3/4/09

My thoughts on being an artist in a recession

I’ve been in business through three recessions and have done fine.

My advice for artists and independent business persons:

Stay positive
Do your best work
Have fun with it
Stay frugal
Find opportunities
This won’t last forever
Remember why you’re doing this work
Get emotional support from others
Give emotional support to others
Don’t take it personally
Face the facts of your finances
Promote, promote, promote
Work harder and longer hours
Be inventive and creative
Find new venues
Make your artwork or product so incredible people cannot NOT buy it
Rise to the challenge!
Rather than get discouraged, see it as a challenge.
What do you have to offer out there that is needed?
Be the very, very best you can be.
Meditate and get enough rest.
The best artwork is always in demand.
Know when it’s not going to work and when to get out
There are always opportunities out there in the world.
As my mother used to say, “It’s a BIG world out there, honey.”

Good luck to all!

Lilla

9 Comments

  • well said Lilla! I couldn’t agree more.. these are the times to see what you are really made of. While I am working I have now finally taken the this time to do things I have put off for years like getting back in shape which helps my outlook on everything. All the other stuff will fall back into place when you feel good! I feel like I have slowed down but have become more creative which is better than doing too much and spreading yourself thin.

    March 4, 2009
  • Wonderful advice.

    by Lu
    March 4, 2009
  • hello, i’m a big fan of yours and lots of the peeps you represent! i just wanted to say WOW & THANKS, that is an amazing post! :-)
    sincerely,
    margot
    http://www.margotmiller.com
    icedgrandesoylatte.blogspot.com

    March 4, 2009
  • thank you, lilla… i’m going to read this every day :D

    by kim
    March 4, 2009
  • Wow, what a wonderful list! Thank you for the advice– I agree with Kim that I’m going to read it everyday! What a boost. :)

    March 4, 2009
  • Thanks, everybody. I have a million things I want to write to my readers from years of being in the art biz. I know there is such a craving for info. Will try to write soon. Again, many thanks for your kind words.

    March 5, 2009
  • As my mother used to say, “It’s a BIG world out there, honey.”

    YOUR MOM SAID SOME VERY IMPORTANT THINGS AND THIS WAS SERIOUSLY ONE OF THEM!
    XO
    BIJA

    by bija
    March 17, 2009
  • BRAVO! fantastic advice, such sound and uplifting post. Thank you for your words of wisdom!!

    July 14, 2009
  • Great advice , very helpful in these times. I’ll link it if you dont mind.

    m

    February 23, 2010

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