Making the Leap

Robert Wardle · 04-20-2005, 01:14 PM

I am sitting here at work supposedly designing graphics for a nature center that should go up in the next few months. I am surrounded by disgruntled employees (all masters in their crafts) and we are all tired of dumbing down what could be world class designs to the point that management can comprehend them.

This leads me to my question. How do I make the leap from the long corporate hour days to painting full time? What have other artist here done in this situation?

Michele Rushworth · 04-20-2005, 04:02 PM

Most people who make the transition from full time employee to self employment (whether they want to be an artist, marketing consultant, or work in some other field) find they work far more hours as a self employed person than they did as an employee. Just look at some of the articles on the web about being an entrepreneur, which is what artists are.

Often it takes years to reach profitability in any new venture. Many times people start their proposed new business on the side to learn the ropes and start things going before they make the transition. I think the phrase "starving artist" became common because it's not easy to support oneself or a family this way, especially in the beginning.

Lani Powell · 04-20-2005, 07:19 PM

I found it very helpful to send my significant other to law school...

Kimber Scott · 04-22-2005, 12:42 AM

Lani, too funny! I couldn't pursue my art education if it weren't for my husband, either. Even so, it is very hard to live on his income alone - especially when I used to make a few bucks.

Robert, I would suggest you begin with a list of must haves, like to haves and don't really needs when it comes to living expenses. Do you have to live where you live, drive what you drive, eat where you eat, wear what you wear, buy what you buy? Decide what you're willing to give up to get what you want. It's hard in our society as we're tricked into thinking we NEED a lot of things we really don't. (Some people live on this planet with little more than a stick and a loin cloth!) Once you've pared down your budget, figure out what you need to do to pay for it, and go for it. Worst case, you might have to keep your job for a while. You might have to paint at night and on weekends, but you only get one shot on this rock, you might as well spend it doing what you want to do. You can find a way, if you really want to.

I read a couple of books that REALLY helped me to change my life. First, "Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow," by Marsha Sinetar and "Wishcraft - How to Get What You Really Want," by Barbara Sher.

Good luck!

Robert Wardle · 04-25-2005, 10:56 AM

Thank you all for the advice. Unfortunately my future spouse is an artist as well, so the likely-hood of her going to law school probably won't happen. Plus I think she would kill me if I stayed at home and painted all day while she works with the scum that lawyers have to deal with.

I have been analyzing my situation defining my goals, etc..., and it seems that the only way to get what I want out of my art career is to do what I have always been afraid of. Namely, I have to step out of my comfort zone and approach complete strangers and sell myself.

I have been told that my work is marketable and that I am a charming and handsome man, but every time the situation has come about to sell myself as an artist or friend, I picture that shy, awkward child I was in school and I tend to retreat back to my comfort zone. So what do I do to overcome this? How do I become an outgoing salesman instead of the calm quiet artist?

Michele Rushworth · 04-25-2005, 01:17 PM

Success as an entrepreneur in any field is 50% due to having a good product, and 50% being able to market it (or maybe even more skewed toward marketing, if you look at artists like Kincade).

Peggy Baumgaertner's advice on marketing is basically this: "Fake it til you make it". That is, "act" as if you were great at marketing your work, "act" as if everyone would want to know about your art, "act" as if you were already the successful artist you want to be -- and you will be well on your way.

If you don't know exactly what to do or where to start there are some wonderful books on art marketing. Check out the links on the SOG site for some suggestions.

John Crowther · 04-25-2005, 04:01 PM

This is a slight digression, Michelle, but it still relates. The architect Louis Kahn once said to Frank Lloyd Wright that "architecture is five percent creativity and ninety-five percent business." Wright replied, "I can accept the ninety-five percent business part, Louis, but I've seen your work. Where's the creativity?" Ouch. -- John C.

Robert Wardle · 05-03-2005, 12:03 PM

Thank you again for all of your advice, and your slightly off topic quotes. They are much appreciated.

Unfortunately it means absolutley nothing unless I get off my butt and try to sell. So thank you all and wish me luck

Mary Reilly · 05-15-2005, 11:25 PM

Robert,

Have you started getting commissions for portraits on a regular basis? Get your work out there to be seen by people and as you find yourself becoming busy with commissions leaving the corporate world will be a natural progression. One of the common denominators that I hear over and over again on the artist's journey is "perserverence". Be an excellent artist and don't give up.

I have a book published by North Light Books, it is entitled "Being An Artist" by Lewis Lehrman. Twenty artists share their journeys to becoming successful artists. Some of their stories will inspire you and may give you ideas.

Mary

Robert Wardle · 05-16-2005, 09:41 AM

No I do not have steady commissions YET. I have compiled a list of places to display my work. And I have even approached a few. With little success.People love the paintings but it seems every store out here is part of a large corporation and their decor is closely guarded.
I have been repeating two mantras now "I deserve success" and "My work is marketable". My hope is that if repeated enough I will start to believe it. Thank you for the book title I will look into it.