9 INSPIRING ARTISTS SHARE THEIR CREATIVE BUSINESS CHALLENGES
‘In the Studio’ is our interview series where we dive inside the minds of talented artists and makers running creative businesses. With each creative entrepreneur, we’re always interested to know what challenges they face, as we find that we’re often facing the exact same hurdles. We also ask these inspiring women to offer some advice for other aspiring artists looking to turn their creative passions into successful art businesses. Here 9 amazing female artists from around the world share their biggest challenges and offer some words of wisdom about selling your art.
Hila Eshel, Fabric Artist, Singapore
Challenge:
The biggest challenge is definitely time. Once you start a solo business, there is less time to explore new styles, as there are so many other things to take care of—branding, customer relations, marketing, admin, website, orders, etc. This is simply a reality that you have to deal with and things just take longer.
Words of wisdom:
Do something that you love. Even then it won’t always be easy, but if you have a true passion for your craft, it will keep you going and help you cope with any challenge.
Read the full interview with Hila Eshel
Valerie Savchits, Artist, London
Challenge:
It’s all about networking—I would love to have an opportunity to make more professional connections with curators, art collectives and creative individuals from all around the world.
Words of Wisdom:
Young artists sometimes forget about being themselves; they think that there can be scary implications for not being accepted by society. Being addicted to social media and money-oriented are also, in my personal opinion, some of the most important factors that may lead to difficulties in building their creative businesses. To succeed you just need to be honest with yourself, focus on what you do and don’t pay attention to what other people say about your work, otherwise, you will start producing art that doesn’t speak for itself.
Read the full interview with Valerie Savchits
Belinda Bath, Photographer, Hong Kong
Challenge:
I’m a creative, so the technical and business side of things doesn’t come naturally to me. Growing and promoting my business is always an area that I could use help in, which is why I love what you are doing so much (Thanks Belinda!). You are helping to give small business owners the resources that we need. I’m never comfortable putting myself or my work out there, I’m very much an ‘under the radar’ type of person, so some good PR help or advice would be great. More technical knowledge wouldn’t go astray either. Luckily for me, I have a very technically savvy daughter and husband to help in that area.
Words of Wisdom:
I think first and foremost you have to be original and authentic and true to your own artist aesthetic. This will gain you the respect you need to succeed.
It’s never ok to copy other people’s work or ideas. Find a mentor or someone you trust to help you start your business. Protect yourself and your intellectual property as much as you can. Look for resources such as Creative Founders that offer genuine support and help.
Be passionate about your work, have a strong work ethic, and let your artistic talent shine through your work.
Read our full interview with Belinda Bath
Cindy Press, Artist, New York
Challenge:
[We asked Cindy about balancing work and family and working from home]
That’s really the biggest challenge I have. If I find myself getting caught up in things that need to be done at home I will look at the clock and promise myself to stop at a certain time. I find that I usually need to get the home stuff out of the way in the morning, then I can spend the rest of the day focusing on art.
Words of Wisdom:
I’m a big believer that you have to work really hard if you want something. I could not have reached the collector base I have today if it wasn’t for the Internet and social media. So when I’m not painting I’m posting!
Read our interview with Cindy Press
Samantha Dorri, Designer & Founder of SammyEve, Singapore
Challenge:
It is a constant challenge to manage all the different components of the business at the same time. From completing orders, managing logistics, social media, accounting and most importantly my design work, it can be quite overwhelming at times.
I chose to work from home and whilst I enjoy being able to spend time with my children, it can be distracting and I have to be disciplined to ensure I have time dedicated to focusing on my business. Ideally, in the future I would outsource all my social media and logistics so that I have more time to design, which is the part that I am most passionate about.
Words of Wisdom:
In a world of mass consumerism where there are so many choices of products to buy, personalisation immediately brings a sense of sentimental value to a product which I believe is priceless. What is readily available all over the world to anyone who can afford it, suddenly becomes unique to that individual consumer. They are given creative control over the finished product making the gift giving so much more special.
Read our interview with Samantha Dorri
Bianca Timmerman, Artist, Bali
Challenge:
Having to accept that there are people who don’t like my work, having people tell me how I should do my art, and having my art measured by money. However, all of these things have been good learning experiences. I would like to learn more about the gallery business so I can become more solid in that. It’s all still very new to me, but so far it’s all good and very exciting!
Words of Wisdom:
Remember to have fun and never forget that!
Read our full interview with Bianca Timmerman
Michelle Ma, Artist, Singapore
Challenges:
My biggest challenge has been being torn between spending time creating and marketing/networking.
Words of Wisdom:
My tips would be:
– Make sure that you have a supportive family.
– Create a relatively structured routine.
– Outsource work with low value added.
– Keep focused! I have a whiteboard in my kitchen and update it on a daily basis so nothing will go wrong.
– Learn to say “No”.
Read our full interview with Michelle Ma
Ines Katamso, Designer & Artist, Bali
Challenge: (We asked her what challenges she faces being a young female artist and designer.)
I definitely need to be more confident in my work. But I have sincerely never felt any sexism during my career in Indonesia. The meetings with clients are smooth and respectful, and the clients are always interested in discovering new works and a new personality.
Words of Wisdom:
To always push the boundaries of their creation and always keep the desire to progress and evolve. I’m still working on it, but I guess the most important thing is to be confident in themselves.
Read our full interview with Ines Katamso
Naomi Samara, Artist, Bali
Challenges: [When asked about the online world & marketing]
I still need to learn more about it! We just launched our online store and I’m in the very early stages of wrapping my head around how to maximise its potential! It hasn’t been an easy process.
Words of Wisdom:
There is no one way. The creative world has many faces. Be true to what pulls you and make your own mold and you will draw the right people in. Also, go with what life gives you, be adaptable and imaginative with hard challenges and turn them into creative opportunities.
Read our interview with Naomi Samara
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