The Business of Being an Artist

Being an artist is first and foremost about the work — creating, exploring, learning and continually developing the practice. But an artistic practice does not exist in isolation. As artists build their careers, they work with presenters, collaborators, producers, institutions and audiences, take on projects and opportunities, manage finances and schedules, and make decisions about where to take their work next. All of this becomes part of the professional ecosystem around an artistic practice.

Keeping track of these different aspects can help artists better understand how their careers are developing, make informed choices about what they take on, and create the structures they need to support their work over time.

Here are FIVE areas worth keeping track of.

1. Opportunities

Keep track of the opportunities that come your way: what you are exploring, what you have applied for, what has been confirmed and what you have successfully completed.

It is also useful to keep a record of the opportunities that did not materialise. Over time, this can help you see patterns in the kinds of opportunities you are pursuing, where your work is gaining traction and where there may be opportunities to follow up or build further.

2. Projects

As projects grow, so does the amount there is to manage. Keep track of what you are working on, the key dates and deadlines, who is involved, what needs to be delivered and what needs to happen next. Even a simple project tracker can help bring clarity when several projects are happening at the same time. Keeping past projects on record can also help you build a useful history of your work, collaborations and achievements.

3. Time

Time is one of an artist’s most valuable resources. Rehearsals, performances, teaching, travel, meetings, administration and other commitments can quickly fill up a calendar. It is equally important to protect time for your own artistic practice and development.

Time tracking and a weekly review can help you understand where your time is actually going. Look at how much time is spent on artistic practice, paid work, administration, travel and other commitments, and whether the balance reflects your priorities.

4. Money

Understanding and keeping track of your finances is an important part of building a sustainable artistic career. Keep a simple record of income, expenses, fees, invoices and payments received or pending. Track what you earn from different projects and activities, keep your receipts and expense records organised, and know what you are spending on each project. It is also useful to review your finances regularly so you have a clear picture of what is coming in, what is going out and what is still due. You do not need to be a financial expert, but you do need to know your numbers.

5. Networks

Artistic careers are built through relationships, with collaborators, presenters, producers, institutions, teachers, fellow artists, funders and audiences. Keeping track of these relationships is important too. Maintain an organised record of your contacts, email addresses, conversations and past collaborations so that you can easily find and stay connected with the people you have worked with or want to work with.

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Want to learn how to manage the professional side of your artistic career?

ArtSpire’s Artist Coaching Sessions are designed to help artists work through the practical aspects of building a career, from managing opportunities and projects to understanding time, money and professional networks. The sessions provide a space to look at where you are, identify what needs attention, work through specific challenges and figure out practical ways forward. Write to us at contact@artspire.in or fill this form.

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