A personal approach to the basics of starting a business.
Even though I consciously decided to go back to my Art about a year ago, it was only later that I took concrete steps to make this activity a substantial part of my schedule.
My evolution has been slow and irregular as I found several challenges ahead of me. Some were concrete, and others were imaginary.
To be honest, I didn't have a clear goal, but lately, I find myself following a concrete path naturally.
The reason I started is still the big reason I continue to do it today: painting and drawing fit into my daily activity schedule in a balanced way. I would like to keep doing it on a temporary, short-term basis and parallel with my main activity.
Much of my artistic work are small projects that I can dedicate myself to in a controlled and restricted period, based on my schedule or my own needs: half an hour, five days, a month.
In addition, as I never think I know everything, I have been reading, learning, and trying anything that piques my interest and doesn't empty my wallet.
However, I noticed that finding reliable and trustworthy quality information is a little challenging. Sometimes this causes time-wasting and makes it challenging to stay on course and/or progress.
I would like to go through some steps on this last year's path:
1. Secure a steady job
Many artists can't just rely on the freelancer's irregular work – at least not at first – which is why it helps to have a steady income. A regular job ensures you can eat, live and pay your bills as you go through the experience of creating and developing your business. Not only is the beginning very demanding - it is not only about artistic creation - the tiny expenses associated with everything add up and becomes challenging to have some real profit.
So keep up your full-time job and organize your schedule to incorporate your freelance work. After, go part-time, and only when you feel secure (and experienced) can you make the jump.
In my case, I really like my main job so I plan to keep it.
2. Form a dedicated creative space at home
Artists need a dedicated workspace to create. This is best done by finding a quiet area in your home or renting a space where you feel able to work without distractions or interruptions. Schedule and block time to be here, art working. Do: Did: Done.
3. Create some substantial and consistent artwork
You have the place and some time, and now you must find an art project that will build a substantial and consistent artwork. Before you follow the next step, you must have something to show, in a consistent amount. Plan, organize and just do it.
Don`t dream to much. Adapt the project to your time, capacities and technique. If you take ages to finish something, you cannot live from it, it will remain a hobby: Good for you if you consciously choose that path! But if you want an art business, be more focus and practical. Make art that you are proud of, fast, well and with a controlled expense budget.
4. Register your Creative Business
Even if you do not plan to turn this into your main activity, every reliable online shop, company, gallery, or customer demands a trustworthy freelancer or business.
To establish yourself as a freelancer, you must register your company.
This section is non-negotiable. I won't spend much time explaining it here as it changes a lot depending on where you live. I advise you to contact an excellent professional and even pay for their services if necessary. Nothing pays for the peace of mind of having an exceptional professional handle and deliver all the correct forms and documents. Remember to do the same with all fees and taxes: contact and hire a good accountant.
I already registed myself as a freelancer and my business, but it`s been hard to find an accountant as (it looks that) they do not want to work with beginners/low income business. This is serioiusly annoying me. Nevertheless; I will keep trying: wish me luck.
5. Have a plan and stick to it
It would help if you have a short-term and long-term plan to guide your business and succeed. These plans must include the following:
Objectives for short, medium, and long term;
A to-do list, along with responsibilities, timelines, resources, etc.;
A concrete idea of product collection and a list of the services you (will) offer;
How much know how much each product/service will cost you to provide, consequently how much you will charge for each.
Well, this is my Achilles heel as it I have been a bit disorganized and confused. I'll admit that's an area that needs quick improvement and focus.
6. Create a website
Having a website is the best way artists can promote their work, and it`s something concrete to show, working also as an online portfolio.
In my case, it is something under construction: there are points to improve, such as displaying examples of my work in a more organized way (collections), a list of your services (commissions and classes), etc.
Also, very important to test you website as an outside viewer from a computer and... (tcham, tcham...) your mobile phone. Eighty percent of my traffic comes from mobile phones and I recently discovered that my website had a very unfriendly view on them.
Ask opinion (and help) to family and friends. The good ones! 😉
7. Market your services on social media
Using social media as a promotional tool is critical to the success of freelance artists in today's economy and helps artists gain traction and get their names out there.
The doubts that arise are what will work better because being everywhere is genuinely demanding, and it's not as easy as just posting.
But they are only tools. Do not rely in only one social media account, no matter how good it`s performing. Do not focus in only one social media account, no matter how badly it`s performing.
8. Sell your art online
Selling your artworks or other crafts online allows you to get some extra funds during tough times or when you are trying to grow your customer base.
But do not remain/rely on online options only, search for good oportunities in situ like arts and crafts markets, galleries, restaurants or caffee shops, libraries, etc were you can show your artwork. Associate your product brand with the right places were know you can find/meet your clients.
9. Acquire some repeat customers
Before pursuing a freelance business, you should already have a few clients to help you grow and financially support your efforts. Your reputation will also expand when your customers use word of mouth to help advertise your services and prices.
This section is one of my problems because I started without having a business in mind but a recreational activity, and now I don't know how to change the focus. I also do not feel comfortable selling my products to my family and friends, so I'm unsure where to start.
10. Network with other freelancers
Networking with other freelancers/artists/entrepreneurs is one of the best ways to find opportunities and expand your network. By joining online/in situ groups and industry-specific meetings, you can identify relevant opportunities and even gain direct access to potential clients.
What do you think about all of this: what are the points that you could relate with or what else you can point out?
(I just remebered a few more 🤣, that I will write about in the following posts🤞.)
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