Managing expenses is crucial to sustaining and growing your art practice. One effective strategy is to take on specific tasks yourself rather than outsourcing them, which can significantly reduce your operating costs and give you more control over various aspects of your business. However, that decision comes with some pros and cons.
My medium of choice is natural fibre – primarily wool, bamboo, cotton and silk. Fibre is a robust medium but also susceptible to elements, with moisture, dust, and moths being the main culprits. To protect my work, I need to frame it behind glass.
Framing artwork can be expensive, especially if you exhibit or sell your pieces frequently. I decided to take on the framing process myself to mitigate this cost. I began by attending a framing course, which gave me the necessary skills and confidence to handle the framing process. Learning framing techniques helped me achieve a high framing standard and ensured that I could present my artwork in the best possible way.
I then purchased the required framing equipment (secondhand where possible, new where necessary) and set up a wholesale account with a framing supply company. The account allows me to purchase moulding, glass, and all other components at a discounted rate, directly reducing my framing expenses.
The flip side is that framing takes quite a bit of time. I do not have professional-grade equipment, so the process is more labour/time-intensive than if I took my work to a framer. However, right now, the cost trade-off is still in my favour.
Here are some other areas where you can save money by doing tasks yourself:
Manage social media accounts.
Create and update your website.
Design promotional materials (e.g. postcards, flyers) using tools like Canva.
Write and produce email newsletters.
Write artist statements, bios, blog posts and other content.
Take high-quality photos of your work.
Film and edit videos for online content.
Keep track of income and expenses using basic accounting software.
Handle email correspondence.
Manage inventory.
Package and ship artwork.
Design and print shipping labels.
Organise and set up exhibitions.
Reach out to potential collaborators and buyers.
Plan and promote workshops or classes.
Prepare teaching materials and resources.
Pros and cons of doing things yourself
Taking on tasks yourself has several advantages. The most obvious benefit is the money you save by not outsourcing tasks, which can make a significant difference, especially for early-stage artists working with limited budgets. Additionally, doing things yourself gives you complete control over the quality and execution of each task, ensuring that everything aligns with your vision and standards. Another advantage is the development of new skills.
However, there are also negatives to consider. Many tasks, especially those you still need to become skilled at, can take time, detracting from the time you have available to create art, which is the core of your practice. You might also require an initial investment to learn new skills or purchase the necessary equipment. Furthermore, without professional expertise, the quality of some tasks might not be high initially. It’s important to balance these tasks effectively to ensure that your art remains the primary focus of your efforts. Without your art, there is no income.
Remember to weigh the positives and negatives to determine which tasks are worth doing yourself. Happy creating!
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