If you're an artist, you intuit it. Art is there within you. This book is for those who on some level know what they truly are -- either you are trying to learn how to do this artistic life better, or you are trying to decide whether or not to do it at all. How can you take this vague idea of being an artist and make it a reality? Get clear and make a plan.
How will this book help? By pointing you in some directions, showing you where to get information you may need. By giving you the experience of others who have gone before you who may have done something you can benefit from, and who have been gracious enough to pass it on. By helping you to see what kind of a plan you need. By helping you make a plan. Bottom line, as an artist you have an even greater need to make long-term plans than other folks. Income will likely come at irregular intervals. You'll have to save money whenever you can, get good credit, maintain a fuel-efficient vehicle, and find the way to do your art. Yet we all must budget for rent, food, telephone, transportation, clothing, health insurance, gas and electric - the stuff of day-to-day living.
Inside this book are practical suggestions and ideas to help you cope with artist's life including: Housing, Telephone, Home Office, Car, Health Insurance, Finances, The Internet, Legal Assistance, Grants, MFA Programs, Theatre Companies and Artist Retreats, Working Overseas, Putting Together Your Artist Portfolio.
Art That Pays will give you ideas and practical, concrete suggestions. If you are an artist and you have decided to pursue it, this thing you are embarked upon is noble. We hope to give you some encouragement because you can never have too much support. And we hope, perhaps, to make you smile at least once or twice, if not in amusement, at least in recognition of the absurdity, joy and wonder that is this life we have.
