So great of you to makre this vulnerable video about the cost of making art. Art is a lot of work for not much money. That said you actually did quite well to net 14 from a gross of 20. Its easy to net 0 from a gross of 20. I quite travel to art shows because of the low return after expenses. I quit a gallery because of low sales and 50%. Selling is the hardest part. This channel probably helps collectors find you. .
I absolutely applaud your honest, transparent and brave decision to face these financial realities and share them publicly! So few do, well done Ruth. It is an incredibly helpful process to take a step back and really examine where one’s income/profits are coming from and how much time/energy is expended. Wishing you all the very best for a successful 2025!
Phew!…and thank you for sharing this review. Apart from the everyday realities though, your art work is beautiful and inspiring and in the final analysis (unless your children were starving!) the ultimate reward. Best wishes for success in the year ahead - I’m in North Yorkshire and will try and get to the Thirsk exhibition.
What a refreshing video. I think it is brilliant that you are so transparent. The business of art is not often discussed, and there is a misconception that the value of art is only determined by a monetary equation. I think for today's women, who are often saddled with family, jobs, and household roles, the balance of work can be especially difficult. Not to belittle any artist, male or female, the financial struggle is staggering. Art Schools and universities do not necessarily prepare aspiring artists for the politics of the market, the influence of galleries, or the economics of an art life. Art has another expense; you put yourself out there and are judged in a way that most "jobs" don't. Art criticism is external and internal, and it must affect your motivation. I like that your videos work on the inspirational aspects of art.
Thank you for this, I really appreciate your honesty. I am in year 2 of being a full time artist and currently earn half of your income but building on it every year. I feel the same way about galleries and art fairs, I am so cautious when applying. They often have application fees and want commission too, which I feel is too much.
Thankyou so much for this honest review. It’s so interesting to see it in such a simple way. Makes me think I will try and do one myself. I appreciate your honest approach.
Thank you for sharing that! It really does give a good idea about the reality. Love the comments as well about the different income streams and how they worked for you.
Grim. Why are so many clamouring to give up their day jobs to become working artist's. hope your new strategy yields better returns. housework should be paid work times are hard
Hi everyone- thank you for all your thoughtful comments- I thought I'd comment back rather than reply to each one of you. I really struggled with putting this one out there, and felt quite vulnerable doing it. I felt even more vulnerable when it didn't get many views- but it's been really heartening to get so many comments about the subject. I didn't mean to make the video to say how difficult things are, just to show the kind of things that I/we/artists have to think about. I've definitely found it useful seeing all those numbers in front of me though- eye opening and makes it much easier to make decisions about what to do next. Thanks for the support! @heathershaffer6148 @melmuir2210 @kerstenmeijnen9741 @theamblingpress5105 @JRJackman-qs8ph @connieebinger6343 @cafereggio9-xj1cr @alicemlovegrove @deborahleech5965
So great of you to makre this vulnerable video about the cost of making art. Art is a lot of work for not much money. That said you actually did quite well to net 14 from a gross of 20. Its easy to net 0 from a gross of 20. I quite travel to art shows because of the low return after expenses. I quit a gallery because of low sales and 50%. Selling is the hardest part. This channel probably helps collectors find you. .
I absolutely applaud your honest, transparent and brave decision to face these financial realities and share them publicly! So few do, well done Ruth. It is an incredibly helpful process to take a step back and really examine where one’s income/profits are coming from and how much time/energy is expended. Wishing you all the very best for a successful 2025!
This is so helpful, thank you for your transparency!
Phew!…and thank you for sharing this review. Apart from the everyday realities though, your art work is beautiful and inspiring and in the final analysis (unless your children were starving!) the ultimate reward. Best wishes for success in the year ahead - I’m in North Yorkshire and will try and get to the Thirsk exhibition.
What a refreshing video. I think it is brilliant that you are so transparent. The business of art is not often discussed, and there is a misconception that the value of art is only determined by a monetary equation. I think for today's women, who are often saddled with family, jobs, and household roles, the balance of work can be especially difficult. Not to belittle any artist, male or female, the financial struggle is staggering. Art Schools and universities do not necessarily prepare aspiring artists for the politics of the market, the influence of galleries, or the economics of an art life. Art has another expense; you put yourself out there and are judged in a way that most "jobs" don't. Art criticism is external and internal, and it must affect your motivation. I like that your videos work on the inspirational aspects of art.
Thank you for this, I really appreciate your honesty. I am in year 2 of being a full time artist and currently earn half of your income but building on it every year. I feel the same way about galleries and art fairs, I am so cautious when applying. They often have application fees and want commission too, which I feel is too much.
Very helpful, thanks for being open about your financials.🙏
This was very eye opening! Thank you for being so candid.
Thankyou so much for this honest review. It’s so interesting to see it in such a simple way. Makes me think I will try and do one myself. I appreciate your honest approach.
Thank you for sharing that! It really does give a good idea about the reality. Love the comments as well about the different income streams and how they worked for you.
And income tax and national insurance to be taken as well
Grim. Why are so many clamouring to give up their day jobs to become working artist's. hope your new strategy yields better returns. housework should be paid work times are hard
Hi everyone- thank you for all your thoughtful comments- I thought I'd comment back rather than reply to each one of you. I really struggled with putting this one out there, and felt quite vulnerable doing it. I felt even more vulnerable when it didn't get many views- but it's been really heartening to get so many comments about the subject.
I didn't mean to make the video to say how difficult things are, just to show the kind of things that I/we/artists have to think about. I've definitely found it useful seeing all those numbers in front of me though- eye opening and makes it much easier to make decisions about what to do next.
Thanks for the support!
@heathershaffer6148 @melmuir2210 @kerstenmeijnen9741 @theamblingpress5105 @JRJackman-qs8ph @connieebinger6343 @cafereggio9-xj1cr @alicemlovegrove @deborahleech5965