The Business of Being an Artist

Many years ago, before I'd ever dreamed I would make my living as an artist, I had a romantic notion that the artist's life was spent in the studio creating wonderful works of art all day... little did I know! Quite aside from teaching which usually takes up a couple of days each week (and is what actually earns the money) the majority of my time is spent on admin - keeping everything up to date, answering emails, sending out brochures, maintaining a contact list, devising new classes, making samples for classes, ordering materials, marketing and generally keeping my name "out there"... in fact it is a miracle that any work gets created at all.

I recently ordered some cards of one of my prints which this morning I've been packaging up... testing the water really to see if they will sell.

I've also been framing some work and hanging it in various locations around the house to see what it looks like... some embroidered pieces...

and a couple of prints...

and all this activity has been prompted because in just a months time I will be participating in Cambridge Open Studios once again, opening my doors for two weekends in July. Which also means I need to update my contact list and get some of these sent out... If you are in the area I would love to see you (details on the website - http://www.camopenstudios.co.uk/)

Although before that I shall be at Missenden Abbey at the weekend with a stall to promote my classes there and hopefully sell a few items (if I find any time to make anything else this week)

But it does mean there is never a dull moment and a "to do" list which is being constantly added to. On the list this afternoon... back to degree work!