You subscribe to this newsletter because you’re interested in learning more about the business side of being an artist. And that’s where I come in. I can’t teach you about your medium or technique. I can’t critique your work or stand beside you in the studio. I can help you in the office.

Ardith Starostka, Inner Solace. Oil on linen, 18 x 22 inches. © The Artist   http://www.starstudioarts.com

At the same time, I worry that you might be neglecting your art. I fear that you might get so caught up in building your mailing list, posting to your blog, and sending thank-you notes that you forfeit precious studio time. Don’t let this happen. There will never be enough time in the day to do everything you want to do, so get over that fantasy right now. Realize that you will always have to squeeze in the business stuff while you continue making art. Sure, there will be times when one is weighted more heavily than the other, but your art should always take precedence. Your art should always be first. Without it, you are not an artist.

You’re studio time is sacred. You’re an artist and artists make art. When they’re not making art, artists think about making art. Artists talk about making art. Artists read about making art. Artists must make art in order to feel whole. Without the art, you are miserable and are without a career. Without your devotion to the rituals surrounding making art, your art suffers.

You already know this, but I’ll repeat it for effect: the art market is highly competitive. You should be concentrating on getting better and better at your art, not just on your marketing. You should put your art first.