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Real Artist, Real Business: What to Read to Get Serious
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items Looking for the best business books for artists? These are the books that helped me stop treating my art like a hobby and start running it like a real business.
I’ve been selling my artwork online for almost 20 years — and for a long time, I was just winging it. I did whatever felt right in the moment, with zero strategy and a lot of guesswork. Then I started reading. And everything changed. If you’re trying...
Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use or recommend.
I’ve been selling my artwork online for almost 20 years — and for a long time, I was just winging it. I did whatever felt right in the moment, with zero strategy and a lot of guesswork. Then I started reading. And everything changed. If you’re trying...
Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use or recommend.
Technically it’s written for designers, but don’t let that stop you. This one digs into how to think like a strategist, not just a creative. If you ever take commissions, client work, or pitch yourself for anything — this book will change how you app...
Creative Strategy and the Business of Design|Paperback
The classic “I want to make money from my art, now what?” book. It’s approachable, super helpful, and gives you a bunch of different paths to explore — licensing, galleries, prints, commissions, and more. Beginner-friendly, but not dumbed down.
Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist
The title says it all — this is the practical guide to being a working artist. Contracts, galleries, rights, pricing — it covers all the behind-the-scenes stuff no one teaches you in art school. It’s dense (in a good way) and worth revisiting as you ...
Art/Work - Revised & Updated: Everything You Need to Know (and Do) As You Pursue Your Art Career|Paperback
A short but punchy read about what actually gets in the way of making art — and how to keep going anyway. This one nails all the internal stuff: self-doubt, resistance, perfectionism. If you’ve ever frozen up mid-project, this will hit home.
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking|Paperback
This is like a pep talk for your creative identity. It's not about technique — it's about figuring out what makes your work yours. It’s encouraging, visual, and especially good if you’re feeling pulled in too many directions.
Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic
This one’s all about creative courage. It won’t give you spreadsheets or sales tips, but it will remind you why you make art in the first place — and how to stop being so precious about it. Less pressure, more joy.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear|Paperback
The ultimate anti-procrastination book for creatives. It’ll either inspire you or call you out — or maybe both. Helps you stop overthinking and start showing up like a pro, no matter how chaotic things feel.
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Let’s talk about money — for real. This one isn’t just about spreadsheets (though it helps there too). It’s about unpacking your baggage with money and learning how to manage it like a grownup creative. Kind, practical, and surprisingly gentle.
The Art of Money: A Life-Changing Guide to Financial Happiness
Straight to the point. This book walks you through pricing without fluff or fear. Great if you need help setting numbers that feel good to you and make sense to your buyers.
How To Price Your Art: Matt Tommey: 9798517453129
Short, visual, and super readable. This is all about getting your stuff out there before it’s perfect and learning to talk about your process without feeling cringe. If you’re afraid to share what you’re working on, read this.
Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered|Paperback
One of my favorite books on branding. If you struggle to explain what you do — or how to talk about your art in a way that people get — this is your book. It’s technically for businesses, but it’s gold for artists learning how to market without sounding fake.
Building a Storybrand 2.0: Donald Miller: 9781400248872
This one hits harder than I expected. It’s about trusting your voice, showing up consistently, and making work even when the outcome is uncertain. Less tactical, more soul-level. Helps you build discipline and faith in your creative process.
The Practice: Shipping Creative Work|Hardcover
This one is part pep talk, part permission slip. It gives you historical and modern proof that making money from your art isn’t selling out — it’s smart. If you need a mindset shift about charging what you’re worth, this is your book.
Real Artists Don't Starve: Jeff Goins: 9781400201020
Very structured, very practical. It’s like a business starter kit for people who’d rather be making stuff than filling out spreadsheets. It’s UK-based, but most of the advice still applies.
The Creative's Guide to Starting a Business: How to turn your talent into a career|Paperback
Ever wonder why some artists go viral and others get ignored? This breaks it down in plain English. It’s not about chasing trends — it’s about understanding what makes people care enough to share. Big help if you’re building your brand on social
Contagious: Why Things Catch On