6 Tips for Becoming a Full-Time Artist (with Tools That Help You Get There)
Henri Matisse once said, "Creativity takes courage." Do you know what also takes courage? Turning your passion for art into a full-blown profession. This is a dream for many, and it relies on factors beyond your talent. Shifting from hobbyist to professional artist requires structure, consistency, and the right tools. This decision takes an entire mindshift change, exploration, and development of your in-person and online artistic identity. You’ve now got to create art, build a business, track expenses, network, and so much more. Whether selling your first painting or preparing your portfolio for a gallery, Trekell is here to help you improve at every step.
1 - Shift Your Mindset: Art Is a Business Now
The shift from painting on the weekends to setting up daily work hours can be difficult at first. It takes self-discipline that you may not have experienced up until now. You are not only going from hobbyist artist to professional artist, but you are also now an entrepreneur and have to start thinking as such. Your art is now a business. Brainstorming and setting some SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Related, and Time-bound) goals around your monthly sales targets, social media growth, gallery placements, and beyond is essential. Additionally, you will need to build a routine that works best for your work-life balance. Treat your art with the same dedication as any 9-to-5.
Trekell Tip: Use a daily planner or app to structure your creative and marketing hours. Pair it with high-quality Trekell brushes to make every minute count!
2 - Find Your Artistic Identity & Niche
If you’re reading this, you're likely ready to move from hobbyist to professional. You likely have a well-defined artistic identity or niche in mind for this journey. Developing a distinct style is your golden ticket to standing out in a saturated art world. Are you a surrealist watercolorist or a bold abstract acrylic painter? Who buys your art—designers, collectors, or casual shoppers? This identity and niche help you in the art world. They also set you apart as you build your online and social media presence. This is key in today's digital society.
3 - Build Your Brand & Digital Presence
Consumer Affairs says people use their phones for about 4 hours and 30 minutes daily. You want your content to be what they focus on! Remember, you are an entrepreneur now and must show your work regularly. To do this, you will (most likely) need the following:
● A professional website (Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, or WordPress)
● A strong Meta (Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, or Pinterest presence.
● Videos of your process, time lapses, and studio tours help you connect with your audience and engage viewers in your creativity.
● Email newsletters or Substack.
Trekell Tip: Capture your creative process using Trekell tools in action—tag @TrekellArtSupplies for a chance to be featured!
4 - Network Like It's Your Job
If you want to grow as a professional artist, networking isn't optional—it's essential. Think of it as an extension of your job. From online artist communities to local gallery shows, the more people who know your name (and your art), the more doors open. List five regional events and five online groups to join this month. Set a goal to introduce yourself and comment or contribute at least once weekly. Connections compound, and your future collectors could be one conversation away.
Online Networking Tips:
● Join active Facebook groups for artists, illustrators, and muralists.
● Dive into Discord servers dedicated to visual art critique, collaboration, or professional growth.
● Take part in Instagram collabs or TikTok duets with other creators.
In-Person Opportunities:
● Visit local gallery openings and art walks—even showing up can lead to connections.
● Apply to local art fairs and pop-ups. These are great for visibility and direct sales. Attend artist workshops or residency programs to meet like-minded professionals.
● Ask about being a guest speaker for local colleges and high schools' art classes.
Collab & Connect:
● Reach out to art influencers, bloggers, or even interior designers who may showcase your work.
● Offer to do guest blog posts, co-host Instagram Lives, or partner on limited-edition drops.
Trekell Tip: Create a branded artist package for digital sharing with collaborators and potential contacts.
5 - Price Smart & Track Your Finances
Monetizing your masterpieces is the primary way to earn an income as a professional artist. The avenues for selling may include:
● Originals and prints on platforms like Etsy or Shopify
● Commissions & Custom Art with transparent pricing and timelines. Many artists find it best to scale their businesses with custom commissions.
● Teaching on platforms like Patreon or YouTube.
Choose top-notch materials, like Trekell panels, for items you want to sell or scan for prints. Remember, quality beats quantity every time.
Learning how to price your work and manage your finances will be crucial for you as a professional artist. Consider the following details: materials, the value of your time and skills, the current market, and remember to include tax!
Trekell Tip: Keep receipts for all your supplies. Trekell invoices make tax season easier when you're tracking deductible business expenses.
6 - Stay Consistent & Keep Growing
People often tell you "no" as an artist and now as an entrepreneur. Instead of thinking of these "no's" as reasons you should stop, use them as motivation to level up. For every time you're told "no," use that time to refine your style, watch tutorials, and invest in better tools like Treckell brushes. Set monthly goals, like selling one original piece or posting weekly. Explore new mediums, improve your skills, and find inspiration in the community and creative challenges. This way, you stay consistent and allow yourself to grow as an artist and entrepreneur. You could book out a year from when you start. Remember that growth takes time, but the right tools + mindset = success.
We started with the quote by Henri Matisse, "Creativity takes courage." Once again, I remind you that leaping from passion to profession also takes immense courage, self-discipline, and belief. You'll stumble, fall, and even fail at some things. But all these "no's" are opportunities for you to dig deeper into the untouched levels of your creativity and abilities as an artist. Finding your niche or starting an online shop? Remember: the journey from hobbyist to pro begins with a bold step and your favorite brush.
