I am often asked by fellow artists what are the steps to make it possible to fully support yourself with the career of making art and art only.
I must say, that luck has always played an important role, but with one rule: the harder you work, the luckier you get.
How did I manage to pay for my rent and food while studying Painting at the Uni? I started doing my own abstract paintings in the evenings immediately. All (most) evenings I painted (before going out 😄). I also started to work on my website - that wasn't a webSHOP at the moment - and added each piece that became available there as well.
I guess I was one of the first Estonian artists that started Facebook page for my own art (the current page, Liis Koger Art I have since 2015, but I had at least one before, but probably two with different names). I also participated at almost every exhibition I could possibly submit my work to and started organising personal exhibits to gain exposure.
At this time, it wasn't something that artists were that actively doing. They were still considered mostly just to paint and other things were taken care by other peole in some MAGICAL LAND one could happen to fly with an invisible carpet IF SOMEONE DISCOVERS YOU...
And people started discovering my abstract art. And they thought it was affordable and they purchased it for their walls.
I also think there was a lot of soul included in all the early pieces and they were not weaker in colour sensitivity at all.
It was a gift I was using, but I had gone to Children's art school as well, so the gift was put to use with both traditional studies and my own work ethics.
I feel best when I can say I have graduated, won, done or whatever the proof might be: I don't consider someone's arrogant saying about anything unless it is proven that they really have done it, then they can say it is easy or hard or pointless to do. Otherwise just shut up :) Shut up or show me the proof...
...
Nowadays, I do could sum up MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION how to make it most likely to survive as an independent artist, supporting yourself 100% (you are on your own):
1. Feel sure this is what you want to do. The world has plenty of artists. Noone needs one more. Do it only when you cannot otherwise. There are no alternatives. This is your true calling, you feel it and you know your WHY. If not, find your why.
2. If you are in the beginning, do study and find all ways to improve yourself. Study for those bastards who say your art is shit, so you can say you have a degree at least. (Mostly other ones with a degree whatsoever don't say stupid things.)
3. Show your art. If you don't feel secure, deal with your issues. Don't care what other people think, just post your stuff. Hack: if you want to sell more, do care what other people think, but when you "weed your garden" - of inner landscape - the works should organically become better (lighter in energy).
3.1. create your own website. You rule it, you're the king or queen.
3.2. use the power of social media. If I should choose one nowadays, it'd be Instagram. Post consistently. Google how to make the most use of it.
3.3. Be consistent. Be organised. Be disciplined.
Work on your art whenever you can, no excuses. Work behind the computer and on mobile when the chance appears. Posting doesn't need special room and a space where you can be broad with colours.
4. Sell your art. Don't be shy to offer them to other people who could benefit from having them. See the worth of your paintings.
And sometimes, you have to sell much cheaper than their worth.
It's normal.
5. Use channels like Saatchi Art where you can introduce your works. It's better to use one or two of these world wide art gallery shops and keep them updated than go crazy and have unorganised many.
6. If you don't have any money left, BUT YOU HAVE WORKED ON YOUR ART 24/7, create social media stories offering them at special prices; offer works via newsletter (that should be on your homepage to opt in) at special prices, write to people who have purchased your work before.
YOU CANNOT HOPE ON PUBLIC/SOCIAL STRUCTURES. THINK FOR YOURSELF AND TURN TO PEOPLE WHO ARE YOUR PEOPLE and can understand you. Not everyone will like you. That's OK: you are not selling ice cream.
7. Lend. Maybe sometimes - if you are actively creating and have enough pieces to sell and offer them actively online and at exhibitions, but still sales haven't come in, you have to lend a bit to survive. 😏
Unfortunately, a career in art is pretty unstable, at least for the beginning artist.
But at least you are enjoying your life and if you give your 120%, there are still a few things you can do:
8. Believe. If you seriously believe you are good enough and your work can be seen, meditate on it. I believe it's possible, but from experience, just manifestation as a manipulation doesn't work: the universe can't be manipulated. But if you've done all you can, you are left with belief that something some day will happen.
9. Karma. Every action has a result, and that applies also to the hard working beginning artist. Every painting - if not in the end of the day, it definitely happens before the end of the world, has an owner. In the most sarcastic way, it could be the artist; but if you have something to sell, at least you have something. Just paint. Do the work.
When in overwhelming doubt, seek help and choose another profession. It takes a lot of nerves to be the brave one you want to be! But only when you open the vessel with your actions, miracles can occur and life becomes way more worth living. Looking back, you want a life that you LIVED with that 120%. Think, if art can be a BIG part (if not fully) of that because half dedication leads to half results leads to half lived life...
Good luck! 