Question: Must an artist sell prints in order to earn a decent living from their work? I truly struggle with the concept of prints because to me, they are disposable and add to the growing problem of wasting resources. I grew up in the recycle, reduce, reuse generation and I'm also a nature lover so I just can't justify selling prints. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you 🙂
Thank you for your thoughtful question! I completely understand your concerns about prints, especially given your commitment to sustainability. The idea of creating disposable art can feel at odds with the values of recycling and reducing waste. However, it's important to remember that you have options for creating prints in a more sustainable way, if you ever choose to explore that route. That said, it's entirely possible to earn a decent living without selling prints. Many successful artists focus on original works, commissions, or higher-end pieces and don't rely on prints at all. What’s important is building a strong market for your unique work and creating a pricing strategy that supports your financial goals. If prints don't align with your values, I’d encourage you to lean into what does. You could even emphasize your commitment to sustainability as a unique selling point, attracting collectors who share your values. Finding the right audience who appreciates your dedication to nature and craftsmanship can be just as effective as selling prints in building a successful art career. Let me know if you'd like to explore more ideas!
Question: Must an artist sell prints in order to earn a decent living from their work? I truly struggle with the concept of prints because to me, they are disposable and add to the growing problem of wasting resources. I grew up in the recycle, reduce, reuse generation and I'm also a nature lover so I just can't justify selling prints. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you 🙂
Thank you for your thoughtful question! I completely understand your concerns about prints, especially given your commitment to sustainability. The idea of creating disposable art can feel at odds with the values of recycling and reducing waste. However, it's important to remember that you have options for creating prints in a more sustainable way, if you ever choose to explore that route.
That said, it's entirely possible to earn a decent living without selling prints. Many successful artists focus on original works, commissions, or higher-end pieces and don't rely on prints at all. What’s important is building a strong market for your unique work and creating a pricing strategy that supports your financial goals.
If prints don't align with your values, I’d encourage you to lean into what does. You could even emphasize your commitment to sustainability as a unique selling point, attracting collectors who share your values. Finding the right audience who appreciates your dedication to nature and craftsmanship can be just as effective as selling prints in building a successful art career.
Let me know if you'd like to explore more ideas!
@JasonHorejs thank you Jason. That's very helpful. And yes, I'd love to learn more. I'm always open to new ideas. 🙂