Some artists make work that has no physical aspect to it – but choose to make recordings or photographs of actions and sell these.  Some artists make objects with a strong intention to sell them, or make editions or multiples.  Some artists don’t want any contact between their creative and financial lives.  There are as many different ways to be an artist as there are artists, but we hope some of the tools and resources here can help you act on your decision and be comfortable with your choice.

How can you make a living in a way that doesn’t compromise your artistic practice?

1. Spend wisely – the less money you need, the greater choice you have about how you earn it.
2. Have a portfolio of ways to make an income – if you have a few ways to make money, inside or outside the arts, you are in a stronger position if one of them fails or your practice changes.
3. Make the most of your assets – if your practice supports ways of making money on an ongoing basis, develop ways that your comfortable in making money.  Perhaps you have an image you can edition or license, a product idea you could develop or sell, or some skills you can teach?  Some of these may develop into ‘cash-cows’ that can produce a regular income but take little time or effort once they are set up.
4. Planning – you’re an artist, not a business, but anyone who wants to get somewhere can start by making a plan.  Once you know where you’re heading, you can work out how to get there.

• integrity
• earn money
• spend wisely
• assets
• planning
• business