How to Sustain a Professional Art Practice

Here are a few practical things to keep in mind

Sustaining a professional art practice takes discipline. Showing up is number one!

1. Show Up. I know this sounds simple, but moving through the highs and lows is what grows your practice. 

This means even when you don't feel like it.

This doesn’t mean you always need to be painting. You can spend time revising artist statements, cleaning the studio, documenting inventory, or researching industry events. However, your time spent on painting needs to be consistent. 

2. Iteration. Keep revising and honing on what you are communicating to yourself first, then your audience.

 What are you communicating?

Work changes when we are being true to ourselves. This takes professionalism to the next level whether you are choosing to sell on your own, through social media, or through contacts.

In terms of galleries, it’s possible to go through lulls, but try to have four galleries that represent you across different states. This might change at times. Maybe you only have one for a while, but keep your eye out and be moving forward in the future. 

What questions do you have about the practical side of stepping into the role of Painter?