There are several paths to success for artists. Many don't understand that there are multiple choices. 

Path 1

I started out with the typical after art school path. I patiently built my credentials, met the right people, did competitive shows, joined all of the right national organizations, became a listed artist, showed in invitational museum exhibits, and so forth. My goal was to become a regionally known artist first, then hopefully on to a national level artist.  The ladder was tall and there were many who tried to climb over. 

I woke up one day with an epiphany. I was tired of the stress, the politics, the oneupmanship, the expectations of others, the fear of failure and fear of marginalization. I knew many unhappy painters who were sick of that path as well, but who were afraid to leave it. I also knew painters who thrived in that competitive, cutthroat environment. 

Path 2

The Non competitive painter. I switched to this path, after my epiphany. I came to the realization that I didn't have to live in the world of being the best known or best painter. In fact I could be a nobody and love my job. I am quite successful as a non competitive painter and a country bumpkin.  I don't do national shows. I don't enter contests, I rarely go to art openings, I don't do paint outs and I don't hang out with the so called "art elite" anymore. The cool people I know are kind, authentic, and wonderful! Most of them have not set foot in an art  gallery. They are farmers, business people and lovers of the natural world. 

Path 3

The commission artist. This is a good path for those who like a steady reliable way to make money. It takes time to build up a following and patience to deal with a demanding clientele. Marketing is very specific for this niche, but not always. Some commission artists are lucky right away and build steady clients. Word of mouth is a good tool for commission artists. 

Path 4

Now the online business model for artists is becoming viable. We no longer have to depend on galleries, festivals or live events to sell art. I know artists who only market and sell online. They are savvy at social marketing and get their work out in front of huge audiences, having no real art credentials, because their followers don't care about their training. There are lots of sub paths to an art career, including retirees who decide to be artists and unfortunately undercharge for their work because they don't need to make money. 

The paths meander here and there, but there is a path for all of us, both in elite and low places. 

Have fun and follow the path that makes you happy. This country painter did……

I had a coaching session this weekend with wonderful friends. One thing that stands out to me is an important idea for some artists. 
As it stands commonly, artists are labeled as amateur or professional. Many don’t understand that this label has nothing to do with skill level or the desire to be an excellent painter. It only means you make a living as a professional artist from teaching or selling art. There are amateur painters that can out paint me all day long!

I have come up with a category of artists who don’t wish to sell their art, but who are very serious about the learning and growing process of painting. They work at their craft every day, use top quality materials, and ask for instruction from veteran artists. They want the same excellence that pros do. They simply don’t want the business side of being a pro.

Country painters don’t waste time labeling……

Don’t expect galleries to market your art for you. Those days are long gone for most galleries, unless they are high end. One of the biggest problems I see is the lack of understanding artists have about marketing. 

Artists either depend on others completely to promote them or they overdo showing off their work.  Some artists have the annoying habit of bragging about their work and their skills. Your work speaks loudly about your skill, believe me. You don’t need to brag. 
This week I have seen one artist’s work shown repeatedly all day every day here on FB. At some point potential collectors are just turned off by the overload. 

Artists need to share more than images to collectors. Collectors want to know about the artist, why they choose to paint subjects, why they want to be an artist. Artists need to care about their collectors and turn them into friends. I have done that throughout my career and I have many wonderful friends, thankfully.

Marketing is not about selling. It is about the relationships between those like minded souls who enhance our lives. It is about our commonalities of interests. It goes beyond whether a collector buys your art this time. The friendship lasts beyond selling.

Country painters have the best friends…..