Art, Inc.
The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist (Art Books, Gifts for Artists, Learn The Artist's Way of Thinking)
by Lisa Congdon
Reading Profile
Should I read this?
Lisa Congdon writes in a frank, conversational voice and lays out many concrete ways artists can earn income—illustration, licensing, prints, teaching and selling originals—paired with examples and practical tips. The most useful part is the catalog of revenue channels and candid notes on pricing, marketing, and simple business moves. The approach relies heavily on anecdotes and short case snapshots, which keeps it readable but makes the book feel repetitive at times. It doesn't include hands-on exercises; expect ideas and examples rather than ready-made checklists or step-by-step plans.
Read this if...
- •a part-time illustrator holding a day job who needs concrete, testable ways to supplement income this year — because the book lists straightforward channels (prints, licensing, teaching, commissions) and quick pricing/pitch notes you can try between shifts.
- •an art-school graduate launching a freelance practice and setting initial rates who wants plain-language guidance on pricing, portfolios, and where to list work — useful now as you set first prices, approach galleries, or open online listings.
- •the founder of a small handmade-products shop trying to expand beyond Etsy into wholesale, workshops, or licensing who needs a menu of practical options to pilot without hiring help — the book provides short case examples and pitching tips you can adapt to current products.
Skip this if...
- •you'll likely put it down when the anecdote-heavy chapters pile up — readers after sustained theoretical or critical discussion of art will lose interest.
- •annoying if you prefer academic or aesthetic analysis rather than career mechanics; the tone favors tactical, career-minded examples over philosophical reflection.
- •no hands-on exercises — if you wanted guided prompts or step-by-step assignments, this book presents ideas and case notes rather than guided practice.
You don't have to starve to be an artist. Build a career doing what you love. In this practical guide, professional artist Lisa Congdon reveals the many ways you can earn a living by making art?through illustration, licensing, fine art sales, print sales, teaching, and beyond. Including industry advice from such successful artworld pros as Nikki M...
Before You Buy
Reading Specifications
Difficulty:easy
Audience Fit
- a part-time illustrator holding a day job who needs concrete, testable ways to supplement income this year — because the book lists straightforward channels (prints, licensing, teaching, commissions) and quick pricing/pitch notes you can try between shifts.
- an art-school graduate launching a freelance practice and setting initial rates who wants plain-language guidance on pricing, portfolios, and where to list work — useful now as you set first prices, approach galleries, or open online listings.
- the founder of a small handmade-products shop trying to expand beyond Etsy into wholesale, workshops, or licensing who needs a menu of practical options to pilot without hiring help — the book provides short case examples and pitching tips you can adapt to current products.
- you'll likely put it down when the anecdote-heavy chapters pile up — readers after sustained theoretical or critical discussion of art will lose interest.
- annoying if you prefer academic or aesthetic analysis rather than career mechanics; the tone favors tactical, career-minded examples over philosophical reflection.
- no hands-on exercises — if you wanted guided prompts or step-by-step assignments, this book presents ideas and case notes rather than guided practice.
Check formats, pricing, and availability options for Kindle, physical print, or audiobooks directly.
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Why recommended
appears in Art, Art, and Business.
Recommendation Signals
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Appears In
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