How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist, 5th Ed.: Selling Yourself Without Selling Your Soul

by Caroll Michels

Book Overview

"Michels explodes the romantic notion of the starving artist." --The New York Times Written for fine artists ready to launch their careers as well as experienced artists who wish to relaunch their... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805068007
• ISBN13: 9780805068009
• Release Date: December 2001
• Publisher: Holt McDougal
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A Little Old, But Still On The Money

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 BOOK ROCKS

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.

Read this book... and stop suffering for your art!

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!

Michels Gets Down To Business

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.

Still reading it after all these years........

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!