Art Business: Real‑World Tips to Grow Your Creative Career

Running a successful art practice isn’t just about painting or sculpting. It’s also about showing up as a professional, pricing your work right, and building relationships that keep commissions flowing. Below you’ll find straight‑forward steps you can start using right now, whether you’re a portrait painter in London or a sculptor just getting started.

Setting Fair Prices for Portraits

First, know your costs. Add up paint, canvas, studio time, and any assistants you hire. Then add a profit margin—usually 20‑30 % for a steady income. Look at what other UK portrait artists charge; many list prices per head, half‑body, or full‑length. If a peer charges £800 for a half‑body, positioning yours at £900 signals quality without scaring buyers.

Next, create a clear price list on your website. Break it down: sketch fee, base painting cost, and optional extras like expedited delivery or custom framing. When a client asks for a quote, you can point them to the list and avoid endless back‑and‑forth negotiations. Transparency builds trust and speeds up the decision.

Managing Commissions and Gallery Relations

Commission work often starts with a contract. Keep it simple: define the scope, timeline, number of revisions, and payment schedule (usually a 30 % deposit, 40 % midway, and 30 % on delivery). A short, plain‑English contract protects both sides and shows you’re serious.

When dealing with galleries, treat each exhibition like a mini‑business. Provide a press release, high‑resolution images, and a clear sales policy. Galleries typically take 30‑50 % of the sale, so factor that into your asking price. If a piece is listed at £2,000, the artist nets about £1,200‑£1,400 after the gallery cut.

Social media is your free showroom. Post work‑in‑progress photos, short videos of your process, and finished pieces with a short story behind each. Use hashtags like #artbusiness, #portraitartist, and #UKart to reach buyers who are already searching for art they can purchase.

Networking doesn’t have to be formal. Join local artist groups, attend gallery openings, or volunteer for community art projects. These connections often turn into referrals, and a word‑of‑mouth recommendation can be worth more than any online ad.

Finally, keep track of every expense and income stream in a spreadsheet or simple accounting app. Knowing which projects bring the most profit helps you focus on the right kind of work. Review the numbers every month and adjust your pricing or marketing plan accordingly.

Running an art business is a mix of creative thinking and solid everyday habits. Start with clear pricing, use contracts for commissions, stay active on social media, and keep the books tidy. Follow these steps and you’ll see more commissions, better gallery deals, and a steadier income stream—all while you keep doing what you love.