Research thoroughly how you might become more economically successful. This can be achieved by developing commercial skills or products, exploiting your copyright, extending your skills, and working in temporary jobs. Understanding your entitlement to relevant benefits and working tax credits, see Step Two: Cash Strapped.
Many artists are still able to successfully sell their work from galleries for the collecting or residential market. Making commercial art does not suit every artist (or their work), and many generate further income from other creative sources such as workshops, residences, community arts, teaching, new technology, working with businesses, arts administration or management. It is worth bearing in mind that very few artists thrive on gallery sales alone. If your work is poetic in nature then you may find it difficult to generate a decent livelihood from sales of your artwork alone.
It is worth gaining experience of different income generation activates and finding out about related work opportunities. Joining professional organisations, networking, e-newsletters and jobs mailing lists are vital sources of information. (See end of this section). Ask other artists and creative professionals how they make a living. Often you will discover that there is no need to 'reinvent the wheel' for yourself.
You may find that although you have art qualifications you also have 'skills gaps'. This can be disheartening, but don't panic. Spend some time deciding what other skills or qualifications you need. It may be appropriate to undertake Professional Development courses in your subject area (for example learning about arts management or administration), this can increase freelance work opportunities.
You may discover that learning how to design websites, use digital and 3D modelling software, or understand animation techniques will be relevant to your activities.
A popular option is part-time lecturing or teaching. You will now find an arts degree or diploma is rarely sufficient to teach at adult level within colleges. It is advisable to contact the college you would like to work for, and check with the Art Faculty and Human Resources Department which credentials they accept or if they offer new employees appropriate training? This is worth doing as there are numerous teaching qualifications.
To find out more about adult teaching courses see the city-and-guilds website, and look for City and Guilds 7407 Stage One and Two Adult Teacher Training Certificates as these are the most popular qualifications. There is also the Postgraduate Certificate in Education, a more advance course, see http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/thetrainingprocess/typesofcourse.aspx.
A note of caution though, lecturers pay is minimal when compared to commercial salaries. Teaching posts when advertised attract a multitude of applications, so it is a very competitive field.
Once you identify potential income sources, you will probably need to expand your expertise by gaining employment in these areas. Many arts and community organisations (and galleries) welcome interns or people seeking work experience. Often you would be expected to work for free, but some offer expenses; organisations such as local council-run youth clubs offer a standard amount per evening to volunteers, and galleries generally provide travel costs. Occasionally, this kind of work can lead to paid employment. However it is arguable that there is a 'volunteer culture' within the visual arts. Be wise... find a balance of absorbing valuable experience without being taken advantage of.
Many arts organisations and colleges rely on temping agencies to fill short-term vacancies. Find out from the institution you want to work for, if they use a recruitment agency, then go and register with them.
It is an important fact to remember that updating your knowledge and skills is an ongoing process.
Useful Books and Resources
The Artists Year Book, Thames and Hudson.
Fantastic Resource Book for Visual Artists
Why are Artists Poor? The Exceptional Economy of the Arts
Hans Abbing, Amsterdam University Press
Good background reading to develop broader mindset
The Artist's Guide to Selling Work
Annabelle Ruston, Black/Fine Art Trade Guild
This is a brilliant book for any painter, printmaker, photographer or sculptor wishing to approach and sale through galleries and art fairs.
London Art and Artists Guide
Heather Waddell
www.hwlondonartandartistsguide.com/books.htm
E-newsletters
Links for Arts News and Arts Jobs www.artscouncil.org.uk
To register for Arts Digest www.artsadmin.co.uk
Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts www.ecca-london.co.uk
Legal info www.own-it.org
City Lit
Centre for Teacher and
Management Training
t. 020 7492 2537
f. 020 7492 2739
e. pd.training@citylit.ac.uk
w.www.citylit.ac.uk
Contact them for information about introductory, level one and two adult teacher training qualifications.