Should I hire employees for my art business or keep it solo?

There’s no universal answer—it depends on your goals, values, and stage of business. Staying solo or keeping a very small team (like working with a partner) can provide lifestyle flexibility, higher profit margins, and authentic connection with your audience. However, strategic hires can give you time back and allow scaling that’s impossible alone. The key is honest assessment: what’s truly limiting your growth? Often it’s systems and strategy, not just manpower. If you’re leaving significant money on the table due purely to bandwidth, consider hiring. But if you’re living the life you want and meeting your financial goals, don’t hire just because others say you should. Growth for growth’s sake isn’t always wise.

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Asked by an artist considering hiring help · Answered by Patrick Shanahan and Craig Black · art-marketing-podcast · 2025-02-25