An Art business specialist can help professional artists develop a clear and effective business and marketing strategy, taking them from chaos to confidence.
Goal Setting and Action Plans
Art Biz Specialists assist in identifying target audiences, revenue goals, and exhibition opportunities. Those goals then are turned into actionable plans and help manage the artist’s priorities each month. Developing clarity is one of the most appreciated aspects in our jumpstart sessions. Artists also gain confidence in their marketing and sales skills, which builds focus and reduces overwhelm.
Marketing and Self-Promotion
Subject matter experts can provide valuable insights into personal brand building, marketing strategies and self-promotional methods tailored to the art industry. They help artists think about how and where to showcase their work, build their personal brand, artist website and social media strategy, focusing in on channels that align with their ideal art buyer audience. Having a strategic visibility plan is essential in 2025.
Artwork Pricing and Sales
Managing finances is another important aspect of running any profitable art practice and its a big part of busting the myth of the ‘starving artists’ mindset. In 2025 there are dozens of ways career artists can earn 6-figures with their art and their knowledge (and no, it doesn’t mean you have to start a print on demand business)
An Art Business specialists can offer expertise in budgeting, pricing artwork, managing cash flow, and creating a sales strategy to ensure sustainable income through out the year. At Vivid Creative, we show artists how to create several income streams, so there is less pressure to make all your revenue from creating original artwork each month.
Professional Network and Art Industry Connections
Coaches and consultants often talk to other art professionals and have extensive networks within the art industry, including gallery owners, curators, podcast hosts and visual artists. They can facilitate introductions and connections, opening doors to valuable opportunities and brand collaborations.
Professional Artist Career Development
Most art business specialists and consultants provide career guidance and support career artists in their professional development as they move from emerging to mid-career and established phases of their studio practice. They offer advice on improving their website, marketing and sales skills, expanding artistic vision, unlocking the artist’s potential and teaching valuable skills in creative writing, public speaking and studio management. Many coaches and consultants specialize, so next we’ll look at some important questions to consider.
What questions should you be asking yourself before choosing the right art business specialist?
- What are my specific aspirations, goals and objectives for my art practice this year? Clarifying your goals will help you identify the areas where you need support and expertise. And it doesn’t have to be in January!
- What specific challenges or obstacles am I facing in my art career or art business? Understanding your pain points will help you identify the areas where a specialized art business coach can provide the most value.
- What is my budget and timeline for working with a specalist? Knowing your financial constraints and desired timeline will help you find a specialist whose services align with your resources.
- What specific expertise or experience am I looking for in a coach? Consider the specific skills and knowledge you need, such as digital marketing, online art sales, getting gallery representation, or developing a new artist website, to find a specialist who can meet those requirements.
- What is my preferred communication style and level of involvement? Determine whether you prefer 1:1 private coaching, small group coaching, or occasional consultations to ensure compatibility with potential coaches.
- Have I researched and evaluated the reputation and track record of potential coaches? Look for reviews, testimonials, and case studies to assess other artist’s success stories.
- What are my expectations regarding the work you will be doing with a coach. Clearly define your expectations (Done-with-you, Done-for-you or occasional assistance with DIY and free resources) and discuss them with potential coach, to ensure they can meet your needs and coach you in the outcomes you desire.
It’s normal to not have complete clarity when you are in a growth phase of your career. Asking yourself these and other self-reflection questions will help you know when you finally meet the right person. Many coaches and consultants offer a 15-30 minute discovery call to let you meet them, ask some clarifying questions and discuss if they are a good fit for your current needs. Book a call with us.
Many podcasts cover art business related topics and offer valuable content for free. If you are looking for some inspo, listen in on our podcast Art Biz Talk, to hear how other working artists are tackling the business side of their studio practice.
Originally published in January 2023 — updated in December 2024
