Five Must-Read Books for Artists Looking to Power-up their Career

December 15, 2009

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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): This is the BIBLE for all artists. If you buy only one book, this is the one.

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) : This author does a great job of covering the most basic problems that artists face, in an easy-to-follow format. The chapters are nicely spaced out with large print and short paragraphs.

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 : This book has been a great help to us with the licensing of Drew’s Artwork. I often refer to this one as well as a Royalties Textbook (which is not available unless you take the Licensing course through LIMA) when determining the proper royalty % to charge for a new license. There aren’t many books written on art licensing, and it’s a difficult topic to get information on. This book will uncover a lot of the mystery of licensing your art.

5.) The Success Principles(TM): How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be: This book by Jack Canfield is important for anyone wanting to find success in life.

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

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It’s not your fault if you’re struggling with earning the living you want, with your art. You just haven’t learned HOW to yet. The only difference between a ‘starving’ artist and the artist who is earning six figures is this: The six figure artist has learned a few strategies needed to run a successful art business.