5 Challenges Artists Face When Building an Art Business

Estimated read time: 7 minutes

For us creatives, artistic skills run in our veins. But from my personal experience and my connections with hundreds of visual artists, I know that starting your own business and being able to quit your day job can bring some significant challenges.

Thankfully, I have found ways to overcome every obstacle that stands between you and the lifestyle of a creative entrepreneur.

As a professional artist, I'm going to unpack some of the biggest challenges of the art industry that cause small creative businesses to fail. Take note of the ones you relate to, because I'm ready to show you the way to break free of them and succeed in the art world.

1. How to Get Your Art Seen When You Feel Invisible Online

Even if you're an experienced artist who knows your personal style, has plenty of amazing work to show off, and is ready to reach your target audience, it's easy to feel like you're being drowned out online. Growing your customer base can be tough when there's so much content out there for potential clients to wade through, and you feel like you're fighting algorithms.

The good news is, there are proven ways to get your name out there and reach the people you really need to. It just takes wisdom from the right person to make a difference in your business, which leads to positive change in your life!

2. When Over-Preparing Stops You From Starting Your Art Business

We all know the Girl Scout motto, "Always be prepared." On the other hand, fear of failure can prevent you from making the leap. So many artists get stuck in the ideation phase — they're stuck with dreams and plans, trying to find the perfect strategy to implement their next stage.

Sometimes you have to make a plan that's good enough and get started! It's better to make imperfect progress than to be stagnant.

3. Breaking the Feast and Famine Cycle in Your Art Business

Making creative products is all fun and games, but any business model has to take the bottom line into consideration. It's common for art entrepreneurs to make a little money here and there, but then realize they can't rely on this income in the long run (we call this the feast and famine cycle).

The secret to making your art into a day job is not simply hard work — you have to know where you should be investing your energy. This is what turns side hustles into successful businesses!

4. Why Creating More Art Won't Grow Your Art Business

A huge myth about running an art business is that increasing your creative practice will lead to success. The thought is, if you just make more art and improve your skills, you will make a living off the work you love.

In reality, this is a fast road to burnout. In all likelihood, your art is already good enough! Turning your creative outlet into a lucrative lifestyle is less about new projects and more about learning how to scale your efforts.

5. How to Avoid Bad Art Business Advice That Wastes Your Time

Perhaps the biggest challenge is putting yourself out there — booking an online course or beginning a mentorship — just to have your investment fail you.

Unfortunately, there are many ineffective teachers out there who are sharing long-expired strategies, promising overnight success. The worst part is, their lack of credentials and acumen can make you feel like there's something wrong with you!

If you have been burned by previous programs, please know that you are not the problem. You can reach success with the right guidance, you just have to have the right teacher.

How to Overcome These Art Business Challenges

Which of these challenges have you faced in the creative industry? Each of them can be extremely tough to push past.

Fortunately, I have not only overcome these hurdles myself, I have formed an online program that transforms small business owners who don't know how to reach success into industry professionals.

It's called Leverage Your Art, and it provides you with a great opportunity: a front-seat tour through all the proven methods that can change your business and your life.

My course is the best one out there for creative people who want to reach success in the business world. It's tried and true because it goes beyond best practices and platitudes — it unlocks a new level of knowledge you won't find anywhere else.

During this eight-week program of self-paced online video lessons, live online Q&As, expert interviews, workbooks, design briefs, and community encouragement, I address each of these challenges, tell you the secrets of real artrepreneurs, and help you make a business as creative and vibrant as you are.

Stop spinning your wheels, and let's get you on the road! A life of creative success is within your reach. Why not make the decision today to start the new era of your life?

LISTEN

Want to hear how one of my students overcame a challenge and created a breakthrough in her art business? Listen to Episode 6 of my Art + Audience Podcast, where I interview Ashley Paggi of Ash Cascade Design, on how she turned around a licensing nightmare into a thriving art business that loves her back. (And don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes!)

Frequently Asked Questions: Building an Art Business

What are the biggest challenges artists face when building a business?

The most common challenges include standing out online, breaking the feast-and-famine income cycle, over-preparing instead of taking action, and getting burned by ineffective coaching programs. The good news is all of these are solvable with the right strategy and mentorship.

How do I get consistent income from my art business?

Consistent income usually comes from diversifying your revenue streams — combining art licensing, print-on-demand platforms like Spoonflower, and digital products. Rather than relying on one-off sales, focus on building passive and repeatable income channels.

Is my art good enough to start a business?

Almost certainly yes. One of the biggest myths in the art world is that you need to create more before you can start making money. In most cases, the challenge isn't your skill level — it's knowing how to package, position, and license your existing work effectively.