Bad Economy

Everyone is hurting; it's hard to feel sorry for yourself that the art field is slow when you know there are people who have lost their jobs, struggling to pay their bills. These are great times to really get creative, do what you can to keep your art in the forefront. Don't disappear.

Supplemental income is always welcome; art can be feast or famine. Back in my animation days it was all about getting signed on to a green light project, artists may have work for 6 months, then nothing. The lucky ones got at least a one year contract and up, more of a permanent-type hire. The fine art has also proven to have highs and lows. Keep that part-time 2nd job, or even full-time job - if nothing else, to pay for supplies and expenses. We spent close to $20,000 in such before I sold my first painting; I'd not be financially ready for the opportunities the art world was going to throw me - if I didn't have this supplemental income. There will be sacrifices in your heart & wallet - hold on to everything you can.

One way to stretch that dollar and get your work in front of people is art competitions. They can run from $0 to just over a $100, depending on which one. At the very least, you'll get your work in front of someone and if you win - hey - now you really have a payoff. Not only recognition, but they buy the original work.