Great tips, Katie! Every money journey looks different, so it’s great to see how other artists handle it. I’ll add in another tip: Take a percentage of every paycheck (even if it’s 1% to start) and put it in a separate bank account. Every quarter spend a little bit from that account on a reward for yourself (even an ice cream or a special coffee drink counts) to celebrate your profits! As you grow, you can increase the percentage and before you know it, that account has some real money in it! Every time you look at it, you can be proud and it can also save your butt if you have an unexpected expense or need a new laptop/ipad/whatever or want to go to a conference or take a fun trip.
One thousand percent, love this tip! Thank you for sharing with everyone! You told me this in the past, and I've done it since. It really makes a difference, and I feel proud to spend that money when it's time.
This is such a helpful post! It’s great to see the different elements that fit together. It doesn’t have to be just the one thing that earns you all your money. Working hard on charging what I’m worth! Still a lot of discomfort there but getting better.
I'm so glad it was helpful! Yes it's definitely so many things working together. Small steps every day truly add up over time. I'll email you the pdf :)
What a great, helpful post. To that I will add a dash of reality, as someone who has made their living as a fine art painter these last 35 years: Learn how to do your taxes, and or find an accountant that is accustomed to working with artists. Even if you plan on doing your taxes yourself, spending the money one year to have a CPA do them, and then use that as a template for future years. I did that for a number of years, until I bought a house and decided it was too complicated and stressful for me, so now I pay and accountant to do it.
Your FICA (soc. sec) taxes as a self employed person are double what someone who has an employer that pays half of those taxes, so as you figure out your pricing, don't forget to take things like quarterly taxes and health insurance into account.
So lighthearted and useful and to the point but still personal. Love what you’ve turned your Substack into. Feel like a warm and welcoming place where it’s good to be, Katie ) 🌿
Thanks so much, Inna, truly! That really means a lot, because I want this to be a welcoming and open space, just like you and illoguild have been to me as I continue on this path
These are really great tips. Thank you so much for sharing! I'm doing Inktober and sharing every day on Instagram (gomez_writes) and occasionally in my posts and notes on Substack. I love your October images so far, especially the dog with the marshmallow!
Thanks so much, that guy was fun to draw. Just followed you! The composition of your path piece really draws me in, and I want to live in one of those adorable homes within the trees. I'm excited to continue following along :)
Thank you! That's a style I'm not completely comfortable with, at least not when drawing full scenes, so it was good practice. I've always wanted to draw a scene like that.
That’s such a great nugget about there almost always being more time and money. Thank you for sharing! It encourages us all to take the leap and give negotiation a try even though it’s intimidating
Thanks for sharing these valuable tips, Katie! :) They are super helpful. As someone who's starting out, I’m sure it will come in handy. I'd like an email of your PDF, please.
Great tips, Katie! Every money journey looks different, so it’s great to see how other artists handle it. I’ll add in another tip: Take a percentage of every paycheck (even if it’s 1% to start) and put it in a separate bank account. Every quarter spend a little bit from that account on a reward for yourself (even an ice cream or a special coffee drink counts) to celebrate your profits! As you grow, you can increase the percentage and before you know it, that account has some real money in it! Every time you look at it, you can be proud and it can also save your butt if you have an unexpected expense or need a new laptop/ipad/whatever or want to go to a conference or take a fun trip.
One thousand percent, love this tip! Thank you for sharing with everyone! You told me this in the past, and I've done it since. It really makes a difference, and I feel proud to spend that money when it's time.
This is such a helpful post! It’s great to see the different elements that fit together. It doesn’t have to be just the one thing that earns you all your money. Working hard on charging what I’m worth! Still a lot of discomfort there but getting better.
Also, I’m ready to sell my art!
I'm so glad it was helpful! Yes it's definitely so many things working together. Small steps every day truly add up over time. I'll email you the pdf :)
What a great, helpful post. To that I will add a dash of reality, as someone who has made their living as a fine art painter these last 35 years: Learn how to do your taxes, and or find an accountant that is accustomed to working with artists. Even if you plan on doing your taxes yourself, spending the money one year to have a CPA do them, and then use that as a template for future years. I did that for a number of years, until I bought a house and decided it was too complicated and stressful for me, so now I pay and accountant to do it.
Your FICA (soc. sec) taxes as a self employed person are double what someone who has an employer that pays half of those taxes, so as you figure out your pricing, don't forget to take things like quarterly taxes and health insurance into account.
Anne thank you so much for sharing your wisdom from 35 years of experience! It’s so important to think of the big picture, especially taxes
So lighthearted and useful and to the point but still personal. Love what you’ve turned your Substack into. Feel like a warm and welcoming place where it’s good to be, Katie ) 🌿
Thanks so much, Inna, truly! That really means a lot, because I want this to be a welcoming and open space, just like you and illoguild have been to me as I continue on this path
Our accepting and nourishing tree grows )
These are really great tips. Thank you so much for sharing! I'm doing Inktober and sharing every day on Instagram (gomez_writes) and occasionally in my posts and notes on Substack. I love your October images so far, especially the dog with the marshmallow!
Thanks so much, that guy was fun to draw. Just followed you! The composition of your path piece really draws me in, and I want to live in one of those adorable homes within the trees. I'm excited to continue following along :)
Thank you! That's a style I'm not completely comfortable with, at least not when drawing full scenes, so it was good practice. I've always wanted to draw a scene like that.
When you newsletter comes in I stop what I'm doing and read it!
Thanks Adam! That's so kind and means a lot!
Yes! For every project I (or my agent) negotiate for more money and more time up front! There is almost always more of both. :)
That’s such a great nugget about there almost always being more time and money. Thank you for sharing! It encourages us all to take the leap and give negotiation a try even though it’s intimidating
Thanks Katie. Thought provoking and helpful as always. I am (just) ready to sell my art.
Hi Linda! Always nice seeing you pop in here 😊 I’ll email you the pdf
Thanks for sharing these valuable tips, Katie! :) They are super helpful. As someone who's starting out, I’m sure it will come in handy. I'd like an email of your PDF, please.
Hi Hemapriya! Always happy to share my experience if someone else can gain even one thing from it. I’ll email you the pdf!
Many thanks, Katie! Appreciate it. :)
Hi Katie! I just discovered your newsletter.
It’s very interesting to read about your journey and you give very useful advice!
I’m ready to sell my art too! 😊
Hi Marta! It’s so nice to have you here. I’ll email you the pdf 😊
I’m ready to sell my art! And oh my god that precious pupper!
I’m ready to sell my art! (I have no idea what the first step should be or could be!) - and thank you! (I’m doing Inktober! Wish me luck!) xx
These are really good tips! Also I wrote down the book you mention 😁 Thanks for the recommendation.
Thankyou for sharing such amazing tips, I absolutely lovge your newsletter. I’m almost ready to sell my art.