4 Business Skills An Artist Must Have

When someone asks you to lower your price, do you know what to answer?

“Good art ain’t cheap,” says Gio, a freelance graphic artist, from the romantic drama film, Never Not Love You, after being told that his craft is overly expensive.

If there’s something I don’t believe in, it’s the idea that art and business don’t blend in. The relationship between business and art may seem a bit hazy, but what certain is that the two need one another. Creativity is essential for entrepreneurs to maintain relevance and artists need to learn how to do business in order to sell arts.

Sure, you’re talented, however, despite art skills you’ve got, if you don’t know how to do business just like what Gio did then you’re really going to starve. Uh oh, a starving artist? You know you don’t deserve that. If you feel like you lack business skills, keep reading. I’m going to show you the secrets that will help you take your career to the next level.

1. Marketing

In the creative field we are living in, possibilities are endless and personal work you posted online can eventually turn into an actual project. However, if you don’t know how to market your work, how can you expect others to invest in your creativity? Marketing is perhaps one of the most important aspects to any profession. This includes having a well-designed website and a strong involvement in social media. Learn to seek the appropriate balance between sharing your own accomplishments and supporting the endeavors of your peers.

2. Communication

Of course, you can promote your work on social media, but for some, word-of-mouth is still the best marketing tool. Email is great. Technology makes you efficient. But they can’t capture the nuances of a conversation. The world is small and word easily goes around, engaging in conversation can help you be recognized and find potential clients.

3. Organization/Management

Selling your works alone is no joke. You are your own company. You’re the marketing department, the finance department, the talent, and the social media manager. If you refuse to starve, you have to be willing to do all these jobs.

4. Art of Negotiation

Putting a price on your work is perhaps the most uncomfy situation you could ever experience as an artist. You are caught in between underpricing because of tight competition, or overpricing even though that might mean losing a client. The ability to negotiate in today’s competitive field can make the difference between success and failure. Keep in mind that negotiation is a skill you must master.

Following your heart while making a good living won’t be a piece of cake. Just always remember why you’re doing it in the first place. Discovering your passion in life is a gift that some people don’t have, so don’t be afraid to let yourself shine. With these business skills, hard work, and persistence, you’ll definitely get there a whole lot faster.

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