There are many different ways for artists to go when they decide to build an art related small business. Michael Gibbs talks about his illustration business in this earn a living as an artist interview.
How Did You Begin Doing Art?
"Technically, by doodling in school when I wasn’t supposed to. But my real interest in art began when I went to art school (Pratt Institute) as a photography major, got introduced to drawing, and gravitated toward it. I’d wanted to work for myself for as long as I grasped the concept of having to earn a living, so after art school and three years of working in a graphics department, I decided to jump into freelance illustration with both feet."
Can You Describe Your Philosophy as an Artist?
"There’s a bit of a divide here. I do some personal art on the side, and I like to explore more personal themes there, like (seriously) the meaning of life. But the bulk of my artistic output is illustration, and my philosophy as an illustrator is to suggest the meaning of a story or article, usually metaphorically, without being to literal. I’d rather intrigue the view than hit them over the head with the point I’m trying to make."
What Is the Strongest Influence on Your Work?
"I get asked that question all the time, and it’s hard to answer because I’ve been doing this so long, so the list of influences has continued to grow while any dominating influence has slowly diminished. A number of other artists and illustrators have influenced me."
What Made You Realize You Could Earn a Living as an Artist?
"I’m not sure... it was more an act of faith than a rational decision. There wasn’t much else I wanted to do, so I went for it and figured I would find a way to make it happen. The way I think I looked at it at the time was, there are people making a living doing this, so if they could do it, why couldn’t I? I had studied graphic design and like it, and knew it was an acceptable Plan B. And it helped that I was filled with youthful optimism at the time, wasn’t married, had no children, and had no mortgage, so there wasn’t a whole lot to lose."
What Venues Do You Use to Sell Your Art?
"As an illustrator, I make all of my income from commissioned pieces and resale of some of those pieces as stock illustration. I’ve had some work in gallery shows as a result of various continuing-ed classes, workshops, or juried illustration shows, and have sold pieces, but it’s not steady income and I’ve never really had a gallery show with the intention of selling the artwork. I’ve had some success selling signed, limited-edition prints via my website or on eBay, but I don’t focus on it; illustration work keeps me plenty busy."
How Did You Find Your Market?
"Finding illustration work is all about getting your work in front of people who buy illustration: namely, designers and art directors. I initially advertised in illustration-specific directories and took my portfolio around to art directors, as well as sending out postcards of my work. With the internet, that’s all changed; I now do most of my promotional work online through my own websites or group websites that feature illustrators. But perhaps the best advertising is to get work in the more prestigious juried illustration annuals, and I’ve been fortunate to have had success in those. Eventually there was less of me calling on potential clients than potential clients calling me. But still, clients come and go, the marketplace and industry change, so the process goes on."
What Is the Most Important Business Connection You Made?
"If I had to pick one, I’d say it’s getting work into the juried annuals, since it provides credibility and prestige and they’re the most highly visible showcases of illustration. Inclusion is certain group websites has also been valuable. But in terms of promoting my business, my philosophy is to get visibility everywhere I can and let the whole be greater than the sum of the parts. So I not only advertise on line, have websites, enter juried shows, and try to get published as much as possible, I try to network, have a Facebook and LinkedIn page, try to blog... it all adds up."
Is Making Art Still Fun for You? If So, How Do You Keep it Fun?
"I still enjoy it. Every assignment is different, so in a sense it never gets truly repetitive. Yes, the novelty is long gone, but I still, to this day, get a kick out of doing certain projects, like posters or cause-related pro bono work. And yes, it’s “a job,” but it’s a job that I’m in control of (sort of), and anything that keeps me off the street or out of an office is... fun. And it’s rewarding to work for yourself, it’s fulfilling, and I guess reward and fulfillment are inherently fun. I also tend to stay involved in side projects, like printmaking, making handmade artist’s books, taking workshops or continuing ed courses. All of these keep the creative juices flowing, and as long as they’re flowing, as long as I’m engaged in artistically rewarding projects- which the career allows me to do- I’m going to find fulfillment, and have fun."
What One Thing Should Anyone Who Wants to Sell Art Do?
"Find your honest personal style and stick with it. And if you want to sell it, make sure you’re making something people want to have. Since art is not a material necessity, it’s got to be something compelling enough that people will buy it."
As he wrapped up the interview, Gibbs had a second tip for people who want to make a living with their art. "You asked for one thing, but a second thing is promote yourself. Endlessly."
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