Art, Inc.

The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist

By: Lisa Congdon, Meg Mateo Ilasco - editor, Jonathan Field - foreword

Narrated by: Lisa Congdon

Length: 3 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

You don't have to starve to be an artist. Build a career doing what you love. In this practical guide, professional artist Lisa Congdon reveals the many ways you can earn a living by making art - through illustration, licensing, fine art sales, print sales, teaching, and beyond. Including industry advice from such successful art-world pros as Nikki McClure, Mark Hearld, Paula Scher, and more, Art, Inc. will equip you with the tools - and the confidence - to turn your passion into a profitable business. 

Learn how to: set actionable goals, diversify your income, manage your bookkeeping, copyright your work, promote with social media, build a standout website, exhibit with galleries, sell and price your work, license your art, acquire an agent, and much more.

©2014 Lisa Congdon; Foreword copyright 2014 by Jonathan Fields (P)2019 Tantor

Overall useful

Lots of useful information, but some parts that are more like an instruction manual are read in a way that’s quite dry. For instance there is a portion that explains how to use Pinterest and I found my mind wandering during parts like that so I skipped ahead. Otherwise very helpful. It even goes over aspects of being a gallery artist which is what I’m interested in. I would probably listen again.

Lisa Congdon for the win!

Very insightful! She’s great! She reads the book herself. I’ve been a fan of Lisa for a few years and I bought the softcover book version awhile back but never read it cover to cover, so I decided to listen to this while I was drawing and I listened to the entire book in one day. There are different sections offering helpful advice on different aspects of making a living as an artist. Now I know exactly what the book has to offer and I can go back to it to find specific information as I make my journey into becoming a full-time professional artist.

Straight Forward

I've been a professional artist for years and still got plenty from this book to either implement or consider going forward. She gives it to you straight with great tips and practices!

Solid & Practical— A MUST!!

Applicable, clear, and might be the missing piece of the puzzle for many creatives. More than just worth your time, Art, Inc. is a crucial part of the artist’s toolbox.

Amazing book!!

I don’t usually write reviews but I just had to do it because it got me so motivated. I am a self-taught artist trying to start off my art business I found this book extremely informative easy to follow. I love the fact that he gave you step-by-step instructions of how to do things. I also love the fact that there were some basic legal advice and knowledge to be gained for a beginner artist in how to protect yourself.

Short, concise and super on point !

This book was excellent and did not waste my time with a pep talk. Author got right to the point with a clear outline on how to get moving in the art world.

Great resource for new artists!

I Loved it! Lisa clearly conveys her experience in a very simple and straightforward way.
Throughout the book, Lisa approaches many aspects of the art business that I was totally unaware of. She explains every point at the same time that she gives smart tips on how to navigate them.
This book is definitely an amazing resource, bringing valuable gems to any artist's toolbox.
If I could point one only downside is that I wish every single section of the written version was narrated on the Audible version. I loved it so much, that I also purchased the Kindle version. Which is why I figured out there are some testimonials by experienced artists, curators, publishers, etc. that are not narrated.

Not to diminish the final outcome of the Audible version. I'm happy I own both versions.

I totally recommend it!

Alex Ferror

How to for aspiring Artist/Entrepreneurs.

Everything essential., tool's, information, direction and standards I'll need to begin my journey as a Artist/Entrepreneur.

Helpful and inspiring

I came to this book after running an Etsy shop for a couple of years. I wanted to change my business to include more income streams like illustration and licensing. Listening to this book gave me some ideas about what I could try next.

I also really appreciated the insight about the professional landscape and the suggestions about how to find buyers for your work.

If you need...

If you are transitioning from hobby to money making or just starting out, this is a book to read first! I found it very useful to plan out a basic outline for beginning the process!