Art/Work

Art/Work: Everything you Need to Know (and Do) As You Pursue Your Art Career

Heather Darcy Bhandari and Jonathan Melber

I'll state it right up front: I know Heather and Jonathan (the authors) very well. I am not objective. I like them. I like their book.

I spend a fair amount of time talking to art students about what it takes to be an artist or how to make it in the world as an artist. I think of artists as non-profit organizations. Like it or not, an artist must run a business that for most won't turn a profit but that adds value to either their lives or the lives of others. Rather than subject an artist to my own personal opinions, I now have a place to send artists to get answers and anecdotes on the business of being an artist.

Heather and Jonathan not only share their experiences and expertise, but the book is chock full of quotes from all walks of life within the art world. Every single topic on running your own business is covered in here: submission do's and don't's, websites, studio visits, residencies and grants, rejection, crating and shipping work, consignments, gallery relationships, and more. I recommend this book so strongly that if there is an artist out there who can't afford this book ($16.95) I'm willing to buy it for them. No joke. 

Comments

[Wells Mason]

This is very, very, very generous. Thanks for spreading the love - and the good word.

[jacqui]

I think I will buy this book for my daughter, a aspiring photographer, studying at the University of North Texas. I have already told she will need to make a lot of coffee and eat off air for the first few years of her career, if she wants to be serious about it.

When I went to Art College in the 70's we received no advice whatsoever. We were basically told to create and the art world will come to. Well, it didn't but by the time I figured that one out, I really didn't care as I had 3 kids in tow. Fortunately, UNT seems to care about the future of their students, so hopefully she will achieve her dreams.

[Paige West]

Jacqui - That is an excellent thing to do for your daughter. This book is so valuable - good for any artist at any stage of their career. I haven't had any takers, but I was seriously offering to purchase it for any artist who asked. The good news is that it is priced well and most don't have to ask, I guess. Enjoy!

[Melifera]

This books is exactly what I need- yesterday I was pondering studio visits... Seeing as I am an unemployed single mom living in NY, money for such extravagances is hard to come by, but I think I might try to budget for this great book. What a generous offer on your part! This week has confirmed that there are a few kind souls left out there. I've written about it a bit:

www.meliferasmusings.blogspot.com/2009/03/earl-grey-tea-delivered-right-to-my.html

[Paige West]

Meliferra, I am serious! I would like to send you this book. Please email me your address. I would not have offered if I wasn't serious!

[David Gibson]

My name is David Gibson, an independent curator, I actually contributed to the book but right now I have only $100 left in my bank account and that is earmarked for food. I'd love to get a copy if you'd send me one. My address is 205 East 78th Street Apt #19L, New York, NY 10075. Thanks, if you can!

[Paige West]

David, Consider it done! And thanks for contributing to the book!

[David Gibson]

Will you also consider listing my new artblog with your links? I am co-writing it with Jill Conner. The URL is http://artquips.blogspot.com

Thanks, David

[josh sperling]

COuld you send me this book? My name is Josh Sperling and I am a painter. I do not currently have a website but would love to send you a couple pics of my work if you are interested. My address is 406 hillview place, Ithaca NY, 14850