She just didn’t know she would become arguably the first person to make a career off advising other artists.Īfter working in publishing and later at US News & World Report in the beginning of her career, Michels craved creativity. Sitting in her Palmer Ranch kitchen telling these stories, Michels implies that even though her childhood aspiration was to become a journalist, she was never going to forget her artistic roots. “Basically our basement became a huge repository for what might have been,” Michels says in her book “How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist.” “Only in recent years did I finally make the connection between the work I do with artists and my family background - that I am helping artists achieve what my father was unable to do: Enter the marketplace.” He spent weeknights and weekends making everything from T-shirts to greeting cards displaying his political views, but he never once made a business plan. Her father was a successful artist who made a living off his craft as a freelance political cartoonist and later a graphic designer for the U.S. Using her own experiences as an artist as well as the experiences of her clients, Michels crafts a must-read guidebook for anyone interested in embarking upon a successful career as an artist.Growing up in Virginia, Caroll Michels was surrounded by creativity. How dealers find artists, how to negotiate with dealers, and how to understand a dealer's agenda.Neighborhood gentrification and the growing challenges of securing a reasonably priced live/work space.New suggestions for establishing and calculating prices for artwork.The confusion between the 'art-buying public' and the 'general public' and their differences.

The use of social media and website development as marketing and publicity tools and what does and doesn't work.

New business models for artists: Going to the extreme.

In this newly revised edition, Caroll Michels continues to demystify the inner workings of the art world and challenge the status quo. 'Michels is a tough but compassionate advocate, savvy in the ways of the world and the demands on artists in this materialistic society.' - The Miami Herald Written for fine artists ready to launch their careers as well as experienced artists who wish to relaunch their careers, How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist, Seventh Edition, an acclaimed guide, empowers artists to take control of their careers to create a fulfilling life and earn a decent income. 'Michels explodes the romantic notion of the starving artist.' - The New York Times

How to survive and prosper as an artist