12 REASONS Why some artists stay in Struggle Mode and Others succeed.

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I have been in the art business for over two decades; I am still standing here and thriving because I have learned what it takes to be a successful artist. 

And I hate to tell you this but operating an art business is not just about your talent, it encompasses so much more. 

I am not exceptional by any means; I am just persistent. I learned through many trials and errors; believe me; lessons are plenty when you do it full time in a gallery. 
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To those of you that don't know me, I am Ting, an artist, and art business coach. For the past 13 years, I operated my award-winning gallery and built a sustainable business for my future. Life as a working artist is busy, to say the least. 

Since we are the makers and marketers, there is very little time left to waste focusing on the wrong things. So let’s discuss what makes some artists struggle and others succeed.  

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1. Attitude: Most artists wish to be discovered; they hope their talent will bring them to stardom. Sadly, that is further than the truth.

There are many artists out there forging through challenges to reach success. Therefore if you are not actively working hard on your art business you will be left behind. 

Successful artists know they have to create their own luck. They know they will not be discovered if they don’t work hard at it. The successful ones work hard at their mindset to have the right attitude to support their dreams.
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2. No Framework: Most artists do not have a framework for succeeding, so they dabble in various things hoping to bring them results; unfortunately, they usually get side-tracked by the next shiny object and end up with overwhelmed paralysis. 

To be a successful artist means you need a good framework that will bring you from A to Z. This includes creating a sellable collection, knowing who to sell to, how to sell, how to market, and what kind of shows to sell your work. Without a framework, you will always be struggling.

3. No Plans: Some artists are busy working, but they only focus on one thing and miss the mark. Their lack of knowledge of what it entails to build a thriving art business keeps their progress at a standstill. 

To build a successful business, you have to take the time and write down your goals and set out a plan to strategize your vision and make it work.

4. Discipline: This naturally comes after goal setting. Most artists do not have a plan; therefore, they do not have a strategy to follow and accomplish their goals. And if they do have a plan, they do not follow through. 

If you want to sell and market well, means you got to be disciplined to accomplish your dream. The best way to do this is to form good habits of scheduling things and crossing them off. 

5. Network: Many artists do not invest the time to build relationships with their clients. They don’t realize that art is a people’s business.

Creating lasting relationships with your clients is essential for your brand. Networking with industry people, and other artists is also vital to your growth. 

You have to invest time in connecting with your fans to deepen those relationships and cultivate your buyers into collectors.

6. Momentum: Most artists don’t seize opportunities when they arise instead they let momentums slip away.

The thing with being a successful artist means you have to seize the moment; if you don’t, your business is fleeting with limited success. Brilliant artist-entrepreneurs prepare and build opportunities for their success. 

7. Poor Delegation: Face it, life as an artist is busy. There is only so much you can handle by yourself. Some artists struggle because they don’t have support. 

If you don’t have a family member to help you with your business, delegate your work. For example, get a print shop to do your printing for you, or hire a photographer to photograph your art. Whatever you can delegate in the beginning, do it so that you can build some momentum to alleviate stress and give you more studio time to create and market your work. 

8. It’s Not Just Art: Some artists don’t realize how many aspects of the business have nothing to do with their art skills but everything to do with their marketing skills. 

Without a robust marketing strategy, how are people finding you? How can you stand out in the crowd and reach your ideal customers? In today’s noisy art world, marketing your art is an essential part of the puzzle of becoming a success in your field. 

9. Up-leveling Your Sales Skills: Most artists frown on the sales part of the business. Sorry to burst your bubble, but everything that leads to success has something to do with sales. 

Many artists assumed they are not good at sales, but they are very wrong. Suppose they change their attitude and look at the whole spectrum of their creativity and uniqueness—building connections and sales are our forte. If you don’t believe me, read this article. 

10. Lack of Professionalism: Many artists don’t look the part for success. Dress for success, artists. I am not saying wear a gown to the art opening, but be presentable and professional. If you want to be taken seriously, then carrying yourself in a dignified and respectable way is your first step. 

11. The Art Collection. Most artists also don’t have an extensive and sellable art collection. Their portfolio is incomplete, with many genres and themes, making it hard to sell or get gallery representation.

They also lack distinctive styles, perhaps from too much art schooling or watching and learning from many YouTube channels, counterintuitively picking up other artists' styles instead of developing their own. 

If you want to stand out with your art, you need a focused genre and a distinctive style. And a sound portfolio strategy that aims for salability. 

12. Persistence: Many artists fail because they gave up. 

The secret to success is never to settle. Always thrive on being better than you are today. If you don’t know how to do something, learn how to do it. Join a group or hire a mentor that will help you to succeed. There is so much excellent knowledge out there, and it will be a dishonor to yourself if you don’t invest in your talent. 

Spending some time to get educated might be your next step to set yourself up for success. And your talent is worth it! 

Conclusion
Some artists stay in struggle mode because of unfortunate situations such as health, lack of support, lack of money, and lack of time. But suppose all playing fields are leveled, the successful artists who succeed and remain are the ones that are consistently improving their business and learning. 

If you need some free education on building an art business, check out my Artist Resource.
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With Creative Joy,
​Ting