Written by a gallerist for artists, this no nonsense, easy-to-read handbook includes advice, information and encouragement to help artists successfully launch, relaunch or refocus their careers.
Topics include: Setting goals, networking, finding & creating exhibition opportunities, selling & pricing art, working with galleries, web sites, artist statements, studio management and more.
Also included: Online resources and additional advice from over forty working artists and art dealers. Contributing Artists: Rick Araluce, Carrie Ann Baade, Ali Banisadr, Rebekah Bogard, Benjamin Britton, Mia Brownell, Charles Clary, Peter Drake, Cara Enteles, Roni Feldman, Lori Field, Eric Finzi, Camille Rose Garcia, Julie Heffernan, Seonna Hong, David Humphrey, David Kramer, Martin Kruck, Travis Louie, Marion Peck, Martha Rich, Jean-Pierre Roy, Judith Schaechter, Tony Shore, Aaron Smith, Sarah Trigg, Hanna von Goeler, Didier William and Brad Woodfin.
Contributing Gallerists: Kirsten Anderson (Roq la Rue), Noah Antieau (Red Truck Gallery), William Baczek, Zach Feuer, Bert Green, Ken Harman (Spoke Art & Hashimoto Contemporary), Andrew Hosner (Thinkspace), Allegra LaViola (Sargent’s Daughters), Jayme McLellan (Civilian Art Projects), Billy Shire (La Luz de Jesus), Mindy Solomon, Mark Wolfe, and Marcia Wood.
Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck, “Launching Your Art Career: A Practical Guide for Artists,” provides proven, real-world strategies to help you advance your career.
As an advisor to artists, I feel many aren't prepared for the dog-eat-dog art world when first starting out. Rather than having to learn harsh lessons the hard way, Alix's informative book helps emerging-and established- artists arm themselves with the know-how needed to succeed and navigate amidst the sharks. With practical and engaging advice, this book prepares artists for longevity, giving them the smarts needed to worry about the most important thing in their careers- making work.
"Follow your heart." "Trust your gut." "Find your voice." "Stay true to your vision."
It's not that there isn't merit to these oft-touted nuggets of wisdom for aspiring artists, it's just that, sometimes, following your heart won't help you pay rent on time.
If you're looking for the kind of advice that, while it may not look as great on an inspirational postcard, will help you actually sustain yourself as a working artist, we highly suggest Alix Sloan's Launching Your Art Career: A Practical Guide for Artists.
Sloan, a curator and consultant, enlists the help of 40 artists and dealers to compile a bullshit-free guide to making art, making connections, making sales and making money.
As a former gallery owner, museum curator, teacher and advisor to a Masters Museum Management program, this was the book I needed so many times over the years. It is the definitive guide for what they don't teach artists in Art School. Alix Sloan gets practical and focused and this is what so many artists need to jump start their career. It's not the teachers beating the artist down or the family propping the artist up, it's real life guidance to up the odds of potential success in a somewhat haphazard and uncertain art world. With one chapter devoted to recommendations from artists, gallerists and curators, she is giving you the answers. Now it becomes time for the artist to implement her tips.
