There are some that think that if they just had the talent to be a great artist then they would automatically become rich overnight.  Apparently these folks have never heard the term “starving artist” or really taken a good look at the tragic and destitute lives of some of the most posthumously renowned and treasured artists in history.  It is difficult to understand how on earth a financially impoverished artist could even afford materials to create their art.  Artists with wage-earning jobs only creating their work part-time often end up putting what money they receive from sales back into sustaining their ability to continue their art projects.  That is at least a self-sustaining scenario and the art is still being created and enriching the world – if not the artist.  The point I am taking to task here is that financial security does not kick in automatically just from producing art.

The music is first, the busking is secondary. Arte en todas partes by Manuel Orero

As a part-time artist, writer, or musician with a full-time job there is the ability to pursue creative endeavors supported by the additional steady income. However, there is also a hugely negative factor within this arrangement. The time and energy put into earning income from a regular job not only detracts from someone’s creative efforts, it effectively stifles them.  Further damaging their artistic careers by having limited availability makes it difficult to attend a show or to set appointments with prospective clients.  Not having the flexibility of having an open schedule takes away any ability to compete with a full-time creative colleague. 

Many artists do not have time for marketing and promoting their work and may not even have found a particular niche that their work fits in.  This is a classic example of the creative mindset removed from one of business-oriented concepts and practices.  After all, when you have art to do, it is hard find time for other things – especially something as banal as business.  However it is a matter of one thing depending on the other for any creative who is serious about producing on a professional level.  Many do nurture the skills needed to help promote their presence in the community.  It is something that will take a lot of patience, as time and relationship-building are important in addition to learning marketing skills.  When necessary, and if they are able to afford to do so, artists will find agents who can work for them to aid in the business side of things.  These can be event coordinators, gallery or shop owners, webpage designers, SEO builders – the list goes on.  For the most part, if a means of promotion exists then there are those whose services can be hired to do it.  This is the investing in oneself portion, beyond materials and tools, which also highlights the point that making art is not about the money.  

An exhibition promotes an artist, and the artist presenting must invest in their event. Exhibition at The Avenue - London by Ben Heine

The money is a necessary element to keep the artwork producible and to bring it to the masses, but it is not where the art comes from.  In the business frame of mind profit is the ideal result – however ideals are subjective. 

The ultimate goal most people who create art tell me about is this: the feeling of having made something that touched someone.  Whether it made them change their perspective or simply reminds them of something that they care deeply for, being able to see another person have a connection to the painting, book, photo, song, drawing, etc.  -it is what being an artist is about.  If your work can produce such an emotional impression on another person, there is no actual dollar value you can put on that.  It is the appreciation element, that intangible but incredibly rewarding moment when understanding or empathy occurs as a reaction to an artwork. 

In a previous article I wrote about the Value of Art.  In effect, here I am also expanding upon that theme.  I wanted to write more to really emphasize that artists are not at all about what some perceive –greedy or money-driven. Artists make art simply because they CAN.  Some say it is a part of their nature and a compulsion towards creativity will keep them making art even if no one is looking at it, much less if they are making monetary profit.  The rarity and the status of collectible art and the inflated value of popular artists is not the rule.

Independently, being an artist is not all about the money; and even if your work ends up on the high end price range, there is no guarantee it will happen while you are still around to notice.  There are those who feed the notion that being an artist is all big money making and that is what is seen often in Hollywood or in Art Museums.  If you are doing what you love and you get to enjoy doing so, that is the first gift of making art.  The second is having recognition and connection with other people.  When someone pays an artist it is often just barely compensating for what went into the actual creation of the work, yet it is nudging them on and saying “Please continue.”  



© Rebecca H Knight, images are © their respective owners. All rights reserved

Proper lighting is just as important as the artwork itself when presenting at an art show. Optimal lighting will draw attention to the artwork and make your display stand out.  Having adequate show lights is something commonly overlooked by first timers at art shows. This article covers lighting options and offers ideas on how to make the most of art show lighting.

Ambient lighting should not be ignored just because there will be some already at the venue.  Do not expect that what is provided will be adequate for display purposes no matter if it will be held inside or outside.  With that in mind, you should also not rely on using just one lamp; it is best to have several lights throughout your display area.  This will make a better impression and add dimension to your art show display.

Use accent lighting to enhance specific items and to draw interest to your display.  Flexible arm or clamp lights are good for creating spotlights on artwork. These may be purchased at reasonable cost from electronics, furniture, and large home or hardware supply stores. If you go to an art store to purchase lighting you will find that the prices are significantly higher.

Display lights come in different styles that can complement the individual artwork that is being illuminated. Using multiple separate bulbs does present the issue of the electrical power cord being in plain view and difficult to hide.  You may resort to using tape and fabric draping to address this issue. Alternatively, you may find battery-powered portable lights that are usually in the emergency preparedness section of an electronics store.  Fry's is one such example of where to find these.  Be mindful of the expected lifespan of the batteries and have replacements on hand.  Portable options which use batteries should also be considered with the following lighting possibilities.


Track lights have the feature of angling each lamp to direct light as needed. Such light fixtures are usually mounted on a ceiling.  However, you may be able to mount the track beside or below the art piece if you are not able to access the ceiling for mounting purposes. Track lighting is an excellent way to illuminate multiple artworks. Track lights are also inexpensive and come in many different sizes and with varying numbers of lights or bulbs.

Floor lights can be found in small portable canisters which cast light upwards. Place the floor light in a position that highlights the art and does not blind your guests from any angle. Most are inexpensive, but can prove to be obstructive if actually placed on the floor as opposed to on a slightly elevated platform.  If putting the light directly on the floor, you may want to position something in front of it in order to keep people from accidentally kicking or stepping on the lights. If you use this method be careful that you do not obstruct the light that is directed at the art.

The style of lighting and the angles you choose depends on your vision for your art display.  Try to avoid special effect lighting and motion sensor lights as this kind of lighting would distract or possibly annoy your guests.  Attention should not be on fancy lights.  The lights should only serve as a utility for bringing out the details in your artworks and making your display area warm and inviting. 


















© Rebecca H Knight, all images used are © their respective owners, All Rights Reserved