Essential Tasks & Skills for Artists

Go with the Flow, encaustic on panel, 16x24, 2018

In my conversations with the artists I consult, 
I often find myself taking stock of 

ALL the tasks, skills and qualities artist strive to juggle. 

None are more important as the first and the last!

Tasks:

Make the work!
Photograph, edit, label the work
Document, file, inventory work
Build and maintain a website
Keep up with social media: Facebook, Instagram, etc
Write a blog
Send out eblasts
Teach
Write grants
Do artist residencies
Be a visiting artist or artist in residence
Give artist talks, Pecha Kuchas, lectures, panel discussions
Maintain inventory in galleries


Skills:

Mastery of materials and techniques
Public speaking
Self promotion
Sales
Networking
Communication & interpersonal skills
Time management skills
Digital media
Social media
Web design
Accounts payable & receivable
Financial record keeping


Qualities:

Artistic talent
Persistance
Discipline
Comfort with the unknown
Ability to accept criticism
Ability to say no
Keep making the work!