Not quite what I expected. Third of the book is lists of resources. Really only useful if you live in the US. Some interesting points about the relationship between art galleries and artists and a fair attempt at empowering artists. Still, not the book for me.

Since retirement, I have been exploring the arts as a business opportunity. This book is a real eye opener about what questions to ask and where to look for assistance. It appears that artists are the talent and others may just be users of the talent without respect for the talent. Newbies should learn what to expect and safeguard their interest as they develop a business. Business is not emotional and artists are usually emotional about their works and talents. Developing business skills is critical to building those safeguards that can lead to a the artist having a good experience both with the art and the business.

Book is good for painters who want to deal mostly through galleries. Not good for other artists or photographers and not good for artists who want to avoid the gallery manipulations.

I purchased this book about five years ago while just getting out of undergraduate school. The practical tips and ideas about developing work helped out immensely. The writing is pratical advice which helps anyone who is starting out, to cut out at least six months to a year of bumbling mistakes one would normally make when approaching the beginnings of an art career. Along with all the good advice, the lists of institutional information in the back of the book is worth the price of the book itself. I have reccomended, and lent this to many of my friends to read and plan to re-read this with the completion of graduate school and a new body of work.

Lots of great, helpful information. A reference book for anyone becoming an artist. One tip in the book is worth the price. Don't think twice about getting this good resource.

Escribo en español para aquellos que son bilingues y estan interesados en este libro. A mi me encanto, esta muy completo y tiene consejos muy realistas y al alcanze de todos. Se puede aplicar para cualquier artista.
Siempre lo tengo a la mano como referencia primordial.

this is a very useful book for a visual artist. a great reference to have around.

The book gave me what I needed and that was an approach to marketing to the different markets out there. This included finding galleries and licensing companies and also agents. All in all it filled me in on how to approach these segmented markets. [..]

This is one of those books with exciting chapter headings like 'the mysterious world of grants' that you expect will de-mystify the process- but basically it is train station schedule telling you about different trains you can board to reach a destination (this book contains no destinations)... what I mean by that is this book is basically a reading list of a million other books. The information that is in this book is very minimal, everytime you think she is about to tell you something valuable she says "to learn more read this book or visit this website". She doesn't provide the information from those books in hers. For a 300 page book, the only meat it provided in and of itself was a soapbox for the author to dog the whole gallery system and encourage artists to sell their own work. Which is lovely but I felt like I wasted time reading her big book when I should have been reading the other books that actually have the information I am looking for in them.
If I was this author and had read all of those books myself, I think I would have written a more comprehensive one-stop guide for the artist to save them some time and energy- but maybe her book was sort of a collaborative effort where she gained something from mentioning these other books as opposed to learning from them. That is really what it felt like- a bound collection of buisness cards.
If you really want to do a lot of reading- this book is certainly a reading list, but I would bypass it and go straight to some other books.

If you DO want to bypass the gallery system and make money off your art on your own, I recommend Brian Marshall White's book 'Breaking into the Art World'. You can read it in one night and use all the info, apply it, start earning some money from your artwork. He not only provides a useful biz plan for the artist, he also includes the numbers of all his sources for printing, packaging, credit card set-up... it is the only book you would need to start making and selling prints of your work.

The tone of MS. Michels book is so needed in the professional art world. I have worked in highly political corporate jobs in the past, but have not seen any profession so divide and conquer itself as I have observed in the art world. Not only does this book de-mystify the business side of the Fine Arts and Crafts professions, it is a regular reminder that we artists can be our own worst enemies when we segment ourselves into movements or confuse our desire to live from the proceeds from our work with the fear that money will corrupt our artistic intent. Also thanks for the Internet update in this edition!

This is the Guru on how to prosper or expose yourself professionally and smart in the tangled web of the Art World. After years as a Ct. Broker with extensive marketing in my background.. flowing into horse breeding (millersequine) and showing....I have given it all up to pursue my love, "Art"..... I just took a workshop with Jonathan Talbot, "The Artist's Marketing & Action Plan" and he recommended this book.....A strong believer in recommendations from others who have been there and done that...I am not one bit sorry...and cannot lay the book down...You will mark and make notes and use this book as a compendium resource guide to anything and everything worthwhile to pursue in the Art World of Marketing. Ms. Michels has researched and noted a vast array of web sites and internet help guides organized all through her book.......How lucky we are to have an Artist Agent putting between two covers her vast knowledge to help the artist who truly prefers to create and spend less time trying to pound streets marketing....Here is your shortcut to getting your work out there. Sign me a returning artist who was fortunate to take Talbot's course to discover Caroll Michels.....Carolyn's by Design

Fan-freakin'-tastic! This author should be canonized as the patron saint of artists everywhere. I'm not sure exactly what I was spending my money on when I think back to my college tuition bills....all I know is that this book gives you so much more information on being a real life working artist than the thousands upon thousands of dollars spent on an art degree. If you are serious about sustaining yourself as a professional artist you MUST have this book as reference.

I like this red Kitchenaid stuff, and this spoon is great. It's a big, deep bowl for basting or working soups. It's made to go with the red nonstick cookware- which I have- and it suits fine.
This is a BIG spoon, so you'll need a couple wooden ones too, but good to have in the arsenal.
My only complaint is that when you toss this, and the other matching tools in the dishwasher water can get in the handles. It shakes right out, and this is a superior tool for non stick stuff, they just could have done better.

I really am finding this book to be chocked full of valuable information on gettings ones art career in motion. I recommend this one for anyone thinking of moving past the hobby stage of their career.

WOW, WOW, WOW. Get this book! This has (just about) everything you need to be professional. The only thing I didn't like is that most of the resources listed were geared to NYC residents, but there was good direction as to how to locate similar services in your area. I especially liked the opening that deals with how artists are helping to perpetuate their own "starving artist" myth, and the ways to stop that. It made me realize that I am the one standing in the way of my own success! Well, no more--thanks to Caroll--I am taking all of the steps listed. I wish my graduate school had this information available!

this book was really helpful in understanding how much marketing work is involved with doing art. it's a little intimidating to think that you will need to write press-releases for everything you do. but thats' the truth i guess if you want to play the game. that is if you want to play by and set your own rules instead of just being a tool for the whims of gallerists and dealers.

I have never been one to read self-help books, but, as an artist just beginning to market my work, I felt helpless and uninformed. I am so glad I bought this book - Ms. Michels demystifies the business process in a pragmatic and often humorous way. I now feel I have a clearer picture of where I'm going and how I'm going to get there, as well as having more confidence in myself and less awe of the art world.
This book will be well-used as I move forward.

I thought this book was helpful in how to write a cover letter and a resume. I haven't read the whole book yet but so far it's decent.

This is an absolutely essential book for all artists with all of the nuts and bolts information you need to prceed with art as your full time career. The authors attitudes and insights into the "myth o f the artist" are nothing less than inspiring.

The only criticism I would have is that several of the weblinks in the very extensive appendix are dead, including the link for the authors site!

But all in all a MUST have.

Book came on time in good condition.

Everything was fine. It arrived very soon.

This book is a great basic book for entry into the art business. It has alot of good reference materials in the back and good advice.

For an artist who is serious about selling my work and making money, Caroll's accumulation of contacts, facts, sources and a collection of years of experience is helping my work enhancement and marketing expertise.

An artist must pay attention to the experiences of colleagues who have been successful in this business. This book provides the tools to make an art career financially productive.

I've read many of these kinds of books. While some topics are covered just as well in other books/workshops, I found several nuggets that I plan to follow up on. I don't think any one book can provide all of the solutions for all artists. However, by consistently reading many of these books, you can find the solutions that work for you. This is definitely one of those books that I will keep in my library and refer to several times over. The appendix at the end provides links to many useful sites and art resources. Very thorough.

Another great read that should be in every artist's library is Cay Lang's Taking the Leap.

this is a good book and i also recommend Gilli Moon's "I Am A Professional Artist" as a comparative read.

This book is great for someone who needs a broad overview of the fundamentals of creating a career as a freelance artist. It is basically a checklist of what you need to know and do to be successful as a self-employed artist, in other words: the business side of art. As a 32 year old man who has always been one of those 'talented' amateur artists, but didn't know squat about the business side of being an artist, this book was exactly what I needed to read in order to help me draw out a roadmap towards achieving my longtime dream of being a freelance artist. Caroll points out that even people like me who do not have an extensive background and education in fine art, still have the ability to create a career in the visual arts.

Caroll begins by tearing apart the myth of the 'starving artist' or the 'poor but noble artist'. She basically discusses common psychological pitfalls that many artists fall into (including myself), believing that it is not possible to have a successful career as a freelance artist. Let's face it, all our lives we have been told how a career as a freelance fine artist is a career in futile struggle and poverty. We have been brainwashed with the belief that a degree in fine art is not worth the paper it is printed on. And we have been constantly reminded that if we are stubborn in our choice to be a fine artist, then at least have a 'backup plan'. We have even been told, "It is better to major in something else, and just do a minor in fine art". (I have also gotten these types of comments in my choice to study music). I actually didn't realize the degree to which I have been brainwashed into believing that art is not a valuable profession. Caroll points out that if you believe it is not possible to make it as an artist, then you have already severely handicapped your chances of making it. In contrast she discusses how in having the self-confidence to believe you are just as good as any other professional, and worth being paid, this will automatically lead you to making the right positive steps towards having a sucessful career. In essence: if you can convince yourself that your skills as an artist are valuable, you will have the ability to convince others that you are valuable. On the other hand, if you go into a situation and believe you are not worth being paid, your potential client will also believe you are not worth being paid, hence continuing on with the negative stereo-type of freelance art not being a serious or valuable profession.

She uses a an excellent example of two of her clients: one was a 40 year old woman with no professional or educational experience in fine art, who decided she wanted a career change. At her first art exhibit, she sold about $18,000 in paintings, the average price of her paintings being about $5000. The second client was also a 40 year old woman and had an extensive background and education in fine art. The experienced artist was also able to sell her paintings at an average price of about $5000. This brings up the question, "why was the woman with essentially no artist resume, able to sell her paintings for the same price as the woman with years of experience and art degrees?". The answer is simple: the first woman believed she was worth being paid a professional wage, and because she believed it, her clients also believed it! In other words, she wasn't tainted with the myth of the 'poor starving artist', she had created an image of herself of a professional, and successful artist, and it worked! It is also worth mentioning that the first woman's previous career was in selling real estate. It goes to show that one of the primary ways in which you can achieve success as an artist is simply being a good salesperson.

Caroll then lays out the fundamental business must-knows of being an artist. It is more of a broad overview at this point, and she gives some detailed examples, but still leaves plenty of room for you to do more research and reading on the topic. A good 220 pages of the book is her advice and insights, and the last 120 pages or so are all names, adresses and websites of organizations that can further help you learn your profession, and make professional contacts.

The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5, is because there certainly was plenty she could have elaborated on further, and given more specific information. As one reader above mentioned, I too sat down and read this book in one sitting. This shows how captivating it can be to someone like me who just didn't know alot of these basic 'must-knows'. But on the other hand, it also shows that it is a relatively quick read, and could have been packed with more detailed information to read and study.

Overall I must give this book two thumbs up and a recommendation to every serious artist who has always wanted to have a career as a freelance artist.

I plan to re-read this book SEVERAL more times, in order to ingrain the information in my brain, and make it second nature with how to deal with various basic problems. I most likely will use it as a checklist everytime I am about to take a serious move towards promoting and developing my career as an artist.

I like this book so much I am going to buy a second copy and give it to a friend of mine who has a BFA and MFA in sculpture, and yet he works as a dump truck driver!!!! He really needs this book!

A big thankyou to Caroll for writing this wonderful book.

A combination of common sense, inside knowledge, and courage bolstering; even though this book needs some updating for the computer age, Michels' observations are right on target. She tells the unvarnished truth about bad gallery practices and how to protect yourself, legal pitfalls, and the myth of not being paid "because you're doing something that you---looove." But most importantly, Michels strips away the silly notions that we artists must play the victim and give in to every unreasonable demand galleries and possible clients make. Being rolled is exactly how artists have gotten into the contemptible position we are in now, and it won't stop until we take control of our careers, make our own demands and learn to say things like "no" and "sorry, if you can't take digital images, then you aren't technically advanced enough to represent me on the level I deserve".

I am absolutely going to buy this book again when the new version comes out. One of the few "making it in the arts" books which isn't full of: New Age fluff, unworkable schemes, pompous pep talks, or half baked advice. Not for the cringing hobbiest who is willing to pay a $50 entry fee to be in a high priced street show, but very much for anyone who is serious and respectable.

This is a great resource guide on how to market yourself as an artist, dispelling the usual myths and stereotypes along the way. If you're looking for a more philosophical approach to creating art, try Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way." But if you want to know how to write a resume, buy insurance, get through the doors of a gallery, and market yourself to clients around the world, then this book is an excellent source.

By far, this is the best business art book I have read. Caroll Michels not only gives important and practical advice and suggestions but she also shares her honest and candid opinions about the art world--this is the best aspect about the book (she lists names and institutions, it's pretty bold). I can't say enough good things about the book. Buy it if you are a new artist or a seasoned one. You will learn a lot!

This book has some good ideas, but it is very dated. It refers to search engines and sites that no longer exist, and doesn't address new technologies and sites. A new edition might be worthwhile, but I'd pass on this one.

Artists: If you are serious about gettin' famous, makin' heaps of dough, havin' all of those ... critics write about your brilliant swag, and seducin' actresses or actors, you gotta start right here with this book. Otherwise, pack it up and become an art historian or janitor at the Getty.

Seriously, this is the best book you can buy if you are considering hitting the "scene" with your goods.

Sure, she has some "cliche" statements about "getting organized" (but in all fairness, what artist doesn't need to be reminded to get organized?!) and the like, but wow...the sections on how to price your art, marketing with a brochure, the importance of contracts (!!!), grant building, etc etc. are a veritable cornucopia of practical goodness.

This book is so good that I almost burst with pleasure after reading it. I'll be willing to bet a Picasso that her consulting advise is beyond compliment.

I am supposed to be a painter. Famous? who cares. I just want to make a living doing what it is I was put here to do.

Thank you Caroll for your book. I read it the first time three years ago. This time I'm taking notes and DOING it. One thing each day to get me to a point where I could transition careers and (pretty much) paint all the live long day.

The most tragic thing in life is wasted talent. Because of this book, I won't have to TELL my children that they can do anything, I will have SHOWN them how its possible.

I was disappointed in this book. Lots of "resources" listed, but the nuts and bolts boil down to the old "how to" cliches, like Get organized! A computer can help you do this! Many gallery owners are meanies! Far less than what I was looking for.

This is one of those books that has good information in it, but you have a lot of useless information to sort through to get to it. There are a number of other books on this subject that have excellent information in them and they get to the meat of the information without all the wading. A couple of similar books that get more to the point include Selling Your Crafts by Susan Joy Sager and The Basic Guide to Selling Crafts on the Internet by James Dillehay. Remember, bigger isn't always better.

I bought this book and read it cover to cover in one sitting. Ms. Michels tells it like it is and has a refreshing writing style. I walked away with key concepts and was inspired to send out several art project proposals immediately based on her suggestions. If I learned one thing from this book that was worth the price, it would be : Don't waste time and money on Juried Art Shows With Entry Fees. The other key point was about thinking outside of the Art Establishment box (we are supposed to be creative, after all, aren't we?) to promote yourself with brochures versus slide packages. The author gives statistics that prove the success (and failure) rate of both methods. In addition, the resource lists she provides are worth their weight in gold. I highly recommend this book and have sent 4 other artist friends out to buy it.

I just got this book today and halfway through it, it has already paid for itself in terms of the advice and examples it gives. The best thing about this book is that it gives very practical examples of how to go about marketing your art, regardless of whether you are just starting out or very experienced. This should be required reading for all artists!

I've read dozens of books purporting to help artists in their careers, but this is the only one I've found that offers solid, practical, step-by-step information. It's refreshing to read an art career book that doesn't feature suffering as a theme! This classic handbook puts to rest the myth of the starving artist. A completely updated Appendix lists artists' colonies, grant sources, internships, and insurance and legal services. The author is a successful career coach to artists, and she offers practical advice on launching - or relaunching - your career. If you can only buy one book on art as a career, this should be it!

This book saved me months of research. Not only does Caroll Michels unravel the myths associated with Fine Arts as a business, she also provides the names of hundreds of resources to assist in selling an artists works.

The book carefully lays out the do's and don'ts of the Fine Art business. She carefully points out that selling art is a business venture. As one who has not intention of 'starving for my art', the book is a great road map for the artist that is willing to work to make his or her art business succeed. After all, you are selling a product. Bad products fail, but good products without proper marketing suffer failure as well!

The book stresses this point throughout. Michels gives the tools to those who not only create, but want to make a mature, businesslike effort to grow that creativity into a real business.
While those who take advantage of the naivety of many artists must dislike the book immensely, it is a great business tool for those artists willing to read it.

I read it cover-to-cover in one day and then made all my sculptor and photographer friends buy it too. I had so many illusions about the business of art that this book dispelled. I have never gotten so much good and useful advice from one place before. I feel so empowered to start my career as an artist now. The book is full of optimism, helpful information, and is absolutely packed with resources.

Caroll Michel's experience and understanding of the ins and outs of the art world is well demonstrated in this book. From her knowledge of a diverse range of topics to the thorough degrees to which she discusses them, her book covers all aspects of what every artist needs to know. When a topic is in need of further elaboration, she provides references to the appropriate sources, whether publications, web sites, or physical locations in the impressive 84 page up-to-date list of resources. This book is not only a great source for artist's early in there careers, but it also provides information on issues such as understanding grants, public relation tips and other concerns for more established artists looking to further their careers. Overall the book is well written and because it is packed with information, it is a fascinating read.

As an artist, I have been following Caroll Michels' work for the past twenty years and have just re-read her fourth edition. The resources on the internet alone are an indication of just how the author wants her readers to grow with the times. In the book, Michels begins wth childhood, stressing parental and educator support and addresses how if artists don't value themselves how then will the culture take them seriously. What helped me in particular is how to create presentation tools and how to develop public relation and good business skills. What was also helpful was how to deal with one's emotions and not play the victim. I use the book as a bible, refering to it whenever necessary. I look forward to the fifth edition!

This book is very useful for loners, but I would recommend sites like Vaultreports.com that help people find jobs at major companies that can use the talents of professional artists.

An excellent and readable reference book on a practical way to make a living in the impractical world of art.

Caroll Michels is a life long art consultant who has written this book to share her experiences and expertise with the fine art community. Well written and with plenty of helpful references, Michels' book is an excellent addition to any artist's library.