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ART/WORK: Everything You Need to Know (and Do) As You Pursue Your Art Career
Find Out What They Didn't Teach You in Art School
The most comprehensive guide of its kind, Art/Work gives artists of every level the tools they need to make it in an art world so competitive one dealer likens it to "The Sopranos, except nobody gets killed." Whether you're an art school grad looking for a gallery, a mid-career artist managing a busy studio, or someone just thinking about becoming a professional artist, this indispensable resource will help you build your career and protect yourself along the way.
Unlike other creative professionals, visual artists don't have agents or managers. You have to do it all yourself, at least until you find gallery representation -- and even then, there are important business and legal issues you need to understand to stay in control of your career and ensure you're being treated fairly. Heather Darcy Bhandari, a gallery director, and Jonathan Melber, an arts lawyer, walk you through these issues so that you can essentially act as your own manager and agent. They show you, for example, how to tackle business basics such as tracking inventory and preparing invoices; how to take legal precautions like registering a copyright and drafting consignment forms; how to use promotional tools like websites and business cards; and how to approach career decisions such as choosing the right venue to show your work.
In addition to drawing on their own experiences, Bhandari and Melber interviewed nearly one hundred curators, dealers, and other arts professionals, in cities across the country, about what they expect from and look for in artists. The authors also talked to a host of artists about their careers and the lessons they've learned navigating the art world. The book is full of their entertaining anecdotes and candid advice.
No matter what kind of artist you are -- or want to be -- this book will help you. Art/Work covers everything you need to know to succeed, saving you from having to learn it all the hard way -- and letting you spend more time making art.
The most comprehensive guide of its kind, Art/Work gives artists of every level the tools they need to make it in an art world so competitive one dealer likens it to "The Sopranos, except nobody gets killed." Whether you're an art school grad looking for a gallery, a mid-career artist managing a busy studio, or someone just thinking about becoming a professional artist, this indispensable resource will help you build your career and protect yourself along the way.
Unlike other creative professionals, visual artists don't have agents or managers. You have to do it all yourself, at least until you find gallery representation -- and even then, there are important business and legal issues you need to understand to stay in control of your career and ensure you're being treated fairly. Heather Darcy Bhandari, a gallery director, and Jonathan Melber, an arts lawyer, walk you through these issues so that you can essentially act as your own manager and agent. They show you, for example, how to tackle business basics such as tracking inventory and preparing invoices; how to take legal precautions like registering a copyright and drafting consignment forms; how to use promotional tools like websites and business cards; and how to approach career decisions such as choosing the right venue to show your work.
In addition to drawing on their own experiences, Bhandari and Melber interviewed nearly one hundred curators, dealers, and other arts professionals, in cities across the country, about what they expect from and look for in artists. The authors also talked to a host of artists about their careers and the lessons they've learned navigating the art world. The book is full of their entertaining anecdotes and candid advice.
No matter what kind of artist you are -- or want to be -- this book will help you. Art/Work covers everything you need to know to succeed, saving you from having to learn it all the hard way -- and letting you spend more time making art.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2009
239 people are currently reading
2328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 23, 2012
some fairly good advice and a good resource to have on hand, some of the quotes make me feel like never making art again, just to not risk running into any of these egomaniacs who run galleries, particularly whoever the hell was writing from connor contemporary in dc. ugh.
June 8, 2020
I stopped this book a little over half-way through. It is both helpful and completely uninspiring; one of those texts that will leave you disillusioned about the art world, and make you forget all the reasons you covet art in the first place.
Recommended for artists seeking galleries, notoriety, or art as a business. Very useful, objective tasks for achieving success-- a lot of opinions woven throughout that I found so dry and unstimulating that I questioned my role in the art world altogether. This is probably telling of my success (or lack therof) in it.
Recommended for artists seeking galleries, notoriety, or art as a business. Very useful, objective tasks for achieving success-- a lot of opinions woven throughout that I found so dry and unstimulating that I questioned my role in the art world altogether. This is probably telling of my success (or lack therof) in it.
August 25, 2020
Such a good resource for professional working artists in many different capacities. This book covers everything from shipping artwork to taxes. It has commentary from professional curators, artists, and more in the margins which is really helpful as well to read real world experience along with technical advice applicable to many artists trying to work independently or for an organization.
I was required to get this for a class at Portland State covering the different professional areas of artistic careers and what acquiring funding looks like as well which is a tricky thing to learn about just starting out as a young artist. If you know someone trying to get their foot in the door in galleries or other art spaces this is a fantastic book to have on hand. It is in my permanent art book collection.
Being an artist can be daunting because many people will doubt you if they don’t have a personal connection or investment in the arts. It can instill a person with confidence to read about people doing art collecting or creating at a high level of success. Having books like this that document a variety of professional opinions on the day to day work of artists is so valuable.
I was required to get this for a class at Portland State covering the different professional areas of artistic careers and what acquiring funding looks like as well which is a tricky thing to learn about just starting out as a young artist. If you know someone trying to get their foot in the door in galleries or other art spaces this is a fantastic book to have on hand. It is in my permanent art book collection.
Being an artist can be daunting because many people will doubt you if they don’t have a personal connection or investment in the arts. It can instill a person with confidence to read about people doing art collecting or creating at a high level of success. Having books like this that document a variety of professional opinions on the day to day work of artists is so valuable.
April 1, 2017
This is such a great resource for artists, even if you've been around the block, or just graduated from art school. The authors have a lot of experience dealing with both artists and the art world, which gives you an insiders look on what works and what doesn't. I really enjoyed the quotes inside that correspond with the points they are making. I think this will definitely help me with my career, and I'm glad I bought a hardcopy so I can refer back to my notes and highlighted passages.
July 2, 2018
I am a professional artist and I recommend this book to all other artists trying to figure out how to show and sell their work professionally. This covers all the non-art things an artist needs to know about interacting with galleries and museums from personal approach to legal paperwork to how you ship and pack art. They have legal templates, cautionary tales, and tips of all kinds. More importantly you get advice from different curators, gallerists and other art professionals on each topic covered. It's organized in way that makes it easy to find the piece of information you are looking for fast, so you can use it as a resource, not just a cover-to-cover read.
This book will save you from rookie mistakes that will make galleries not take you seriously, get your art damaged or even stolen, etc. The classic gallery mistake so many artists starting out make is to take their portfolio gallery-to-gallery, which the book equates with going into a bar and asking each person in there if they will marry you right now. Other mistakes things like dropping off art _anywhere_ without getting a signed form describing the work, it's value, and who owns it with a picture of it. I know artists who never saw their work again and were never paid. These are painful rookie mistakes.
Art/Work is just a great go-to guide for _everything_ about the non-art parts of being an artist. Some people (and unfortunately many artists) think all artists do is play around in the studio and enjoy making art. The truth is there are a lot of other things we need to know how to do that aren't always covered in art school. This book is your go-to for all that. I'm finally getting museum collections and I still refer to this book regularly. Can't recommend it enough.
This book will save you from rookie mistakes that will make galleries not take you seriously, get your art damaged or even stolen, etc. The classic gallery mistake so many artists starting out make is to take their portfolio gallery-to-gallery, which the book equates with going into a bar and asking each person in there if they will marry you right now. Other mistakes things like dropping off art _anywhere_ without getting a signed form describing the work, it's value, and who owns it with a picture of it. I know artists who never saw their work again and were never paid. These are painful rookie mistakes.
Art/Work is just a great go-to guide for _everything_ about the non-art parts of being an artist. Some people (and unfortunately many artists) think all artists do is play around in the studio and enjoy making art. The truth is there are a lot of other things we need to know how to do that aren't always covered in art school. This book is your go-to for all that. I'm finally getting museum collections and I still refer to this book regularly. Can't recommend it enough.
June 4, 2013
This book was incredibly useful to me. After art school I felt like I learned how to make art, but next to nothing about how to have a career as an artist. Of course, unless you wanted to teach at the University level or work at a coffee shop for the rest of your life. This book laid out some very basic things that are helpful in understanding the nuts and bolts of pursuing a career as an artist from graduation to gallery representation. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who has been to art school, and is having a difficult time making sense of why they did that.
November 29, 2009
As an artist who is about to graduate from grad school and was terrified of what to expect, this book definitely calms the nerves and is a MUST have for any artist - new or someone who has been at it for years. It clears up the processes, gives you good practices, and has overall incredible advice for almost any situation you'll encounter. Best of all, you learn to cover your butt in case something unfortunate happens! Invaluable!!
March 11, 2014
Mostly skimmed through this since there were SO many quotes making it tedious to read. It is also geared for the US market with taxes and copyrights and way too much info on galleries which is not useful in this area.
February 3, 2016
Quite simply a collection of essential basics for professional art practice you should have been taught at art school - but weren't. Written from a US perspective however still very relevant for artists working anywhere in Europe and internationally.
May 14, 2016
i didn't learn anything new from this book. i could see the blank form samples being helpful to a new artist, but frankly you can find these things with google searches.
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May 16, 2025*ART/WORK: Everything You Need to Know (and Do) As You Pursue Your Art Career* is a comprehensive, no-nonsense guide that offers artists a detailed roadmap for navigating the professional art world. Unlike abstract or overly idealistic texts, this book is firmly rooted in the realities of what it takes to build and maintain a career as a working artist. It is both practical and strategic, providing step-by-step instructions, industry insights, and real-world examples that demystify the often opaque art industry.
The book begins by emphasizing that talent alone is not enough. A successful art career requires business acumen, professional discipline, and knowledge of the systems and structures that shape the contemporary art world. The authors break down essential topics into clear, digestible sections, covering everything from creating a portfolio to negotiating contracts.
One of the book’s strengths is its detailed treatment of the practical aspects of being an artist. Readers are guided through the essentials of building an artist’s resume, writing compelling artist statements, photographing work professionally, and submitting to galleries or exhibitions. Each topic is accompanied by concrete examples, checklists, and templates that artists can adapt to their own needs.
A recurring theme is professionalism. The authors stress that artists must meet deadlines, communicate clearly, maintain documentation, and treat their practice as a serious, full-time commitment. This perspective aims to shift the artist’s mindset from that of a solitary creator to that of a proactive professional engaging with a broader system.
The book also addresses the inner workings of the art world—how galleries operate, what curators look for, how pricing is determined, and how representation works. Artists learn what to expect from contracts, commission agreements, consignment forms, and artist-gallery relationships. Special attention is given to artists’ rights and the importance of understanding the legal and financial aspects of their practice.
Emerging and mid-career artists are also guided through strategies for building visibility. This includes how to write effective proposals, how to apply for residencies and grants, and how to approach critics or collectors. The book explains how to navigate studio visits, network at openings, and develop long-term relationships with art professionals—all critical for career sustainability.
Importantly, the tone remains pragmatic but encouraging. The authors acknowledge the challenges of the art world—its competitiveness, its lack of transparency—but they also offer realistic solutions and resources to help artists take control of their paths. They advocate for self-advocacy, clear communication, and informed decision-making.
The book closes by exploring long-term career management: organizing archives, maintaining financial records, planning for health insurance and taxes, and considering legacy issues like estate planning. This holistic view underscores the book’s central message: being a professional artist means managing every aspect of your practice with intention and awareness.
In sum, *ART/WORK* is a vital resource for any artist serious about turning their creative passion into a sustainable career. Thorough, direct, and grounded in the realities of the art world, it empowers artists to make informed choices, protect their interests, and take ownership of their professional lives.
The book begins by emphasizing that talent alone is not enough. A successful art career requires business acumen, professional discipline, and knowledge of the systems and structures that shape the contemporary art world. The authors break down essential topics into clear, digestible sections, covering everything from creating a portfolio to negotiating contracts.
One of the book’s strengths is its detailed treatment of the practical aspects of being an artist. Readers are guided through the essentials of building an artist’s resume, writing compelling artist statements, photographing work professionally, and submitting to galleries or exhibitions. Each topic is accompanied by concrete examples, checklists, and templates that artists can adapt to their own needs.
A recurring theme is professionalism. The authors stress that artists must meet deadlines, communicate clearly, maintain documentation, and treat their practice as a serious, full-time commitment. This perspective aims to shift the artist’s mindset from that of a solitary creator to that of a proactive professional engaging with a broader system.
The book also addresses the inner workings of the art world—how galleries operate, what curators look for, how pricing is determined, and how representation works. Artists learn what to expect from contracts, commission agreements, consignment forms, and artist-gallery relationships. Special attention is given to artists’ rights and the importance of understanding the legal and financial aspects of their practice.
Emerging and mid-career artists are also guided through strategies for building visibility. This includes how to write effective proposals, how to apply for residencies and grants, and how to approach critics or collectors. The book explains how to navigate studio visits, network at openings, and develop long-term relationships with art professionals—all critical for career sustainability.
Importantly, the tone remains pragmatic but encouraging. The authors acknowledge the challenges of the art world—its competitiveness, its lack of transparency—but they also offer realistic solutions and resources to help artists take control of their paths. They advocate for self-advocacy, clear communication, and informed decision-making.
The book closes by exploring long-term career management: organizing archives, maintaining financial records, planning for health insurance and taxes, and considering legacy issues like estate planning. This holistic view underscores the book’s central message: being a professional artist means managing every aspect of your practice with intention and awareness.
In sum, *ART/WORK* is a vital resource for any artist serious about turning their creative passion into a sustainable career. Thorough, direct, and grounded in the realities of the art world, it empowers artists to make informed choices, protect their interests, and take ownership of their professional lives.
December 22, 2023
Forse ad oggi il manuale più completo e utile che ho letto sull’argomento, ha un approccio davvero pratico al contrario di molti altri testi che si limitano a una descrizione generale del sistema dell’arte o di alcuni suoi aspetti in particolare. Gli argomenti trattati sono molteplici: come stabilire i propri obiettivi artistici, come presentare il proprio lavoro e partecipare a bandi di vario genere, dove come e perché esporre, le gallerie d’arte e i contratti - tanto per citare solo alcuni degli spunti presenti nel testo. L’inglese è abbastanza semplice, con un minimo di dimestichezza si legge facilmente. Unico enorme difetto - ovviamente non imputabile agli autori - è che il contesto in cui è calato l’intero manuale è quello degli Stati Uniti, per cui si parla di realtà espositive e opportunità che in Italia non esistono o non sono così comuni, per non parlare poi di tutte le parti molto consistenti sulle questioni fiscali e legali. Resta comunque un testo che mi sento di consigliare, soprattutto per quel che riguarda i primi capitoli.
November 5, 2025
I'm surprised this book has so many high reviews. It's dated and focuses only on one form of art business: gallery representation. Most of the content is better covered in blogs you can find with targeted Google searches (e.g., how to write an artist resume) and other parts are just obvious - like when applying to grants. follow the directions. Like if that person didn't follow the directions I doubt they are either reading this book or going to listen the second time around.
Finally, it's packed with wall-to-wall quotes from artists, galleries, dealers, etc. Like 4-10 on every page. That sounds like a good thing until you realize they aren't really curated for quality or the contents of their opinion. It's clear from a lot of other reviews that they were depressing. I stopped reading them once I realized they weren't curated and now I'm happy I did that.
So far, my favorite art business book is the one by Lisa Congdon which is unfortunate because it's also a little dated now, but at least it covers more than one business model.
Finally, it's packed with wall-to-wall quotes from artists, galleries, dealers, etc. Like 4-10 on every page. That sounds like a good thing until you realize they aren't really curated for quality or the contents of their opinion. It's clear from a lot of other reviews that they were depressing. I stopped reading them once I realized they weren't curated and now I'm happy I did that.
So far, my favorite art business book is the one by Lisa Congdon which is unfortunate because it's also a little dated now, but at least it covers more than one business model.
June 29, 2025
This is an exceptionally practical and thorough book. I found it extremely useful because it tackles the real, everyday challenges artists face beyond the studio — from preparing for exhibitions and negotiating contracts to handling invoices, taxes, and building professional relationships with galleries.
It offers clear examples and includes ready-to-use templates for agreements and other essential documents. What I especially appreciate is how honestly it portrays the art world, stripping away illusions and giving artists concrete tools to navigate it with confidence.
The insights shared by curators, gallery owners, lawyers, and even art handlers add a grounded, multi-angle perspective. This isn’t something you read once and forget; it’s a manual to keep on hand and return to at different stages of your career. I truly believe every artist, whether just starting out or already established, will find real, applicable help in these pages.
It offers clear examples and includes ready-to-use templates for agreements and other essential documents. What I especially appreciate is how honestly it portrays the art world, stripping away illusions and giving artists concrete tools to navigate it with confidence.
The insights shared by curators, gallery owners, lawyers, and even art handlers add a grounded, multi-angle perspective. This isn’t something you read once and forget; it’s a manual to keep on hand and return to at different stages of your career. I truly believe every artist, whether just starting out or already established, will find real, applicable help in these pages.
December 30, 2025
A highly practical manual for building a sustainable art career: clear guidance on pricing, contracts, galleries, licensing, documentation, and day-to-day professional habits. It’s “very good” because it translates the art world’s fog into actionable steps.
It’s not a full 5/5 mainly because it’s written from a North/US-centric standpoint. Many assumptions around legal frameworks, taxes, institutional access, and market infrastructure need adaptation for the Global South. Read it as a strong toolkit—not a universal blueprint.
It’s not a full 5/5 mainly because it’s written from a North/US-centric standpoint. Many assumptions around legal frameworks, taxes, institutional access, and market infrastructure need adaptation for the Global South. Read it as a strong toolkit—not a universal blueprint.
January 12, 2024
I have just begun listening to the audio version of this book. The narrator's voice is extremely ingratiating and off-putting (she sounds like she's in a commercial selling laundry detergent or real estate), and she has mispronounced many words in the past 5 minutes. In addition to mispronunciations, She vocalizes the word "art" as "yard". You can imagine how many times that word has already and will continue to arise in this text.
I don't know if I can go on.
I don't know if I can go on.
May 10, 2025
I had to read this book for an art class for graduation and at first I was hesitant on feeling like I’d even come close to rating it but this book turned out to be a pretty decent read as far as educational reads go! It was very easy to understand and also helped me in some areas I didn’t know I needed help in! Definitely a 4 out of 5 star read and only because I don’t plan on reading it again unless I need to look into some information personally.
Want to read
September 28, 2020How do you diversify income streams to sustain a healthy art practice? How can you find an alternative to the gallery system? How do you review a license agreement? What are digital marketing best practices? Also included are new quotes from over thirty arts professionals, updated commission legal templates, organizational tips, tax information, and advice for artists who don’t make objects.
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December 31, 2019A practical must for working in the creative field. I've pulled this out for years when apply to residencies, jobs, making resumes, hosting shows of open studios. It's all here. No fluff, just what you need to know. Plus some encouragement for those working in the field.
March 23, 2021
Безусловно полезная книга для художников и всех людей творческих профессий, которые как-то хотят самостоятельно продавать свои работы или сотрудничать с галереями. Отлично написанная, хорошо переведенная, с примерами договоров, классными цитатами. 10 из 5
August 1, 2021
This book is very helpful for anyone wanting to pursue becoming a professional fine artist. I read the second addition and it was helpful with modern aspects caused by the internet. I hope the authors continue to create up dated versions as technology continues to change how things are done.
August 16, 2021
If you want to make art your livelihood, this book is essential.
It's dry reading, and the authors say up front you don't have to read it cover to cover (like I did).
I appreciate their effort to make the material as enjoyable and readable as possible.
It's dry reading, and the authors say up front you don't have to read it cover to cover (like I did).
I appreciate their effort to make the material as enjoyable and readable as possible.
November 17, 2021
This book is indispensable if you are looking to make a business out of your artwork and practice. I regularly refer back to this for formatting business paperwork and keeping track of the things I create. Artists are historically bad businesspeople, and this book works hard to bridge that gap.
September 8, 2022
Highly recommended to anyone in the business of selling/creating art. This book gives great insight into how commerce in the art world works and equips artists with the tools they need so they don't charge blindly into it.
December 31, 2022
Technical Book and the more I read; the more I realized the art world may not be the place for me. However, I do keep this book as a reference and to be fair, many topics are the non creative and business, marketing aspects of Art.
June 30, 2017
Excellent resource! I give it 4 stars only because the pages of quotes (albeit decently insightful) were a bit excessive.
April 22, 2018
A useful guide to the business practicals of art and self-marketing.
October 23, 2018
A resourceful guide for the aspiring artist.
March 1, 2019
An extremely helpful book!
October 2, 2021
covers a lot of important stuff an artist should know
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews