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Artpreneur: The Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity
A step-by-step art business handbook to transform your creative ideas into a profitable business.
No matter what kind of creative artist you are -whether you're a musician, photographer, painter, writer, dancer, singer, or any other medium with aspirations of making a living from your art, this is the perfect time to turn your creative ideas into a successful art business . With gatekeepers no longer controlling the market, anyone with a laptop and a dream can make a thriving living from their creativity.
This is the definitive sales and marketing artist handbook and a valuable art business reference for selling your art. Each page provides the inspiration and practical steps you need to build a personal brand, overcome starving-artist syndrome, and finally make consistent sales from your art. Artpreneur provides the methods and tools to build a confident mindset, take charge of your destiny, and create a clear path to success.
Miriam Schulman, the host of the Inspiration Place podcast , breaks down the five core elements in the "Passion to Profit" planning framework to help you develop your art business—so that you can have the time and freedom to do what you
After twenty years of successfully selling art and coaching other artists, Miriam knows that now's the time to pursue your highest dreams and finally make a living from your art.
No matter what kind of creative artist you are -whether you're a musician, photographer, painter, writer, dancer, singer, or any other medium with aspirations of making a living from your art, this is the perfect time to turn your creative ideas into a successful art business . With gatekeepers no longer controlling the market, anyone with a laptop and a dream can make a thriving living from their creativity.
This is the definitive sales and marketing artist handbook and a valuable art business reference for selling your art. Each page provides the inspiration and practical steps you need to build a personal brand, overcome starving-artist syndrome, and finally make consistent sales from your art. Artpreneur provides the methods and tools to build a confident mindset, take charge of your destiny, and create a clear path to success.
Miriam Schulman, the host of the Inspiration Place podcast , breaks down the five core elements in the "Passion to Profit" planning framework to help you develop your art business—so that you can have the time and freedom to do what you
After twenty years of successfully selling art and coaching other artists, Miriam knows that now's the time to pursue your highest dreams and finally make a living from your art.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2023
82 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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November 12, 2022
Artpreneur: The Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity
Smart. Practical. Uncommon and Very Needed. I'm getting smarter about marketing my services because of her savvy, easy-to-apply advice. From setting up a separate bank account at a bank that's not our household bank, for my business to explaining my business to neighbors and friends, every step I've applied has boosted my business, my confidence and my capabilities. The book goes much deeper than the author's podcast, The Inspiration Place, which I listen to regularly. The author's Wall Street background and her rich knowledge of art history, curation, art shows, and as a painter herself makes her the preeminent and unique mentor for creatives.
Smart. Practical. Uncommon and Very Needed. I'm getting smarter about marketing my services because of her savvy, easy-to-apply advice. From setting up a separate bank account at a bank that's not our household bank, for my business to explaining my business to neighbors and friends, every step I've applied has boosted my business, my confidence and my capabilities. The book goes much deeper than the author's podcast, The Inspiration Place, which I listen to regularly. The author's Wall Street background and her rich knowledge of art history, curation, art shows, and as a painter herself makes her the preeminent and unique mentor for creatives.
January 31, 2023
Artpreneur is full of information and advice from artist and mentor Miriam Schuman. Covering topics from psychological hang-ups like imposter syndrome, to how to price your work, to making your marketing pay off, the information is practical, useful, and actionable. And there is no worry about the writing being dry; the tone is conversational and like the best kind of pep talk. There are plenty of anecdotal examples of artists who have implemented changes and seen results, serving as further inspiration.
Artpreneur is for any kind of creative maker looking to turn a passion into a profitable business. Schulman feels like someone in your corner with answers, imparting knowledge and arming you with confidence. This is a resource to look to again and again as you move forward with your creative business.
𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺.
Artpreneur is for any kind of creative maker looking to turn a passion into a profitable business. Schulman feels like someone in your corner with answers, imparting knowledge and arming you with confidence. This is a resource to look to again and again as you move forward with your creative business.
𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺.
November 10, 2022
The myth of the starving artist-genius is dying a slow death, but "Artpreneur" gets it several steps closer to the grave. This is a comprehensive plan any artist can use to make a great living from their art. Even more, however, this book frees artists to expressive their creativity in the ways most authentic to them, even if (or perhaps especially if) it means they'll be the weirdo in the room. With a combination of practical steps to take towards profitability and new ways to think about art and commerce, this feels like the permission slip so many artists need to admit they want to earn more and finally start doing it.
March 14, 2025
Contrary to the author’s claim that this book is for any kind of entrepreneur in the arts (music, acting, etc) with any background. the advice seems very specific to female visual artists who are selling original artwork. The audiobook was difficult for me to listen to with the frequently fluctuating tone, speed, and volume at which it was read. Some tips seem handy, although I can’t say for sure until I try them out myself. I appreciated the bits about shifting from a poverty mindset to an abundance mindset. I think I would give this one more star if I had read it with my eyes instead of my ears. Overall a sound book!
April 4, 2023
If you’re an artist, stop reading this review and get this book. Miriam guides you through everything you need to know to start a business. Everything. Honestly, pick up this book, follow it, and start making money with your art.
Even as a non-artist, I learned so many marketing and business tricks I’d never thought of before. Fantastic!
Even as a non-artist, I learned so many marketing and business tricks I’d never thought of before. Fantastic!
December 6, 2022
I've only read about 20% but I love it so far! I'm slow at reading because of lack of time, otherwise, I would have read it at once! I appreciate the practical and down-to-earth advice, and the relatable path of Miriam (although coming from a different background you can easily identify the same "obstacles" in your own artistic journey). Some books have a lot of fluff and the main ideas can be compacted in a one-page PDF. Not this one!
- Weriem
- Weriem
December 3, 2023
This book popped up on the public library website as I was searching for Datapreneurs by ex-CEO of Snowflake and current board member of Fivetran, Bob Muglia. I could blame a recommendation engine algorithm but this was pure luck! Just as I have been in the process of rethinking my identify as an artist, hearing Schulman's story from convention to off-the-beaten-path full-time artist was inspirational. She turned away from a secure financial analyst position on Wall Street to making a living through her art, making a change for good in her life after 9/11. She walks through the 5 elements of an art business, production, pricing, prospecting, promotion, and productivity, while sprinkling anecdotes about her own artistic journey, twists, turns, valleys, drops, upward climb and everything in between. Recommend for someone seeking to live a life from their art but not be the starved and broke artist that is the expectation of our society.
“A ship in port is safe. But that's not what ships are built for.” —GRACE HOPPER
“A ship in port is safe. But that's not what ships are built for.” —GRACE HOPPER
August 13, 2024
This was very helpful and brought out a lot of topics I don’t really think about with my own little art/jewelry business. I would recommend this to anyone who’s interested in learning more about how to sell and market your art!
I had to skim through the first 40 pages though because this girl started a little memoir at the beginning lol.
Overall very good information and I will be applying some of her topics to my own art business!
I had to skim through the first 40 pages though because this girl started a little memoir at the beginning lol.
Overall very good information and I will be applying some of her topics to my own art business!
August 29, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for this exchange and review!
Miriam Schulman provides a multitude of original ideas and plans to succeed in an artists’ dream “job”. If you’re looking to advance or launch your creative career, pick this one up.
Miriam Schulman provides a multitude of original ideas and plans to succeed in an artists’ dream “job”. If you’re looking to advance or launch your creative career, pick this one up.
November 19, 2022
A practical step by step guide to building an art business, complete with very clear “marching orders” guiding the the reader to take action.
February 29, 2024
This book is so good that I bought a copy after listening to the audiobook from my library. I just had to have my own copy that I plan to dog-ear and bookmark.
If you are thinking about turning your art hobby into a side gig or actual business, read this book!
If you are thinking about turning your art hobby into a side gig or actual business, read this book!
February 4, 2024
I’ve read several books on starting a business lately, and this is by far my favorite. I love the organization and inspiration. Miriam Schulman is full of great ideas. Highly recommended!
February 2, 2025
I started out really loving this book. She did a wonderful job at telling her story in the beginning while also being relatable and uplifting.
The reason I am giving this sort of a low rating is that it became a bit redundant, while also at the same time not really giving you a lot of advice other than price your art higher and start an email list. I also work in marketing and unfortunately didn’t entirely agree with her anti social media approach. I understand that the point is not to solely rely on it, but there are plenty of artists who have gotten their kickstart from social media. She also encouraged being sort of controversial on social media, only to find out she actually deleted all the hate comments she claimed to thrive off of in the book.
I also don’t feel like it’s disclosed that this is a very sales oriented book, and that she ultimately wants you to just hire her to fill in the gaps.
Anyways, I feel like this might be good if you are super early on in starting your art business, but for me I may not recommend it to someone who has already started.
The reason I am giving this sort of a low rating is that it became a bit redundant, while also at the same time not really giving you a lot of advice other than price your art higher and start an email list. I also work in marketing and unfortunately didn’t entirely agree with her anti social media approach. I understand that the point is not to solely rely on it, but there are plenty of artists who have gotten their kickstart from social media. She also encouraged being sort of controversial on social media, only to find out she actually deleted all the hate comments she claimed to thrive off of in the book.
I also don’t feel like it’s disclosed that this is a very sales oriented book, and that she ultimately wants you to just hire her to fill in the gaps.
Anyways, I feel like this might be good if you are super early on in starting your art business, but for me I may not recommend it to someone who has already started.
Read
November 12, 2024Found myself skimming more than half the stuff. Too much fluff and not enough actual actionable steps. Which is the case with so many of these types of books these days. Some people like the stories, I don't care about them. When I read, I look to see what is left after I remove all that and I found that this one didn't help me that much. What helped me were ideas I came up with while going alone that usually had nothing to do with what she was talking about. If you are just starting out, this is a good place to start.
Read
December 14, 2023DNF. I was incredibly bored. I was even more put off by all the “mindset” advice that gives wannabe therapist vibes.
January 2, 2026
“And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk more”
I’m not really an artist but I have an unfounded fantasy about selling art. This book made it feel not only possible but realistic. My first step would be to make art. But if that ever happens here’s my scattered notes for ideas, questions, next steps:
-production: what you plan to sell and how long it take to make. No one wants your painted rocks. What sells and why? Focus on the one thing you do better or unique than anybody else. Can you produce consistently and fast enough that your art can be priced high enough to produce sufficient income? $5,000 large canvas art, you only need 10 clients vs. $5 greeting card you need 10,000. Figure out how much you want to make, then figure out how much you need to sell. What makes you special or weird? Specialize. You don’t create your voice, your uncover it. Be weird and different.
-pricing: f you were fully booked, would you reach your target income? Not all kinds of art demand high prices. Invest in yourself and your business. Set higher prices. Open a business bank account. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Ignore the sexism. Don’t fall into low profit thinking. High value art with signature style. You can bundle but never bogo. Art is not a commodity, it is a luxury so people are willing to pay higher prices. The psychology that higher price means higher value.
list price as 497 for logic or 498 for emotion.
-low price is never a reason to buy art.
-your customers are not motivated by price
-don’t convince customers you’re product is worth it, convince them they are worth it
Focusing on inexpensive art is a mistake.
Miscellaneous: How to make art marketable? Develop a signature style and brand. What is your brand message?
-don’t give away contact cards, ask the potential buyer if you can add them to an email list. Give aways, free post cards to annual buying customer, free collectors guide, discounts, notice of collection drops. Make it easy to opt out.
-there is never a good time to start
-getting started is as simple as asking people to pay you
-find your audience: art collector magazine, specific group of people, your website and email list. It’s not enough to be good at art, you need to build an audience
-Avoid mind reading, fortune telling, all or nothing
-make it easy to buy on the website. Add e-commerce options
-be conscientious of words like buy v. Collect
-offer free shipping and returns
-store and studio?
-describe your art with emotion, not form.
Research: what defines high quality art v. Cheap art? Materials? Technique? Emotion? Reality? The artist reputation? The meaning? Symbolism?
I’m not really an artist but I have an unfounded fantasy about selling art. This book made it feel not only possible but realistic. My first step would be to make art. But if that ever happens here’s my scattered notes for ideas, questions, next steps:
-production: what you plan to sell and how long it take to make. No one wants your painted rocks. What sells and why? Focus on the one thing you do better or unique than anybody else. Can you produce consistently and fast enough that your art can be priced high enough to produce sufficient income? $5,000 large canvas art, you only need 10 clients vs. $5 greeting card you need 10,000. Figure out how much you want to make, then figure out how much you need to sell. What makes you special or weird? Specialize. You don’t create your voice, your uncover it. Be weird and different.
-pricing: f you were fully booked, would you reach your target income? Not all kinds of art demand high prices. Invest in yourself and your business. Set higher prices. Open a business bank account. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Ignore the sexism. Don’t fall into low profit thinking. High value art with signature style. You can bundle but never bogo. Art is not a commodity, it is a luxury so people are willing to pay higher prices. The psychology that higher price means higher value.
list price as 497 for logic or 498 for emotion.
-low price is never a reason to buy art.
-your customers are not motivated by price
-don’t convince customers you’re product is worth it, convince them they are worth it
Focusing on inexpensive art is a mistake.
Miscellaneous: How to make art marketable? Develop a signature style and brand. What is your brand message?
-don’t give away contact cards, ask the potential buyer if you can add them to an email list. Give aways, free post cards to annual buying customer, free collectors guide, discounts, notice of collection drops. Make it easy to opt out.
-there is never a good time to start
-getting started is as simple as asking people to pay you
-find your audience: art collector magazine, specific group of people, your website and email list. It’s not enough to be good at art, you need to build an audience
-Avoid mind reading, fortune telling, all or nothing
-make it easy to buy on the website. Add e-commerce options
-be conscientious of words like buy v. Collect
-offer free shipping and returns
-store and studio?
-describe your art with emotion, not form.
Research: what defines high quality art v. Cheap art? Materials? Technique? Emotion? Reality? The artist reputation? The meaning? Symbolism?
February 4, 2023
I have followed her podcast since the beginning after stumbling across it a few months after she began. It's also how I found her website the Inspiration Place, and began taking online courses by Miriam as well. This book is so well done! She has taken all the best of her advice, that of her mentors, students and more making it entertaining and memorable. Miriam has shared in the most straight forward way how to make any artist practice run like a business while maintaining your authenticity. While her podcast is about Art it also encompasses so much more... believing in yourself, taking action, setting goals and knowing you are worth the effort to follow your dreams whatever they may be. Before I began painting again I began changing my life in other ways as I took her advice. I chose to believe in myself, focus on my strengths and for the first time in years began to take care of myself. I began to feel confident and optimistic about the future. Her book runs the gamut in covering all of this too! I bought the paperback so I could take notes AND I got the Audible version because it's narrated by Miriam in her signature style. I highly recommend listening to her book if you are unfamiliar with her podcast to get the full experience! This book does not disappoint and I am excited to follow her Passion to Profit framework she has outlined. I'm no longer putting off my dreams or waiting to be happy 'when'. I'm happy now. I'm setting goals, learning how to break them down into action, focusing on my wins and... I'm painting again, also taking piano again after not playing in decades. I'm finding joy in my every day life and Miriam doesn't know it but she has played a big part in my transformation. This book is for any artist, artpreneur or entrepreneur - really just anyone who wants to transform their life! Get this book - you won't be disappointed!
January 31, 2023
A creative person who wants to make a living from pursuing their artistic passion, is setting sail on a long voyage. Social media presents the image that it’s all smooth sailing, perhaps on a sleek yacht with glamorous people wearing designer sunglasses and sipping fancy beverages. In reality, it is a a wild ride with huge waves and occasional tsunamis that threaten to batter your soul and wash what’s left of you up on a rocky shore. The book, Artpreneur: The Step by Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from your Creativity offers readers the navigation skills which definitely proves that creative people can navigate a profitable career with smooth sailing and clear skies ahead.
Miriam gives frequent examples of situations that help readers spot the trouble ahead and she offers ways to steer clear of dangerous trouble spots. Each chapter is full of helpful advice, no matter where you are in your art career.
What’s the difference between BOGO and Collector’s Choice? This is just one of the many invaluable gems of wisdom in the book, Artpreneur: The Step by Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from your Creativity.
The author Miriam Schulman provides savvy information on how to make your passion profitable.
Can you make money as an artist?
Originally working on Wall Street, author Miriam Schulman’s advice in her book Artpreneur: The Step by Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from your Creativity guides artists to make wiser financial decisions. She shatters the myth of starving artists. There are no ‘head in the sand’ excuses and vague advice that you just have to follow your passion but instead she gives concrete advice to make the bottom line profitable.
Miriam is an experienced successful artist so she knows of what she speaks.
Miriam gives frequent examples of situations that help readers spot the trouble ahead and she offers ways to steer clear of dangerous trouble spots. Each chapter is full of helpful advice, no matter where you are in your art career.
What’s the difference between BOGO and Collector’s Choice? This is just one of the many invaluable gems of wisdom in the book, Artpreneur: The Step by Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from your Creativity.
The author Miriam Schulman provides savvy information on how to make your passion profitable.
Can you make money as an artist?
Originally working on Wall Street, author Miriam Schulman’s advice in her book Artpreneur: The Step by Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from your Creativity guides artists to make wiser financial decisions. She shatters the myth of starving artists. There are no ‘head in the sand’ excuses and vague advice that you just have to follow your passion but instead she gives concrete advice to make the bottom line profitable.
Miriam is an experienced successful artist so she knows of what she speaks.
December 29, 2023
I have read a LOT of business and art help books in my day since starting “Confident Canvas” in 2016, but when I tell you that THIS book, which infuses both art and business in one, is a book that I have intentionally slowed down and gone back to reread and take notes from like it’s a Bible, lol! I’m listening to the audiobook (love hearing the author read it! Feels like she’s holding my hands through this entire process), then going back to reread and highlight in my physical book because the content is so rich and practical, even if you are one who has tried so many different strategies.
I will admit: even after reading many books in the past, Artpreneur makes me feels like I can do it… I don’t just have to read it and out it on a shelf—I can do what Miriam is suggesting. It also helps that I follow and witness her success on Instagram. Wherever she comes up in my feed, it’s another reminder that I CAN DO IT!!
Real Life: I’ve started completing the assignments at the end of the chapters. After reading through chapter 5, I stepped out and did something I would only read about in the past! I sold out of the spots I offered through my art classes in ONE HOUR!! Artpreneur has given me another level of boldness and confidence!
I’m now going to invest in this book for my art patrons. EVERY new, budding and thriving entrepreneur (not just artists) should read this book!!
January 31, 2023
Every artist who dreams of making a living from their art should read this book. It gives a great framework of an art business (actually for many businesses) and addresses the BIG THINGS: your mindset (which can help or hinder you), your processes (her framework is production, pricing, prospecting, promotion and your productivity) which can make or break you. It really helped me evaluate my art practice and start to take it much more seriously to address the areas that needed attention to grow. Not only is there a strategic framework but Miriam also addresses the VERY SPECIFIC things and gives amazing tactics to use to achieve the goals in her framework. For example, She even includes scripts to help talk you through the art of selling and dealing with objections. One thing I really appreciated was her 'in person' solutions PLUS 'virtual' solutions to selling art. This is great if you sell your art in person and online. Her writing style is no-nonsense and funny. She uses great examples, has great stories to share her experiences for everything she talks about. I highly recommend this book for its holistic approach to being an artist AND an entrepreneur.
July 5, 2024
I have read Artpreneur over a few times and will refer to it over and over some more I'd say. I have also done bootcamp twice I believe, (a happy accident) and have the workbook to go through again at home. Artpreneur is a wonderful book. I always have it to hand because I want to reconfirm the information about the 5 principles over and over, so the information sticks. I love it and it has given me so much encouragement and has empowered me to proceed with my art goals
which I have recommenced, having left it to the side, except for dalliances with it here and there, for many
years. I have begun putting the principles into action
and intend to proceed quietly and determinedly until I
have achieved my goals. I recommended Artpreneur, Miriam and The Inspiration Place website to
a friend so she bought a copy as well. I
would recommend Artpreneur to anyone who would love to sell their art as their main income but doubts themselves or lacks the knowhow to go forward. Artpreneur addresses all the questions, doubts, fears and mindset issues that hold us back. It's brilliant. Amanda
which I have recommenced, having left it to the side, except for dalliances with it here and there, for many
years. I have begun putting the principles into action
and intend to proceed quietly and determinedly until I
have achieved my goals. I recommended Artpreneur, Miriam and The Inspiration Place website to
a friend so she bought a copy as well. I
would recommend Artpreneur to anyone who would love to sell their art as their main income but doubts themselves or lacks the knowhow to go forward. Artpreneur addresses all the questions, doubts, fears and mindset issues that hold us back. It's brilliant. Amanda
January 23, 2023
This book is about half pep talk on selling one’s art at a higher price and half guide to marketing and selling art. “Pep talk” isn’t meant to diminish what the book does. First of all, the author does offer extensive justification for higher pricing, both from the body of research and from anecdotal experiences. Secondly, this is a pep talk that needs to be delivered and is the most important function of the book, by far. That doesn’t mean the book doesn’t do a fine job with the marketing and selling bits, but there are so many books available on that subject.
The book is directed toward graphic artists, though some of book’s message is of relevance to musicians and poets as well. (Perhaps that’s why I found the pep talk part so important, because it’s broadly germane to artists, whereas sales are quite different for media where huge numbers of copies are made versus one-of-a-kind works.)
If you’re a struggling artist or would like to avoid being one, this book is worth reading.
The book is directed toward graphic artists, though some of book’s message is of relevance to musicians and poets as well. (Perhaps that’s why I found the pep talk part so important, because it’s broadly germane to artists, whereas sales are quite different for media where huge numbers of copies are made versus one-of-a-kind works.)
If you’re a struggling artist or would like to avoid being one, this book is worth reading.
September 28, 2023
An actionable, well-written book that goes into more depth on certain aspects of pricing as a creative that can help it click for you if you feel you logically know a lot of the best practices but there's a missing link.
Schulman shares personal stories that woke her up from the 'matrix' and encouraged her to a more holistically ambitious lifestyle taking into account how she likes to spend her time, and being able to delegate certain tasks with a "business babysitter" that freed up her time to spend with her children. She shares ways to silence the inner critic, like listening to music to drown out those thoughts and enter flow state. Schulman also has a pretty handy guide to objections, questions to ask to help empower a "yes" for your client. How luxury buyers are suspicious of low prices and in fact but off by a bargain. She also cautions against people pleasing art and tapping into your unique creativity instead. If you're ready to ditch the starving artist mentality, pick up Artprenuer book immediately!
Schulman shares personal stories that woke her up from the 'matrix' and encouraged her to a more holistically ambitious lifestyle taking into account how she likes to spend her time, and being able to delegate certain tasks with a "business babysitter" that freed up her time to spend with her children. She shares ways to silence the inner critic, like listening to music to drown out those thoughts and enter flow state. Schulman also has a pretty handy guide to objections, questions to ask to help empower a "yes" for your client. How luxury buyers are suspicious of low prices and in fact but off by a bargain. She also cautions against people pleasing art and tapping into your unique creativity instead. If you're ready to ditch the starving artist mentality, pick up Artprenuer book immediately!
August 9, 2025
solid 3.75 but rounding up to 4. its the first book about creative careers where I've actually taken some notes and would probably buy a copy of this at some point. but as usual, it completely ignores a lot of us in the "middle." Im not the kind of beginner in the "I'm just starting out and have no social media or a website" crowd, but I'm also not to the point where I have press opportunities or live events to promote. I surely don't have a podcast or 75 client success stories. im in that middle ground who had success before but has stalled out, and once again, theres no helpful advice out there for people like us. sure, "well just build your newsletter" is fine advice...but no one explains how. help on closing a sale is great, but only if you can get traffic to you who has interest. and yeah, live events are wonderful opportunities, but how about those of us who don't yet have booth photos or a full inventory to submit 6 months before the event? us middle grounders are still in the dark and struggling.
August 22, 2022
(Thanks to HarperCollins Leadership for the digital ARC to review.)
The book goes through the author's steps for making small creative businesses more sustainable for the artist/creative owner. The author is a watercolor portrait artist, but the takeaways can be applied to other creative businesses.
The author writes about properly pricing your craft (for art, the author states to pick a medium/product that you can make and that can be profitable) at a higher price, what to write in your email newsletters, how to listen and respond to people who ask about your art/product/service, rethinking negative thoughts into more productive ones, and organizing/blocking out time for a specific task.
The author also includes examples of the strategies she talks about from her own experiences and stories from students of her course.
The book goes through the author's steps for making small creative businesses more sustainable for the artist/creative owner. The author is a watercolor portrait artist, but the takeaways can be applied to other creative businesses.
The author writes about properly pricing your craft (for art, the author states to pick a medium/product that you can make and that can be profitable) at a higher price, what to write in your email newsletters, how to listen and respond to people who ask about your art/product/service, rethinking negative thoughts into more productive ones, and organizing/blocking out time for a specific task.
The author also includes examples of the strategies she talks about from her own experiences and stories from students of her course.
January 17, 2026
I'd give it 3.5 if I could.
There were a few some good advices, but her business strategy didn't resonate well with me. I found it a little aggressive (for the lack of a better word) and her target audience seemed to be rather narrow and I wasn't sure if that was her intention since she wrote this book to help the artists out there to succeed. Also, I didn't fully agree with her regarding the social media, but I could understand that email/newsletter is the way to go if I want to avoid being at mercy with the algorithm. Either way, I'll definitely incorporate a few of them to my creative business.
My biggest turn off (and why I called it aggressive) is that this book is designed to get you interested in joining her workshops and more for more information. That's not what I'm looking for.
There were a few some good advices, but her business strategy didn't resonate well with me. I found it a little aggressive (for the lack of a better word) and her target audience seemed to be rather narrow and I wasn't sure if that was her intention since she wrote this book to help the artists out there to succeed. Also, I didn't fully agree with her regarding the social media, but I could understand that email/newsletter is the way to go if I want to avoid being at mercy with the algorithm. Either way, I'll definitely incorporate a few of them to my creative business.
My biggest turn off (and why I called it aggressive) is that this book is designed to get you interested in joining her workshops and more for more information. That's not what I'm looking for.
December 26, 2022
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Turning art into a business and marketing is very different from running and marketing a creative business. In this book, Miriam provides a heart-centered approach to the business of art.
This book is aimed at brand new beginners, with very easy, attainable tasks. It's encouragement, it's practical, and it contains a lot of examples by those who are Doing The Thing.
Each chapter includes a "What artpreneurs need to believe" and "Marching Orders" (your to do list). There is a big focus on mindset (understandable, as one of the main struggles with running your own business is mindset).
Good book for getting started.
Turning art into a business and marketing is very different from running and marketing a creative business. In this book, Miriam provides a heart-centered approach to the business of art.
This book is aimed at brand new beginners, with very easy, attainable tasks. It's encouragement, it's practical, and it contains a lot of examples by those who are Doing The Thing.
Each chapter includes a "What artpreneurs need to believe" and "Marching Orders" (your to do list). There is a big focus on mindset (understandable, as one of the main struggles with running your own business is mindset).
Good book for getting started.
October 14, 2024
I loved the way the book is set up, because it applies to a lot of things and not only to the standard range of "arts" and creative businesses, that most people write about, it's realistic, funny, practical but not dry and it is built in a way, where you can use it as step-by-step guide or just use some of the advice and what I like that it really clearly shows the scaling of such business and all the nuances between - this is my full time career and this is something I just do on the side and maybe this really just should be a hobby...
It's definitelly also a great book if you have not yet decided if you want to monetize your creative hobby - I feel like after reading it, you will pretty much be able to answer that clearly.
It's definitelly also a great book if you have not yet decided if you want to monetize your creative hobby - I feel like after reading it, you will pretty much be able to answer that clearly.
January 13, 2023
This is not the only book out there about how to make a living from your art but it is one of the few written by someone who has tested all of her techniques on herself. I had followed Miriam Schulman's other work on this topic for a long while...her videos, her podcast, etc. and had always found it to be some of the most practical and entertaining material around. Her book pulls all of her most useful themes, tactics, and strategies together into a coherent whole. It's still got her charming voice and keeps you reading throughout. A new bible for artists who want to dedicate their lives to their art rather than fitting it around their day jobs.
August 29, 2023
Every creative who wants to make a living from their practice should read this. There are lots of good standard business principles, but also content specifically focusing on the challenges of selling physical creative work and changing the mindset about being an artist. Good ol' email gets the tick for marketing, above social media.
Strangely enough, the thing that lets this down is the graphic design and layout. Blue font, pale green headings and blue font in pale green text boxes do not make for great readability. There are some tables and boxes, but there are also pages of solid text, so overall it is text-heavy with few images, which is odd for the target market.
Strangely enough, the thing that lets this down is the graphic design and layout. Blue font, pale green headings and blue font in pale green text boxes do not make for great readability. There are some tables and boxes, but there are also pages of solid text, so overall it is text-heavy with few images, which is odd for the target market.
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