How long does it actually take to build a successful art business, and what mindset do I need?

The business has to be marketed consistently, and this takes years of compounding effort. Successful artists selling hundreds of thousands or over half a million dollars per year didn’t get there in one month. Many artists almost quit, then six months later get contacted by an interior designer or receive a $12,000 order. If you’re planning to market for just one month expecting $10,000 in sales before quitting, your mindset and expectations need adjustment. Every successful artist has been grinding for seven to ten years. Commit to not quitting for that timeframe. Given someone who won’t quit for seven to ten years versus someone more talented, take the one who won’t quit—they will win.

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Asked by artists wondering about timeframe for success · Answered by Nick Friend and Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2023-12-20