Art, Inc. by Lisa Congdon

Last updated: Sep 7, 2023

Summary of Art, Inc. by Lisa Congdon

Art, Inc. by Lisa Congdon is a comprehensive guide for artists looking to turn their passion into a successful business. Congdon, an accomplished artist herself, shares her personal experiences and insights to help artists navigate the art world and build a sustainable career.

The book begins by addressing the common misconceptions and fears that artists often face when considering turning their art into a business. Congdon emphasizes the importance of embracing the entrepreneurial mindset and dispels the myth that artists cannot be both creative and business-savvy.

Congdon then delves into the practical aspects of running an art business, starting with the importance of developing a strong personal brand. She provides guidance on defining one's artistic style, creating a cohesive body of work, and effectively communicating one's unique story to attract potential customers and clients.

Next, Congdon explores various avenues for selling art, both online and offline. She discusses the pros and cons of different platforms, such as art galleries, art fairs, online marketplaces, and social media. Congdon also provides valuable tips on pricing artwork, negotiating contracts, and protecting one's intellectual property.

In addition to selling art, Congdon emphasizes the importance of diversifying income streams. She explores various opportunities for artists to generate revenue, such as licensing artwork, teaching workshops, creating merchandise, and collaborating with other artists or brands.

Throughout the book, Congdon emphasizes the significance of building a strong network and fostering relationships within the art community. She offers practical advice on networking, finding mentors, and seeking out opportunities for growth and exposure.

Furthermore, Congdon addresses the challenges and setbacks that artists may encounter along their journey and provides strategies for overcoming them. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, resilience, and continuous learning in the face of rejection or failure.

Lastly, Congdon emphasizes the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She encourages artists to prioritize their well-being and offers practical tips for managing time, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout.

In conclusion, Art, Inc. by Lisa Congdon is a comprehensive and practical guide for artists looking to build a successful art business. Congdon's personal experiences, insights, and practical advice make this book an invaluable resource for artists at any stage of their career.

1. The Importance of Finding Your Artistic Voice

One of the key takeaways from Art, Inc. is the emphasis on finding your artistic voice. Lisa Congdon explains that your artistic voice is what sets you apart from other artists and makes your work unique. It is a combination of your personal experiences, interests, and style. Congdon encourages artists to explore different mediums and techniques to discover what resonates with them and allows them to express their true selves. By finding your artistic voice, you can create work that is authentic and meaningful, which will ultimately attract an audience that appreciates and connects with your art.

Furthermore, Congdon highlights the importance of embracing imperfections and embracing the process of experimentation. She encourages artists to let go of the fear of judgment and to focus on creating art that brings them joy. By staying true to your artistic voice and embracing your unique style, you can create a body of work that is truly your own and build a successful career as an artist.

2. The Power of Building a Strong Online Presence

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for artists. Art, Inc. emphasizes the power of social media and online platforms in reaching a wider audience and building a successful art business. Lisa Congdon shares practical tips and strategies for artists to effectively showcase their work online, including creating a visually appealing website, utilizing social media platforms, and engaging with their audience.

Congdon also emphasizes the importance of consistency and authenticity in online branding. By maintaining a consistent visual style and voice across different online platforms, artists can create a cohesive and recognizable brand. Additionally, she encourages artists to share their creative process and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their work, as this can help build a connection with their audience and foster a sense of authenticity.

3. The Value of Diversifying Income Streams

Art, Inc. highlights the importance of diversifying income streams as an artist. Lisa Congdon explains that relying solely on selling original artwork may not be sustainable in the long run. She encourages artists to explore different avenues for generating income, such as licensing their artwork, teaching workshops, creating merchandise, or collaborating with brands.

By diversifying income streams, artists can create multiple sources of revenue and reduce their reliance on a single income stream. This not only provides financial stability but also allows artists to explore different creative opportunities and reach a wider audience. Congdon provides practical advice and resources for artists to explore these different income-generating avenues and offers insights into how to negotiate contracts and protect their intellectual property.

4. The Importance of Building a Supportive Community

Art, Inc. emphasizes the value of building a supportive community as an artist. Lisa Congdon highlights the importance of networking, collaborating, and seeking mentorship from other artists. She encourages artists to attend art events, join artist groups, and participate in online communities to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences.

Congdon also emphasizes the importance of supporting and uplifting fellow artists. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, artists can create a supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive together. She provides practical tips for networking and building relationships with other artists, such as reaching out for collaborations, attending art retreats, and participating in group exhibitions.

5. The Significance of Setting Goals and Taking Action

Art, Inc. emphasizes the importance of setting goals and taking action to achieve them. Lisa Congdon encourages artists to define their long-term vision and break it down into smaller, actionable steps. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic and measurable goals that can be tracked and evaluated.

Congdon also highlights the significance of taking consistent action towards these goals. She encourages artists to establish a regular creative practice and to prioritize their art-making. By setting aside dedicated time for creating art and taking consistent action, artists can make progress towards their goals and build a successful art career.

6. The Role of Self-Promotion and Marketing

Art, Inc. emphasizes the importance of self-promotion and marketing for artists. Lisa Congdon explains that artists need to actively promote their work and themselves to reach a wider audience and attract potential buyers. She provides practical tips and strategies for artists to effectively market their work, such as creating a compelling artist statement, developing a strong visual brand, and utilizing social media platforms.

Congdon also emphasizes the importance of building relationships with potential buyers and collectors. She encourages artists to attend art fairs, exhibitions, and other art events to connect with potential buyers and showcase their work. Additionally, she provides insights into pricing artwork, approaching galleries, and leveraging online platforms to sell art.

7. The Importance of Persistence and Resilience

Art, Inc. highlights the importance of persistence and resilience in the art world. Lisa Congdon shares her own journey as an artist and emphasizes that success does not happen overnight. She encourages artists to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and to persist in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Congdon also emphasizes the importance of developing resilience and a growth mindset. She encourages artists to view criticism as constructive feedback and to use it as an opportunity to improve their craft. By developing resilience and a positive mindset, artists can navigate the ups and downs of the art world and continue to grow and evolve as artists.

8. The Value of Balancing Creativity and Business

Art, Inc. emphasizes the importance of balancing creativity and business as an artist. Lisa Congdon explains that artists need to not only focus on creating art but also on managing the business side of their art career. She provides practical advice on managing finances, pricing artwork, and negotiating contracts.

Congdon also encourages artists to develop a business plan and to set aside time for administrative tasks such as marketing, bookkeeping, and managing inventory. By finding a balance between creativity and business, artists can create a sustainable and successful art career.