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

If you like this article, please share it!Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on google
Google
Share on email
Email
Share on linkedin
Linkedin

Graphic Artists GuildI 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


If you like this article, please share it!Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on google
Google
Share on email
Email
Share on linkedin
Linkedin

12 Responses

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

    1. 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More To Explore

Creativity

Have you Lost Your Voice?💥 Expression and Trauma

If you like this article, please share it!FacebookTwitterGoogleEmailLinkedin I had a profound experience with a voice coach a few months ago and I wanted to share it, because I think it will help some of you, my dear creative friends. Drew and I were at a private art, music and healing retreat in Costa Rica. Drew was hired to paint two surfboards, LIVE, during

Read More »
business of art

Focus on ONE BIG THING Changes Everything

If you like this article, please share it!FacebookTwitterGoogleEmailLinkedinAre we in a time warp?! Seriously, where did those first six months of 2024 go? And here I am, still “wrapping up” my next book, titled Covid, a Love Story. I started writing it a year ago, and I thought that by now, the book would be finished. Covid, a Love Story is my ONE BIG THING that

Read More »