The Business of Being an Artist

The fifth edition of this updated and expanded classic provides visual artists with an in-depth guide to developing and building a career as a professional artist. Veteran art writer Daniel Grant weaves the words and experiences of dozens of practicing artists throughout this informative volume to describe their real-life challenges and the solutions they found to overcome them. Grant covers everything from art gallery etiquette to the legal rights of artists, including chapters on:

Making the transition from school to the working world
Searching for funding through grants and fellowships
Developing relationships with art dealers
Handling criticism and rejection
How to stay safe in the studio
Finding a variety of ways to get paid in the new economy

New to this edition are expanded sections that look at utilizing exhibition venues from sidewalk fairs to regional biennials to national parks, selling in other countries, talking with collectors about your art and yourself, avoiding the perils of defamation, transporting and travelling with art, using ?greener” materials, and the experience of becoming an artist later in life and of artists’ children. The Business of Being an Artist is an invaluable resource for art students, aspiring artists, and professional artists who want to learn all there is to know about successfully navigating the world of art.

Daniel Grant is a contributing editor of American Artist magazine. He is the author of six books including The Artist’s Guide: Making It in New York City, How to Grow as an Artist, and The Fine Artist's Career Guide (all published by Allworth Press). His articles and essays have appeared in such publications as ARTnews, Art in America, the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New Criterion, Art & Auction, and Art & Antiques, among others. He has taught courses and lectured on career issues for visual artists at numerous colleges and public arts agencies in the United States. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.