Art Inc.

Artists who dream of turning their passion into a career need only the expert guidance in Art, Inc. Lisa Congdon unveils the multiplicity of ways to make a living from art, including illustration, licensing, fine art sales, print sales and teaching and offers practical advice on cultivating a business mind-set, selling and promoting work and more. Trade secrets from art world pros including such luminaries as Paula Scher, Nikki McClure and Mark Hearld make Art, Inc. the ultimate resource for aspiring artists ready for success.
Review:
Nearly everything an artist, aspiring artist, or designer needs to know to earn a living through making art is contained here. Rather than teaching specific drawing or painting techniques, Congdon (Whatever You Are, Be a Good One) describes how to have a successful business practice in support of one's craft. Chapters address the ways money can be made, including illustration, licensing, sales of original art and of prints, and teaching. Advice on a host of business and professional concerns not usually discussed in art schools is dispensed in an encouraging voice. Interviews with working artists of various backgrounds appear throughout. Most important, Congdon discards the myth of the starving artist, replacing this tired notion with that of the thriving, successful creative person who is able to do what they love and get paid to do it. VERDICT: A useful resource for young adults, emerging artists, and creative people of all ages who seek a career change. - Library Journal, Starred Review