I get a lot of questions from artists on the business of art. And though some people seem to think that I have the answers through a lucky strike of lightening, the truth is, everything I know I either learned through my own mistakes, or I read it in a book.
Most books are cheap ($8 – $20) and they contain a world of knowledge. Just about anything you want to know about the business of art is available in a book.
If you are determined to up-level your career as an artist in 2010, spend a few bucks on a new book and learn yourself something new!
I’ve listed my favorites below, books which are a MUST READ for all artists looking to find greater success in their career:
1.) Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines (Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines)
You will find pricing guidelines, sample contract language and the low-down on how the art world works with commissions, licenses, design work, advertising, and anything else you can think of. GO NOW and buy this book. You’ll use it more than you use your electric toothbrush!
2.) I’d Rather Be in the Studio! : The author, Alyson B. Stanfield, has great experience in the area of fine art, galleries, museums, and building your personal brand. Her advice is to the point and practical. If you follow her format for success, you will find success.
3.) Art Marketing 101, Third Edition: A Handbook for the Fine Artist (Art Marketing 101: A Handbook for the Fine Artist)
She covers simple, yet important topics such as how to properly package and ship art, right down to the nitty gritty of how to label your shipments. “When unframed graphic work is shipped, be sure to mark it clearly. Works on paper could be mistaken for packing materials and discarded.” Solid advice!
4.) Licensing Art and Design: A Professional’s Guide to Licensing and Royalty Agreements
5.) The Success Principles(TM): How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
It covers many topics on success, and it’s very relevant to artists, writers and anyone who wants to do something big with their life. One of my favorite chapters: CHUNK IT DOWN. This chapter talks about how to achieve a very large goal (like writing a book or becoming the next Picasso) and how to break it down so it’s achievable. Other chapters that I completely enjoyed: Be a Class Act; Believe in Yourself; and Decide What you Want.
I hope this list has been helpful to you. And please, let us know in the comments below what books you would add to this list. I’m always looking for a new read!
Maria xxoo
Handy list. 😉
Katie, thanks for the comment, and for all the others as well! I appreciate it!
I concur “Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines” tops my list of must have books.
Good books, and ones I’m not familiar with.
I hope to have a more simple answer to some of my questions but I guess nothing is simple is it?
I’m trying to get up the nerve to put myself out there as an artist. Thanks for this info Maria!
Great! Thanks for this list María. Yep! I’m a reader!
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Great list Maria. I’ve bought several, but not those. Several are now on my list to get.
My current fav is Jackie Battenfield’s new book ‘The Artist’s Guide’. It’s a really good and current overview of the art business and stresses the importance of business planning.
I checked with my local library and they have Art Marketing 101 and Art Licensing 101.
I finished the marketing book and have started the Licensing 101. They are VERY informative. Certainly a must have.
Hi Maria, I’m just starting to educate myself about art licensing. Would you still recommend the Licensing Art and Design book even if it was published in 1995? I’m just about to order it online but I’m thinking it might be too outdated for 2013.
Thanks!
Reg, that’s a great question – even though it’s outdated, the info is a great introduction to licensing. There aren’t many books out there for licensing.
I’ve been trying to get my hands on a copy of I’d Rather Be In The Studio!, requested it from my library but they seem to have forgotten. Still on my to read list!
I put together a list of a few more art business books I’ve read/want to read: http://jacquelineboss.com/2017/11/25/10-art-business-books-learn-how-to-sell-your-art/