Artists Earning Over $100,000

Artists Earning Over $100,000

I recently received an inquiry from an artist who apparently found ArtistsWhoTHRIVE.com by searching online for “artists earning $100,000.”

This week I also consulted with another artist who asked me, “How did you sell over $100,000 in art in your first year as a full time artist?”

Apparently this is a magical number equaling success for many artists.

I found these inquiries serendipitous and a bit amusing so I knew that I must answer the question this week.

How did I sell over $100,000 of art in my first year as a full time business?

I tell you how I did it.  And I’ll share how other artists that I have coached have done it or who are going to sell over $100,000 of art.

First let me say, obviously how I sell my art will certainly be different from how you sell yours.

But after coaching and consulting artists from across the globe I have noticed that there is a basic formula for success.

1. Successful artists have a very clear and specific goal, a SMART goal.

My goal was to sell over $100,000 of art in my first year in business full time.

Notice the specificity of this statement.  Also note, I did not “earn” over $100,000, I sold or grossed over $100,000 of my art.  In fact, I exceeded this goal by 25%.

2. Successful artists are disciplined and focused.

I got up every day knowing what my goal was and I built and maintained an action plan to keep me focused.

Building an action plan was pretty easy for me as a former project management consultant.  But if this is not your natural skill set you’ll need to get some help.

3. Successful artists have a positive attitude.

This is huge.  It’s very difficult to remain focused without a positive attitude.  And making and selling art can clearly be a daunting task when you’re starting out.  A few pearls of wisdom to ponder.

Thoughts are things.

As you think so shall you become.

Stand guard at the gate to your mind.

If you don’t know where to start, I recommend starting first by: A. Developing and maintaining a positive attitude. B. Then define a SMART goal. C. Take focused action on it every day until you reach it.