Reflection.

What I’ve Learned From Running My Own Art Business (Spoiler: It’s Not All Painting)

When I first started out, I thought running my own art business would mostly be, well… painting. Surprise! That’s actually just a tiny fraction of what my days look like. The behind-the-scenes reality is a swirl of admin, emails, marketing, packaging, photography, editing, logistics, and client communication. I wear more hats than I ever imagined — and the artist hat is just one of them.
It’s been a wild ride — equal parts messy (quite literally),  exhausting, and fulfilling — and I’ve learned a lot along the way. So here’s an honest, slightly rambly roundup of some of the biggest lessons I’ve picked up while turning my art into a full-blown business.

1. You’ll Spend Less Time Creating Than You Think. Most days, painting feels like the reward after a long list of tasks. There’s so much that goes into making art sellable — photographing work in good light, editing the photos, writing listings, answering client messages, coordinating shipping, invoicing, creating presentations… you get the idea. The creative part is only one slice of the pie, and learning to manage the rest is just as important.

2. Support Doesn’t Always Come From Where You Expect. This one surprised me. Some people I thought would be my biggest cheerleaders went quiet. But — and this is the best part — others showed up in ways I never imagined. Clients who send kind messages, friends who share my work unprompted, strangers who become regular collectors. The unexpected support often means the most.

3. Being an Artist = Being a Business Owner. It’s more than just making beautiful things. It’s about pricing your work fairly, writing invoices, navigating sales platforms, promoting yourself online, and tracking expenses. It’s a hustle — a real one. You’re not just an artist; you’re running an actual business.

4. You Don’t Need to Go Viral to Succeed. The internet can make you feel like you need a million followers to “make it' and I certainly thought this was the case when I was starting out. You don’t. Relationships matter more than reach. Many of my sales come from repeat clients — people who connected with my work, came back for more, and spread the word. A smaller, loyal audience beats a large, disconnected one every time.
(If you’re one of those returning clients — you know who you are — thank you!)

5. Self-Promotion Feels Weird at First, But It’s Necessary. No one will advocate for your work louder than you — and that’s not a bad thing. Learning to talk about your art confidently is part of the job. It’s not bragging. It’s sharing something you poured yourself into. And honestly? People want to hear the story behind your work.

6. Burnout Is Real — And Rest Is Part of the Process. Creativity needs breathing room. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t force inspiration. I’ve learned to take breaks without guilt. Stepping back helps me come back stronger AND more productive. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s fuel.

7. Trust Your Gut, Know Your Worth. There’s power in intuition. Whether it’s setting prices, choosing what to paint, or turning down things that doesn’t feel right — I’ve learned that trusting myself is one of the best business decisions I can make.

8. Treat It Like a Real Business — Because It Is. There was a moment when I said out loud, “I have an art business,” and it clicked. My art wasn’t a hobby anymore. The more seriously I took it, the more others did too. That mindset shift changed everything.

9. The Highs Are So High. There is nothing like the feeling of someone connecting with your work. When someone messages me to say a painting brought them joy, it gives me joy. That’s the magic. That’s why I do it. I genuinely do a little happy dance every time I sell a piece. Still!

10. Not Every Painting Will Sell — And That’s Okay. Not every painting will be a hit. Not every creation will find a home. And that’s part of it. Some pieces are stepping stones. Some are experiments. Some are just for me. They all matter, even if they never leave the studio.

11. The World Looks Different Now. Being an artist has tuned me in to things I never noticed before — the way light hits a wall, the colour of a shadow, the tiny moments that used to pass me by. Everything feels like potential inspiration now. It’s a beautiful way to move through the world.

12. I Appreciate Creatives More Than Ever. Now that I know the blood, sweat, and tears behind every handmade thing, I see other artists differently. Every print, every handmade mug, every thoughtfully written caption — I notice it. I respect it. It’s no small thing.

13. Self-Doubt Is a Frequent Visitor — But You Keep Going. There are days I question everything. Am I good enough? Is this working? Will it abruptly end? (even after 5 years of doing this part time!) But I keep creating anyway. Because progress beats perfection, every time. Just showing up matters.

14. Creativity Doesn’t Run Out. Even on quiet days, when the ideas aren’t flowing and the canvas feels intimidating — the creativity is still there. It’s part of me. That’s such a comforting thing to remember and something I think other artists and creatives will resonate with.

15. It Can Be Lonely — But Community Helps. Running a business solo can feel isolating. But connecting with clients, fellow artists, and small biz owners? That’s what keeps it feeling joyful and human. We’re not meant to do this alone.

16. It’s Chaotic — But Worth It. Being my own boss means late nights, messy notes, and doing ten different jobs at once. But it also means freedom. Creative freedom, schedule freedom, life freedom. And that? That makes every chaotic moment worth it.

17. This Journey Is Messy, and Mine. Running an art business hasn’t been easy. It’s been full of learning curves, surprises, and growth. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. 

Thanks for following along on my journey. If you’re dreaming of starting your own creative journey — I’m cheering for you. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it.

With paint-stained fingers and a whole lot of gratitude,
—  Christina x