncomfortable, even self-aggrandizing. But it’s a necessary part of being a professional artist. Think of it not as bragging, but as sharing your passion and connecting with people who appreciate your work.

Leverage Technology to Your Advantage

Technology has revolutionized the art world, creating new opportunities for artists to create, share, and sell their work. Embrace these tools and use them to your advantage.

Digital art tools, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, offer artists new ways to experiment with different mediums and techniques. Online platforms like Etsy and Shopify make it easier than ever to sell your art directly to collectors around the world. And online marketing tools, such as Google Analytics, can help you track your website traffic and measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

Consider using project management software like Asana or Trello to organize your projects, track deadlines, and collaborate with other artists. These tools can help you stay organized and productive, freeing up more time to focus on your art. Are newsrooms adopting AI for cultural trends? It’s worth considering for your own business.

Don’t get left behind. The art world is evolving at breakneck speed. Those who adapt and embrace new technologies will be the ones who thrive.

Case Study: The Digital Muralist

Let’s look at a hypothetical example. Imagine an Atlanta-based muralist named Anya Sharma. Anya specializes in large-scale, digitally-designed murals for businesses and public spaces.

Five years ago, Anya relied solely on word-of-mouth and local connections to find work. She created stunning murals, but her income was inconsistent. In 2024, she decided to take a more proactive approach to her career.

First, she invested in a professional website showcasing her portfolio and testimonials from satisfied clients. She used high-quality images and videos of her murals, and she optimized her website for search engines using relevant keywords, like “Atlanta muralist” and “corporate murals Atlanta.”

Next, Anya ramped up her social media presence. She started posting regularly on Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes photos and videos of her mural-making process. She also used targeted advertising to reach potential clients in the Atlanta area.

Finally, Anya began using a project management tool to organize her projects and track her deadlines. This helped her stay on schedule and deliver her murals on time and within budget.

The results were dramatic. Within one year, Anya’s website traffic increased by 300%. Her Instagram following grew from 500 to over 5,000. And her annual income more than doubled. In 2025, she secured a major commission to create a mural at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, catapulting her career to the next level.

Anya’s success is a testament to the power of combining artistic talent with smart business strategies and technology. And as we’ve seen, culture can be a key driver, so it’s worth considering how culture drives business success.

Some might argue that focusing on business and self-promotion detracts from the artistic process. They might say that artists should focus solely on creating, leaving the marketing and sales to others. I disagree. While it’s important to prioritize your creative work, ignoring the business side of art is a surefire way to limit your potential. No one is going to champion you if you don’t champion yourself first.

The starving artist trope is a self-fulfilling prophecy. By embracing business strategies, mastering self-promotion, and leveraging technology, artists can break free from this harmful stereotype and build thriving, sustainable careers. It’s time to rewrite the narrative and empower artists to achieve their full potential.

Don’t wait for success to find you. Take control of your career and start building the art business of your dreams today. Begin by creating a simple website showcasing your best work and actively promoting it on social media. The future of your art career depends on it.

The next step is clear: dedicate one hour each day this week to updating your online portfolio, focusing on high-quality images and compelling descriptions. Don’t just show your art, tell its story.