1/25/10 - I’m writing this in a waiting room at Riverside Fairview Hospital, where my mother is currently having a hip transplant. The reason I mention this is because it ties into the theme of this week’s article, crisis. Even though my mother’s hip had been deteriorating for roughly 4 years, she waited until the pain finally outweighed the amount of fear she harbored for this surgery. It was only then, in a moment of crisis, that she made the appointment to have her hip replaced.

What does this have to do with art? Plenty. While discussing art/business, I’ve noticed that a considerable share of my conversations meander into the topic of the economy. Most of the time it’s the other person asking me if and how my business has been affected by the current state of the market. My typical response is no more than a sentence. For me, the topic is dead in the water. I don’t consider my business to be affected to the point of crisis, or at least it doesn’t need to be.

Rather than focusing on the economy, artists need to focus on their art and their art business, especially when the economy is hurting (or as the case may be, the media, government and bankers have everyone convinced that the economy is hurting).

When art isn’t moving, a common solution is to either pursue an additional source of revenue (non art-related), or simply close shop. This may occur because of fear that the economy isn’t going to rebound, or because the artist or gallery owner is actually destitute, which definitely indicates a state of crisis.  I would propose that these avenues of action ultimately stem from a lack of planning, before the moment of “crisis" has the potential to occur.

The art market is fluid; therefore it is vulnerable to economic tides, attitudes, and personal preferences. An artist needs to be aware of this, to prepare for whatever changes may come. The first tool in doing this is to build a solid business plan. As an artist, it would be wise to adopt one.

One of the first mistakes many artists make is failing to see that their creative expression can indeed function as a business. (If one wants to make a career out of producing art, then that is in fact a business). In order to be a successful artist/business owner, one should at least have a cursory knowledge of sales, marketing, research, accounting, communications, legal issues… enter the business plan. Though it is possible to get by without full knowledge of these things (i.e. you have a rep or gallery who plays the role of your business manager), ultimately it is up to the artist to oversee the handling of their product. This is to ensure that everything business-related reflects their wishes and best interest. I can also attest to the fact that, as a gallery owner, an artist who is versed in the business of their art is a more desirable candidate for an exhibit.

I would propose that even those who are not “in business” for themselves should have a business plan, or rather, a life plan. Nobody is immune to the effects of a weak economy, and if we are not personally responsible for our livelihood, then our fate is at the hands of others. I truly believe we have the ability to live our lives creatively- we should protect and nurture this opportunity by taking an active role in our destinies, in order to live a life of abundance. It is far too easy to get wrapped up in entertainment and other devices, which are intended to distract us from our potential as creative beings.

The role of a business/life plan is to provide a road map for the kind of business or life we wish to take part in. Picture a boat without a sail drifting endlessly in no particular direction vs. a boat with a sail en route to a specified destination. The difference is monumental when applied to everyday life.

In my opinion, one of the key aspects of a business/life plan is the ability to clearly monitor progress and the state of our business/life. In doing so we have the ability to realize whether or not something is working, and how it relates to our environment as compared to our goals and desired destinations. We become more capable of predicting future challenges and obstacles, hopefully enabling us to circumvent the issues that would arise if placed in a state of fear or crisis. The real importance of this evaluation process lies in our ability to make changes as necessary, to redirect the sails, so to speak.

Many of us were injured to some degree by the market, myself included, so now is the time for action. We can use this detriment as an opportunity for growth.  If one doesn’t have a plan, this would be the time to make one.  If a plan already exists, consider going over it with an analytical eye and making the necessary changes to get back on track.   The key thing to remember is that creativity is our best source for building the tools necessary to live an abundant life.

For those who have continued to thrive, a plan can still be of great value. The momentum necessary for actuating the lives we desire (and deserve) is built via continuous evaluation and conscious planning.

As luck and opportunity happen to those who are prepared, there is never a shortfall of abundance if we are in a state of mind capable of perceiving it. Or as Woody Allen once said, “I just showed up.”

To prosperity and dreams coming true… cheers!

NOTES:  I will be uploading an addendum to this article later in the week which will be geared more towards artists and will include just a few simple tips on expanding their market and hopefully sales.  It will also include some resources on where to learn about building sound business plans.