One of our favorite arts publications is The Artist’s Magazine as it always has great resources for emerging, mid-career, and veteran artists. October’s issue is definitely worth a trip to the news stand.

What particularly caught my attention was an article by North Carolina artist Susan Lyon called “Most Likely to Succeed” in which she shares shares her opinions on important topics including:

• Should I go to art school?
• What should I study to become a better artist?
• How do I make ends meet when I start working as a full-time artist?
• Where do I find my own style?
• What’s the best way to choose a gallery or show?
• What’s a good way to advertise my work?
• Can too much business ever be a bad thing?

What I especially enjoyed about this article was Susan’s focus on the need to maintain your artistic integrity throughout the many aspects of the artist’s career. For example:

It’s very important to keep the business end of art separate from what’s going on in your studio. It’s easy to paint the same subject over and over because it’s easy for you and it sells. Challenging yourself to push the boundaries and go beyond your comfort zone might mean that some paintings don’t come out well, but it also means you’re growing as a painter”

Susan also made some comments about artist’s websites which we also strongly believe in:

It’s a mistake to think of your website only in terms of selling paintings. The real power of the web is to share your tips, adventures, and experience with those interested in your work. Collectors aren’t just buying a painting but participating in your life as well, and by opening up to them, you’ll create a collaboration between collector and artist.

Also in the October Artist’s Magazine is a great article by artist and art career coach Kathy Gulrich, titled “Decisions, Decisions”. It includes 15 tips for making the right choices for success as an artist.

Go grab your copy. We did!

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