The business of art. That’s the topic of conversation on Thriving Women Artists this week. Join Ping, Sarah, and Dorien in the final part of three podcasts designed to help you get started as an artist. Hear all about why the business side is important, what it is, when you should start thinking about it, and how they did it.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

You may think business and art don’t mix. But if you want to take your art past the point of being a hobby then you have to treat the business side seriously. 
Develop a business mindset. Most businesses have a business plan so why shouldn't you as an artist. Write down your mission, what type of artist are you, who are you targeting? Work out how much you will need to earn, what you can charge, what do you need to make it a viable for you to pursue being an artist. 
All three hosts started their businesses in different ways at different times. Ping started her first business while studying so knew that side of things before becoming a full-time artist. She has had a bookkeeper since the beginning whereas Sarah has been doing it all herself. There is no right way to start, it just has to be right for you. 
Study the field you want to work in. Research how people are commissioned, how much you can expect to make, what is your competition, maybe there is a gap in the market.  
Set up the tools you need in advance. Have your social media, e-mail, and website all ready to go.

 
BEST MOMENTS
‘Have savings and don’t quit your day job straight away’
‘Don’t be afraid of better artists. Surrounding yourself with talented people helps you grow’
‘Put yourself in the shoes of a professional’
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST 
A serious and fun podcast for female creatives hosted by Ping, Dorien and Sarah, three happy artists from Amsterdam.  This podcast will inspire you to make a living out of your art. We welcome you to be part of this community of like-minded people.
www.thrivingwomenartists.com
www.instagram.com/twapodcast
 
 ABOUT THE HOSTS
Ping He 
Ping is a watercolor artist. Her work is inspired by nature and her motherhood experience. She develops her greeting cards brand and teachers Botanical Illustration courses online and offline. 
www.pinghe.art
info@pinghe.art
www.instagram.com/pinghe.art
 
Sarah van Dongen 
Sarah is a children’s book illustrator and visual artist. She takes her sketchbooks and art supplies everywhere, which results in illustrations based on observation and daily life.
www.sarahvandongen.com
sarahvandongenillustration@gmail.com
www.instagram.com/sarahvandongenillustrations
 
Dorien Bellaar:
Dorien is an illustration artist. Her work is mainly focused on illustration for children, editorial/food illustration, hand lettering, and she likes to combine those into both traditional and digital art. 
www.dorienbellaar.nl
hello@dorienbellaar.nl 
www.instagram.com/dorienbellaar
 
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