How to make actual money selling your own art

The Artist is intimately involved in a complex world of beauty where form and color come together to produce an item of often exquisite beauty. The sales person on the other hand deals in selling an item with a price and is tasked with selling such an item, in many cases, over and over again. The sales person once he or she has the experience can become successful by making sales over and over again. The artist must strive for originality and can not, must not, copy his last product or be deemed as simply a painting machine. While the salesperson can sell anything and often does, pity the poor artist who does not have the sales person's temperament and is often critical of his or her own work. In order for the artist to survive in the world, they must be able to wear many hats. The individual artist must market himself like a salesperson. The artist must sell and then deliver his product to remain financially solvent. 

Accounting

This process is part of an area in accounting where the revenue recognition standard must be taken into consideration in the valuation of work when it is in stock or when it is sold to a client which applies to the work of the artist. The artist may show zero income for a long period of time but then a major installation takes place and large dollar amounts have to be taken into consideration for accounting and the payment of taxes on income. This artist must rely on an accounting firm that is familiar with this feast or famine occurrence that is often experienced by artists.

Merging Accounting and Art 

The artist has a multitude of expenses other than studio rent and painting supplies. A competent accountant will allow the artist to continue their work without the fear of owing back taxes or facing an IRS penalty. The artist needs to be clear headed and fearless as he or she continues working on their occupation with a goal to be a successful artist. Discover the average income of artists here.

Conclusions

Many artists began their careers after years of arduous study and studio work in colleges and universities. Compiling an extensive portfolio may ensure that the educated artist receives a needed head start on his or her career path. The road ahead is more difficult for the person who has decided to channel their artistic talents while making a career altering change in life. Both artists face challenges ahead and must rely on others for competent advice and judicious guidance in realms of sales and accounting. Extensive tax rules governing artists and other creative individuals should not limit the creative abilities of such individuals. Only when an artist is armed with the latest accounting information is that artist able to succeed in the rarefied world of the Arts.