Living the Artist's Life, Updated & Revised

by Paul Dorrell

Dorrell opened his gallery in 1991 and has been advancing artists' careers on a national level ever since. This is an updated edition of his original book, covering critical subjects that he didn't before and expanding on others, written in the same honest tone. With clients such as Warner Brothers and H&R Block, Dorrell knows how to land the big deals, as well as how to win the trust of private collectors. He presents the information so that any artist can follow the steps laid out in this book, and begin assembling a career that works. Whether instructing on how to get your work into a gallery, or how to handle self-doubt, he knows his ground. He also tells the story of his gallery's shaky start, from his initial failures to his many successes. Having survived the Great Recession, Dorrell provides many firsthand observations on the culture of greed and corruption that brought it about and how that relates to artists as well.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

233 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

About the author

Paul Dorrell founded Leopold Gallery in 1991. As an author he has written eight novels but his fiction is as yet unpublished--a condition he is determined to change. As an art consultant his clients include Warner Brothers, H&R Block, the Mayo Clinic, Marvel Studios, the Kansas City Chiefs, and over 10,000 private and corporate collectors. Dorrell also mentors scores of teenage artists from the inner city.

His acclaimed guidebook for artists, Living the Artist’s Life, Updated & Revised, took him on a tour of 50 cities, where he has won praise for his talks at The Art Students League of New York, Books and Books in Miami, Book Passage in San Francisco, the LA Art Association, and scores of other venues. He has been interviewed on 35 Public Radio stations, and on NBC.

Living the Artist’s Life, Updated & Revised, is part guidebook, part social commentary. This, and Dorrell’s experience as a visionary art consultant, have made him a national figure in the arts and in what he calls “The Regional Renaissance.”

Reared in Kansas City and educated at the University of Kansas, Dorrell has spent years roaming America by motorcycle, riding through every contiguous state. He has lived in Alaska, New York, Connecticut, Los Angeles, Seattle, Italy, and England. He makes his home in Kansas City, where Leopold Gallery is based, and works with clients worldwide.

- excerpted from his website.

Reviews

[Heather Sabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was assigned to me as a text book in college but I kept it after the class was over. If you are an artist you need to read a book like this once in a while to keep your spirits up. Being an artist is a tough way to make a living Dorrell give some good advice as well as sharing his journey.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for every artist who toils away in the studio- whether it's the kitchen table, the garage, or a for real studio- because every artist does want to get his/her work into a gallery, out in the public.

Paul Dorrell understands the fear of being an artist- just an artist- no other back up job. "Please don't give in to despair. Listen to your inner voice, the one that has assured you about your place in the world since the day you began to create. Voices like that rearely lie- which isn't to say that we don't on occaskon misintepret them. Listen to the reassurance it gives you. When you're at your loneliest and most depressed you may find that voice a comfort, especially after it proves to have been right about your talent all along." You need a cheerleader like that. You get great professional advice for the cost of a book. Good deal.

Dorrell works the gallery end of the art world and it is good to read his account, his struggles, his success, so when he pulls his commission, you, the artist, don't feel ripped off. He's earned his commission. Let the galleries focus on the showing so you can focus on the creating. He advises how to get that first gallery showing, how to move beyond your region.

Even beyond getting into a gallery, or maybe before all that, Dorrell sets up goals that you need to work toward with start and end times to help with your success. He's struggled and he gives you the courage to struggle too. And then succeed.

[Tammie Painter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some good examples regarding forms, contracts, resumes, but for the most part it's a bit slim on truly moving forward with an art career. The author tells you what you should do, but (except for gallery representation - keep in mind he owns a gallery) doesn't give much of an explanation about how to do it. It's a good book to skim over, but not one that will provide concrete knowledge for your art career. Also, the author states early on that the book is intended for artists of all types - writers, musicians, illustrators, etc - but the entire book is focused on fine art. This was fine since that's why I picked it up, but if I had read it hoping he would fulfill his mission of showing ALL artists how to get their careers off the ground I'd have been very disappointed. All and all, if you can get it from the library, give it a read, but I wouldn't put out cash for the book.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find these books inspirational in my continual persuit for artist merit. They keep me from feeling rejected or that sucess will never pervail. If you want to live the life of a wandering, independent, modest living I say pick up a copy- quick read.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciated the parts that directly applied to artists and working with galleries. He gets into editorial comments - offers his opinions about world affairs in ways that don't seem to fit with the intent of the book.

[Marjorie Elwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although there were some helpful tips about doing business as an artist, this was mostly memoir. Entertaining memoir, but not what I expected. As well, I found it much less inspirational than others have: I would not read this book if you are wondering whether the artists' life is for you.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books ... wait ... the BEST book I have ever read about the issues facing a person who wants to make a living as an artist in America.