Some of the questions he gets often are, “How do you run your business? How do you start an art business? How do you promote yourself? How do you price your artwork?”
Kevin tells viewers that they want to talk to the Voice, his “lovely assistant.” Kevin says it’s time to turn the tables, take the camera away from her, and give her the microphone. It’s time to ask her what she does for him.
The Voice says that the business is really teamwork. It started with Kevin’s talent, which is really, really important.
But, she says, you don’t have to make art a business. You can also just make beautiful art. But if you WANT to be a full-time artist, there are things you probably need to do.
The Voice emphasizes that this is their experience. Your route may differ.
She sees the operation as a balancing act. In addition to the artistic side, you have the business side: pricing and inventory, that sort of thing.
Pricing is a big issue. Kevin often gets questions about that. In the series about building a successful art career they will definitely talk about pricing.
The third part of a successful art career is marketing. That’s social media, galleries advertising, shows. So the artistic, business and marketing aspects are all part of a full-time art career.
Kevin got started just by making things. The Voice says that’s important – some people want to be an artist until they find out it’s hard work.
Kevin was working part time on his art while driving a semi truck full time. One question he gets a lot is “How do I get ready to quit my job and become a full time artist?” Says the Voice, “Boy, that sounds super scary to me.” Kevin worked part-time at his art while driving full time for 4 – 5 years before becoming a full time artist.
The Voice recommends developing an art career part time at first. It’s a lot of work and you’re not going to have much play time unless you consider the art playing, which Kevin did. But you have to find out if it’s for you.
That way you’re not risking your job and your future because you might not like it. Some people don’t.
There’s a lot to talk about on this subject, and the Voice is glad to share what they have learned – some hard earned lessons as well as some wonderful successes during the last 13 years.
Kevin and the Voice will do a series of videos about developing an art career, answering the questions that people often ask about. Kevin asks what viewers should do next. Answers the Voice: “Make some art!”
But first: visit https://kevincaron.com to see some of Kevin’s sculpture and his free how to videos.
Well, you might want to stick around for another moment to see Kevin hone his camera skills ….