10/ 26/ 2006
by Jeffrey Moses
Often, artistic individuals have not received business training and lack the fundamental business skills required to make a commercial success of their activities. Many writers, artists, musicians and photographers struggle to make a living, even though highly talented.
Networks of artist and writer's agents have formed to serve as a link between artists and the commercial aspects of their businesses (publishing companies, art distributors, galleries, etc.). Even so, these networks sometimes fail to bring financial success to the artist. When this is the case, many artists take a new approach and decide to go into a commercial business that allows them to use their talents. The following list outlines 10 businesses that can allow artistic souls to achieve financial stability while still practicing their art.
1. Freelance writer. Many creative writers turn their talents to the commercial field, writing ad copy, brochures, sales letters, Web page content, newsletters, trade articles, etc. Would-be novelists and poets may be surprised to discover that the preciseness required by such writing helps improve their more purely artistic endeavors. Commercial writing can be done either as a freelancer or as an employee of an ad agency or a company's marketing department.
2. Book editor. With the number of books written and self-published today, good book editors can find a financially successful niche. To promote yourself, contact book publishers, graphic designers handling book layouts for self-publishers and publications giving advice to writers.
3. Graphic designer. Many successful artists have supported themselves and their families during the early stage of the careers by working in the graphic arts. Today, computer design and page-layout programs are a central part of such work, and competency in the most widely used programs is a must. Graphic design is an enormously diversified and creative field today. It includes Web site design, magazine design and layout and all types of ad/collateral material design.
4. Illustrator. Many graphic designers are also illustrators, but there is room in the marketplace today for illustrators who create illustrations for books, business publications and ads. Mural work for businesses and organizations is also part of this field and can allow artists to express their creativity in a profitable way.
5. Greeting card designer/publisher. The greeting card market is bigger than ever and offers artists a way to make money using their creative talents.
6. Sign painter/letterer. Many communities pride themselves on the uniqueness and creativity of signs used by local businesses and professions.
7. Photographer for businesses and weddings. Ad agencies and corporate marketing departments rarely have full-time photographers on staff. This gives freelance photographers the chance to earn money using their skills. Wedding photography has been and continues to be a big business, requiring a blend of technical and interpersonal skill.
8. Commercial musician. This category includes creators of musical jingles for ads and commercials as well as owners/engineers of recording studios. Customers who need a little backup or musical consulting often call upon the musical talent of recording studio owners.
9. Interior design. This is a widely popular and growing field today. Many universities have degree programs in interior design with graduates earning a good living.
10. Floral design. Floral design and arrangement is an art well appreciated by florists, interior designers, caterers and event-organizers.
While all these businesses are essentially artistic in nature, success requires some degree of business acumen. Bookkeeping, marketing, time management, employee management and other traditional business skills will at least partially determine the degree of financial success. Those with an artistic soul but little training (or little interest) in these vital talents would be wise to consider partnering with a person who can handle these aspects of the business.
