There are probably more individuals out there than I would care to admit that want to be an artist as their full time career; as their sole income and living. I am one of many. However, I hope that I am one of the rare few that can actually make it. For about 4 years now, I feel as if I have been working two full time jobs--probably because I have. I am a high school art teacher during the day and then an artist, publicist, agent, and book keeper by night and weekend, (and any other spare moment I can find). And I am learning there is still more to do.
Creating art only takes a portion of my time as I aspire to make this into my full time career. I also make phone calls, write e-mails, keep in contact with patrons and galleries, create promotional material for my illustration side, work with a publishing house doing sketches, research, and final color art. Then I carefully try to wade the waters of social media, attempting to strike that fine balance of promoting myself without being rude. Then there are public events such as art festivals--which I have scaled back on as the return just currently is not that good--and other public venues that I have found to be a wiser choice for my art.
In October, I purchased a fine art printer so I could create my own prints, both for quality control and to provide a lower price tag for patrons--which helps increase sales. I also have worked to design some more greeting cards and spent a good amount of time on an experiment of making art tiles--you don't see them on my site because they failed miserably... I am still cleaning up gooey resin from my studio.
My next project is to attempt to build frames. (I will try to let you know how that goes.)
Lastly, I had to spend several evening making sure all my receipts and records were in order for my annual report to Uncle Sam in the form of a tax return. All this while teaching high schoolers and working with them on their own art and prepping for their competitions.
So, as you can see, it is no walk in the park. But I do this with great love for my art and for my family and church whom I hope I can serve better if I can ever make the leap to stay home. This all leads me to what I wonder now. After coming home from filing my taxes, I now wonder if I am at a point where I can go no further, make no more, unless I have more time. It is frightening as I stand upon the possible precipice, looking over at self employment. Am I ready for the leap? Should I wait another year or will I burn out or miss some opportunities if I do? I wonder how many other artists have been where I am now. I had the chance to visit with one who is successful this past week, and he admitted he just jumped. His attitude was, "With no plan B, there is no room for failure." I have been praying hard and will continue to do so. Thank you to those who have so far given me support. (And I will try to be better about updating, especially now that I am working on a lot of exciting pieces for the show season!)