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42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best book for artists, hands down, June 27, 2009
This review is from: The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love (Paperback)
Without doubt, this is one of the best books for artists available. I've read most career guides for people in the creative fields, and Jackie. Battenfield's is easily the best. I love this book, and highly recommend it.
It is clear, thorough, and covers all aspects of the business of art. What I found most appealing was how the author would mention a specific action and then discuss how she felt about doing it herself. Making actions can be emotionally unnerving, especially when showing work to dealers for example, or just deciding to make a living from your own artwork, and Jackie reassuringly discusses her feelings as well as how she got over her doubt and anxiety.
Another major reason why I love this book is its clarity. It starts, as it should, with determining what your goals are, how to define them, and how to make them happen. She gives simple steps to help define your vision for your life, and then breaks them into easier chunks. She also stresses planning and making lists, which I personally think is fantastic (organizing my day and week has not only made me much more productive but has also reduced much of my anxiety I had over all the projects I have to accomplish).
The book then goes through what tools are needed, such as artist statement, CV, etc., and how to send work out and to whom. Jackie also discusses specific details, such has how to contact gallery directors and how to connect with fellow artists--which is one of the best sources for getting shows.
It is a joy to read The Artist's Guide, and I can not recommend this book enough. Even though I have been in the art world for years, it has already changed how I work and I plan on following through on many of Jackie's suggestions. Do yourself a favor and read this--I think it's that good.
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62 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good guide book - but Falls Short on it's Promise to "MAKE A LIVING DOING WHAT YOU LOVE", February 21, 2010
This review is from: The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love (Paperback)
Written for the aspiring fine artist, this guide focuses heavily on marketing and getting into galleries.
It contains helpful information, but falls far short on the promise of the title.
Nowhere in this book will you find information on how to "make a living doing what you love" as an artist.
The author's personal experience in running a gallery enables her to give authentic examples of dealing with the world of galleries and her expertise, making for an easy read.
However, confusion sets in when the author jumps from how to obtain fundraising and grants and working jobs to support your art, to a new section on hiring assistants, accountants and attorneys. There is a huge hole in between, and you're left asking "how do you make the huge jump from relying on grants and non-art jobs to needing assistants and accountants?"
You can't "Make a Living Doing what You Love" off of grants and donations,etc.
It misses the mark on how to generate income. Where does the money come from? This is the real question that artists want answered.
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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great resource, June 19, 2009
This review is from: The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love (Paperback)
Jackie Battenfield knows about developing a career as an artist not only from her own art practice, but also from years of working with emerging artists. I bought the book as a resource for my art students, and it addresses issues that students will face just starting out; but I have also found it to be full of insight and suggestions for those of us who are past the first years of our careers and who now struggle to stay sane while continuing to make art despite the isolation, rejections, and financial difficulties that a commitment to art entails. Battenfield assumes a level of intelligence and seriousness of purpose in this book, yet her writing is conversational and easy to understand. Her enthusiasm and optimism will inspire and motivate the reader.
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