Painting is my passion and I have always loved doing it since childhood. I am very confident in my work and know I can compete with the big guys as far as quality of work. Every job I have worked or anyone who knows me always tell me im wasting my time working a regular job. I have a job now making $45,000 a year (which I hate!!) .Thats not a bad income but I would love to be making at least that doing Art fairs and shows. over a period of time I have invested money in materials and supplies to prepare for my shows. I have everything I now need to do a large show. being that I have a custom furniture business also with my brother the cost of my equipment did not come from my household or directly out of pocket. And big items such as my truck and trailer would be used for both. So one kind of offset the other. I have a mentor whose been doing shows for awhile now and is very successful. He tells me that my work and his are similar and if he is doing it so can I. Also is willing to help me out in any way I need. My problem is self sabotage!! I know that shows are unpredictable and no one makes the same doing them, but it would be nice for some vets to share some of thier profit making stories. Im not getting into it for just the money at all, but that is a big part of staying in it. Is it a far reach to make $45,000 a year doing shows? I just never really hear artist mention how their year went. Im not looking for reinforcement, and I dont doubt my skills but its always encouraging to hear somone elses testimony. If anyone was or in my simiiar situation, what made you just step out and become a fulltime Show exhibitor?
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I've wondered the same thing you have recently but my story is a little different. I actually have been self employed for over 15 years in the landscape construction industry. It treated me very well through the building boom here in Ann Arbor. Recently it's gotten a little sassy. I decided to try shows a couple of years ago before the .... hit the fan. Right before actually. Granted it's been crappy here for several years anyway. For the last two seasons my photography has basically saved me. I take very little out of the landscape co. and rely on the show to supplement the income for my personal life. The landscape co does fine paying its own overhead and keeps several people employed for the working season. HOWEVER, it does not pay me much anymore. I'm just maintaining the assets at this point.
Initially I was hoping the shows would just help during the downturn, but I've started relying on them more this past year. I do about two dozen shows now, on top of running a full time landscape company. Plus, for some crazy reason my wife and I opened a small frame shop this year in our hometown. Needless to say I'm a busy beaver and I rarely get a chance to enjoy life and my family (until the winter that is).
Problem is that as far as I can figure, none of the three businesses I own can support me full time at this point. The question is, if I put more effort and energy into just one would it be that much better? Probably not right now. I think the key as mentioned before is to keep the expenses to a minimum. It's hard to do in my case, but I could sell the equipment from landscaping and have a small nest egg to sit on and I mean small...
I need to do something soon or I'm going to stress myself into a heart attack.
Honestly, I like doing the art thing the best. It's very rewarding and enjoyable, I get to travel a bit, I enjoy the look on people's faces and the comments I get when they see my stuff, I get to meet a ton of people and when you hit it, it's awesome.
I will probably make the plunge in a couple of years when I can get everything in place and evaluate the condition of the economy, but in my opinion you need a couple of years to test the market for your stuff and make adjustments to it. Use that time to get everything in place such as the CC's getting paid off, getting a sturdy vehicle that will last you, pay things in advance, stock up on inventory/materials. Inherently you will acquire your stock and equipment over time rather than having to invest too much right away. Just like getting ready for a storm so to speak. After two + years and 50 shows later I finally have most everything I need, but just two weeks ago I finally got my last set of propanels and a bigger tent for those double booth shows.
Bottom line is that I think you should go into it slowly. I did the same thing with landscaping, as I worked on the weekends and after my other job (as a landscape designer) to build up the equipment and here's the kicker...
the client base.
For any chance at success, you need to maintain your relationships with your past, present, and future clients. Part of the problem with landscaping I've had is that I don't do this, mostly because I have this feeling that I don't want to do it anymore and it's always easier to rely on yourself than other people, especially in this industry. I'm not saying that's the only thing, just keep it in mind.
One more thing. I would still try to keep your foot in the door with whatever you're doing now. Whether it's with the same company or not, try to keep current with what you're doing in case you have to bail. Keep that skill set if you can. I know I can do what I do later with another company if I need to. Question is, will there be a job there? One of the main benefits to getting into this slowly is that at the fork in the road, you still have a choice. The road up to that point can be a little bumpy, but once you make the turn, it's harder to go back.
Thanks for asking the question I've been wondering about myself. I've tried to ask others at shows about doing this, but everyones situation is different so it doesn't really help much.
Good luck!
Melanie Rolfes > Peter William KatkeSeptember 27, 2010 at 1:15pm
My parents were not very supportive of me becoming a working artist when I was younger. So I got a degree in accounting when I went to college. It has helped me run my business ever since. It is very difficult to run a business and be creative. One steals from the other. There is an excellent book I highly suggest reading when you are going to start any type of new business. Much of it is common sense, but is a good reminder to us all. My husband was assigned this book in his executive MBA program. It is called Art Of The Start. It is a a really quick read.
Wonderful advice above. In addition, I hope you are reading around this website. There is excellent advice under the blog posting "Cherry Creek, Lakefront Milwaukee,..." -- it gives another perspective on the vagaries of income producing in this business.
I especially like Chris' advice above -- pay down every bill, make your personal overhead as low as possible. Few people in this business are living a high life financially, but many are living a very satisfying life filled with earning their living by the sweat of their brow with their creativity and passion.
James Dargocey > Connie MettlerSeptember 26, 2010 at 10:56am
This is such a great thread that everyone just starting out should read!!!
I wanted to take a really really early retirement from my government job which meant I would lose 70% of any pension I might get. I started to perfect my craft and apply to shows while I was still working. It was hard to do both, but after 2 years of experimentation I knew I was doing the right thing. I was happier in my little 10X10 canopy than in my 10X10 cubicle. In the morning when I go up to my studio in my jammie pants and ragged sweatshirt, I am happy. Are there tough times? Heck, yeah. When I started this a dozen years ago, people were throwing money at us. That went South pretty quickly, but I adjusted to the times and my shows just keep getting better. Maybe now my sales are from a zillion tiny sales, but so what. You have to adapt. If you subsidize with retail and a web site, you get even closer to what you need. Remember that you have to subtract all your expenses, and there are many, from that income figure. Net pay from a job just means before taxes. In this business it is before taxes and fees and supplies and equipment. Biig difference.
Prepare, pay off your credit cards, don't take on any new bills for a while, be frugal.
I could not do this without my husband. He is my rock and tent erector. :)
I have never looked back once and said "gee, I wish I was still in that cubicle making a paycheck."
Thanks Pat for your story. That's very encouraging. Everyone seem to have similiar advice which is all great!!! We all think on the same level as far as passion and love for our gift. I realize that I am on the right path and I don't want go look back any farther and say I wish... I did. I took off work today just so I can work on a painting that I'm so excited about finishing. I know with God first and the loving support if my wife, failure is not an option. Thank you all so much for being so open with your stories.
Pat Sorbini said:
I wanted to take a really really early retirement from my government job which meant I would lose 70% of any pension I might get. I started to perfect my craft and apply to shows while I was still working. It was hard to do both, but after 2 years of experimentation I knew I was doing the right thing. I was happier in my little 10X10 canopy than in my 10X10 cubicle. In the morning when I go up to my studio in my jammie pants and ragged sweatshirt, I am happy. Are there tough times? Heck, yeah. When I started this a dozen years ago, people were throwing money at us. That went South pretty quickly, but I adjusted to the times and my shows just keep getting better. Maybe now my sales are from a zillion tiny sales, but so what. You have to adapt. If you subsidize with retail and a web site, you get even closer to what you need. Remember that you have to subtract all your expenses, and there are many, from that income figure. Net pay from a job just means before taxes. In this business it is before taxes and fees and supplies and equipment. Biig difference.Prepare, pay off your credit cards, don't take on any new bills for a while, be frugal.
I could not do this without my husband. He is my rock and tent erector. :)
I have never looked back once and said "gee, I wish I was still in that cubicle making a paycheck."
Passion. Do you have it? I describe passion as the willingness to do this for nothing. No pay. Or are you looking to replace your current job because you dislike it? I ask because you will be working for no pay sometimes. Can you handle that?
If you can look in a mirror and honestly say "yes" then let's get started.
Pay down ALL your credit cards. You're gonna need them. Make sure the vehicle you wil be using will last 150,000 miles. When I went full time I ended up putting over 300,000 miles on my Nissan pickup. No more new car every few years. I now keep a vehicle for a minimum of 10 years.
And join AAA because you're gonna be traveling. There may be times when you leave for a show on Wednesday, and come home Tuesday. That's a part of this business not many "outsiders" know about.
A lifestyle change will be necessary, and your family must be on board with this. Because their lifestyle will change too. Your version of dining out will be "fair food" at the shows. (Love those $5 hamburgers!) Frugal will become your family's lifestyle. When I went full time I even installed a woodstove to save on oil. Now I won't live without it.
You will have to decide on how many shows you will want to do. Some only do the "big" shows where others will do every show that comes along. But if you're looking at netting $45 grand, you're going to have to do as many shows as possible at first, just to learn HOW to do shows.
You wil come across promoters who are nothing short of fantastic, and you will encounter promoters who can do a jig under the belly of a snake. It's all part of the game. You will encounter some great fellow exhibitors. Make friends with them! They are your best source of shows. And you will encounter other exhibitors who will look at your work and question what you're doing here with "me"?
You will apply to shows and be accepted, and the following week you will be rejected and they will keep your jury fee.
There may be years where you make 80 grand, and the following year you may make only 20 grand.
Do you still have the passion?
You're smart by staying at your "real" job for now. I did too. And when I was making about as much at shows as I was at the job, I made the decision to walk away from the steel business. A great plan, huh? Then the bottom fell out of the economy and we struggled for a few years. So the above is what we had to do in order to survive. But we had the passion and I don't regret a single day. The tough times actually made me stronger. The most fortunate part of this is, my wife was by my side all the time. We did it together.
Thank you sooo much Chris for sharing your story. Taking everything joy said in consideration I definatly have the passion!!! I would do it for free and have on occassions but the reality is the bills have to get paid. I love everything about it. My wife had a bridal show bussiness where we would travel 13 hours to NY at times to do shows. She and a partner were the producers where they had about 75 exhibitors. we had to do alot of the setting up and tearing down for the whole show. And I was right there every step of the way. You talking about rough!! But I actually loved it. And she supports me 100%. she encourages me soooo much!!!I'm not looking just to replace my job because of dislike, but I know I should be persueing my passion and it effects every job no matter what one it is. Because I know deep down that I shouldn't be there. It's just the income that has to be replaced.
Chris Hoyt said:
Passion. Do you have it? I describe passion as the willingness to do this for nothing. No pay. Or are you looking to replace your current job because you dislike it? I ask because you will be working for no pay sometimes. Can you handle that?If you can look in a mirror and honestly say "yes" then let's get started.
Pay down ALL your credit cards. You're gonna need them. Make sure the vehicle you wil be using will last 150,000 miles. When I went full time I ended up putting over 300,000 miles on my Nissan pickup. No more new car every few years. I now keep a vehicle for a minimum of 10 years.
And join AAA because you're gonna be traveling. There may be times when you leave for a show on Wednesday, and come home Tuesday. That's a part of this business not many "outsiders" know about.
A lifestyle change will be necessary, and your family must be on board with this. Because their lifestyle will change too. Your version of dining out will be "fair food" at the shows. (Love those $5 hamburgers!) Frugal will become your family's lifestyle. When I went full time I even installed a woodstove to save on oil. Now I won't live without it.
You will have to decide on how many shows you will want to do. Some only do the "big" shows where others will do every show that comes along. But if you're looking at netting $45 grand, you're going to have to do as many shows as possible at first, just to learn HOW to do shows.
You wil come across promoters who are nothing short of fantastic, and you will encounter promoters who can do a jig under the belly of a snake. It's all part of the game. You will encounter some great fellow exhibitors. Make friends with them! They are your best source of shows. And you will encounter other exhibitors who will look at your work and question what you're doing here with "me"?
You will apply to shows and be accepted, and the following week you will be rejected and they will keep your jury fee.
There may be years where you make 80 grand, and the following year you may make only 20 grand.
Do you still have the passion?
You're smart by staying at your "real" job for now. I did too. And when I was making about as much at shows as I was at the job, I made the decision to walk away from the steel business. A great plan, huh? Then the bottom fell out of the economy and we struggled for a few years. So the above is what we had to do in order to survive. But we had the passion and I don't regret a single day. The tough times actually made me stronger. The most fortunate part of this is, my wife was by my side all the time. We did it together.
I never know how to respond to these "how much can I expect to earn" questions from people who have never done an art show or have very little experience. And questions like this hit my own forum constantly.
It's not as much about the money as it is about having the drive to create something and then trying to sell it. Though in the end art shows are more about the money than the art.
Once you figure out if your paintings can actually sell, netting $1,000 a week can be relatively easy for the weeks that you actually get into shows. It's the majority of the year where you're sitting and doing nothing (but painting) that lowers that average to the point of having a negative income.
Like my forum, most of the people who join are new to art shows and want to learn about them, thinking that it may become a second income for them. A lot leave when they figure out how difficult it is because they don't have the drive and a few turn out to be good at it and stay around.
In the end, it's the people with unusual or different styles of work succeed where other's struggle..
Thanks Larry, this is exactly the type of feedback I was hoping for in my discussion. All of you have given great responses and I really appreciate it. Just listening to you guys further let's me know I'm on the right path.
Larry Berman said:
I never know how to respond to these "how much can I expect to earn" questions from people who have never done an art show or have very little experience. And questions like this hit my own forum constantly.It's not as much about the money as it is about having the drive to create something and then trying to sell it. Though in the end art shows are more about the money than the art.
Once you figure out if your paintings can actually sell, netting $1,000 a week can be relatively easy for the weeks that you actually get into shows. It's the majority of the year where you're sitting and doing nothing (but painting) that lowers that average to the point of having a negative income.
Like my forum, most of the people who join are new to art shows and want to learn about them, thinking that it may become a second income for them. A lot leave when they figure out how difficult it is because they don't have the drive and a few turn out to be good at it and stay around.
In the end, it's the people with unusual or different styles of work succeed where other's struggle..
Replies
I've wondered the same thing you have recently but my story is a little different. I actually have been self employed for over 15 years in the landscape construction industry. It treated me very well through the building boom here in Ann Arbor. Recently it's gotten a little sassy. I decided to try shows a couple of years ago before the .... hit the fan. Right before actually. Granted it's been crappy here for several years anyway. For the last two seasons my photography has basically saved me. I take very little out of the landscape co. and rely on the show to supplement the income for my personal life. The landscape co does fine paying its own overhead and keeps several people employed for the working season. HOWEVER, it does not pay me much anymore. I'm just maintaining the assets at this point.
Initially I was hoping the shows would just help during the downturn, but I've started relying on them more this past year. I do about two dozen shows now, on top of running a full time landscape company. Plus, for some crazy reason my wife and I opened a small frame shop this year in our hometown. Needless to say I'm a busy beaver and I rarely get a chance to enjoy life and my family (until the winter that is).
Problem is that as far as I can figure, none of the three businesses I own can support me full time at this point. The question is, if I put more effort and energy into just one would it be that much better? Probably not right now. I think the key as mentioned before is to keep the expenses to a minimum. It's hard to do in my case, but I could sell the equipment from landscaping and have a small nest egg to sit on and I mean small...
I need to do something soon or I'm going to stress myself into a heart attack.
Honestly, I like doing the art thing the best. It's very rewarding and enjoyable, I get to travel a bit, I enjoy the look on people's faces and the comments I get when they see my stuff, I get to meet a ton of people and when you hit it, it's awesome.
I will probably make the plunge in a couple of years when I can get everything in place and evaluate the condition of the economy, but in my opinion you need a couple of years to test the market for your stuff and make adjustments to it. Use that time to get everything in place such as the CC's getting paid off, getting a sturdy vehicle that will last you, pay things in advance, stock up on inventory/materials. Inherently you will acquire your stock and equipment over time rather than having to invest too much right away. Just like getting ready for a storm so to speak. After two + years and 50 shows later I finally have most everything I need, but just two weeks ago I finally got my last set of propanels and a bigger tent for those double booth shows.
Bottom line is that I think you should go into it slowly. I did the same thing with landscaping, as I worked on the weekends and after my other job (as a landscape designer) to build up the equipment and here's the kicker...
the client base.
For any chance at success, you need to maintain your relationships with your past, present, and future clients. Part of the problem with landscaping I've had is that I don't do this, mostly because I have this feeling that I don't want to do it anymore and it's always easier to rely on yourself than other people, especially in this industry. I'm not saying that's the only thing, just keep it in mind.
One more thing. I would still try to keep your foot in the door with whatever you're doing now. Whether it's with the same company or not, try to keep current with what you're doing in case you have to bail. Keep that skill set if you can. I know I can do what I do later with another company if I need to. Question is, will there be a job there? One of the main benefits to getting into this slowly is that at the fork in the road, you still have a choice. The road up to that point can be a little bumpy, but once you make the turn, it's harder to go back.
Thanks for asking the question I've been wondering about myself. I've tried to ask others at shows about doing this, but everyones situation is different so it doesn't really help much.
Good luck!
I especially like Chris' advice above -- pay down every bill, make your personal overhead as low as possible. Few people in this business are living a high life financially, but many are living a very satisfying life filled with earning their living by the sweat of their brow with their creativity and passion.
Prepare, pay off your credit cards, don't take on any new bills for a while, be frugal.
I could not do this without my husband. He is my rock and tent erector. :)
I have never looked back once and said "gee, I wish I was still in that cubicle making a paycheck."
Not once.
Pat Sorbini said:
If you can look in a mirror and honestly say "yes" then let's get started.
Pay down ALL your credit cards. You're gonna need them. Make sure the vehicle you wil be using will last 150,000 miles. When I went full time I ended up putting over 300,000 miles on my Nissan pickup. No more new car every few years. I now keep a vehicle for a minimum of 10 years.
And join AAA because you're gonna be traveling. There may be times when you leave for a show on Wednesday, and come home Tuesday. That's a part of this business not many "outsiders" know about.
A lifestyle change will be necessary, and your family must be on board with this. Because their lifestyle will change too. Your version of dining out will be "fair food" at the shows. (Love those $5 hamburgers!) Frugal will become your family's lifestyle. When I went full time I even installed a woodstove to save on oil. Now I won't live without it.
You will have to decide on how many shows you will want to do. Some only do the "big" shows where others will do every show that comes along. But if you're looking at netting $45 grand, you're going to have to do as many shows as possible at first, just to learn HOW to do shows.
You wil come across promoters who are nothing short of fantastic, and you will encounter promoters who can do a jig under the belly of a snake. It's all part of the game. You will encounter some great fellow exhibitors. Make friends with them! They are your best source of shows. And you will encounter other exhibitors who will look at your work and question what you're doing here with "me"?
You will apply to shows and be accepted, and the following week you will be rejected and they will keep your jury fee.
There may be years where you make 80 grand, and the following year you may make only 20 grand.
Do you still have the passion?
You're smart by staying at your "real" job for now. I did too. And when I was making about as much at shows as I was at the job, I made the decision to walk away from the steel business. A great plan, huh? Then the bottom fell out of the economy and we struggled for a few years. So the above is what we had to do in order to survive. But we had the passion and I don't regret a single day. The tough times actually made me stronger. The most fortunate part of this is, my wife was by my side all the time. We did it together.
Chris Hoyt said:
It's not as much about the money as it is about having the drive to create something and then trying to sell it. Though in the end art shows are more about the money than the art.
Once you figure out if your paintings can actually sell, netting $1,000 a week can be relatively easy for the weeks that you actually get into shows. It's the majority of the year where you're sitting and doing nothing (but painting) that lowers that average to the point of having a negative income.
Like my forum, most of the people who join are new to art shows and want to learn about them, thinking that it may become a second income for them. A lot leave when they figure out how difficult it is because they don't have the drive and a few turn out to be good at it and stay around.
In the end, it's the people with unusual or different styles of work succeed where other's struggle..
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Larry Berman said:
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