How to Survive & Prosper as an Artist:
Selling Yourself without Selling Your Soul
by Caroll Michels. New York: Allworth Press, 2018.
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This updated and revised classic handbook puts to rest the popular myth of the starving artist. There is plenty of room to make a living – if artists take an active stand in promoting their careers. Michels shows artists how to navigate the often-bewildering corridors of power that lead to success in the artworld.
Written for fine artists who are ready to launch their careers – and experienced artists who want to relaunch their careers. The new edition empowers artists to take control of their careers, create a fulfilling life, and earn a decent income. Caroll Michels continues to demystify the inner workings of the art world and challenge the status quo.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1. Career Development for Artists: Then and Now
Chapter 2. Launching or Relaunching Your Career: Overcoming Career Blocks
Chapter 3. Launching or Relaunching Your Career: Setting Up Shop and Entering the Art World
Chapter 4. Presentation Tools and Packages
Chapter 5. Exhibition and Sales Opportunities: Using Those That Exist and Creating Your Own
Chapter 6. Art Marketing: Digital, Print, and Social Media
Chapter 7. Public Relations and Press Relations: Keep Those Letters and Emails Going Out and Coming In
Chapter 8. Pricing Your Work: How Much is it Worth?
Chapter 9. Dealing with Dealers
Chapter 10. The World of Grants and Other Fundraising Resources
Chapter 11. Generating Income: Alternatives to Driving a Cab
Chapter 12. Rationalization, Paranoia, Competition, the Overwhelm Factor, and Rejecting Rejection
Appendix of Resources
ARTICLES AND REVIEWS – New Edition
William Sawalich, “The PRO Files: Making a Living with your Fine Art Photography,” Sony Alpha Universe, October 17, 2019. https://alphauniverse.com/stories/the-pro-files–make-a-living-with-your-fine-art-photography
Jeff Kent, “ Advice on Prospering as an Artist,” Professional Photographer, March 2019. https://ppmag.com/news/caroll-michels-advice-on-prospering-as-an-artist
Franklin Einspruch, “How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist by Caroll Michels, 7th Edition,” Artblog, February 2019. www.artblog.net/post/2019/02/survive-and-prosper
Niki Kottman, “Caroll Michels Coaches the Creative in ‘How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist’,” Your Observer.com, January 9, 2019 and Sarasota Observer, January 10. 2019. www.yourobserver.com/article/caroll-michels-how-to-survive-and-prosper-as-an-artist-sarasota
William Sawalich, “The Pro-Files: Avoiding Career Pitfalls For A Fine Art Photographer,” AlphaUniverse, August 1, 2018. https://alphauniverse.com/stories/the-pro-files-be-a-successful-fine-art-photographer
“August 2018 Prime Picks,” Donovan’s Bookshelf, August 2018. http://donovansliteraryservices.com/august-2018-lp.html#ppbp
Jennifer Orbom, “Caroll Michels,” Blog, The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists, July 17, 2018. https://clarkhulingsfund.org/caroll-michels
Michael Rose, “Five Must-Read Art Business Articles for June,” Fine Art Insights, July 1, 2018. https://www.michaelrosefineart.com/blog/2018/6/30/five-must-read-art-business-articles-for-june-2018
Renee Phillips, “Advance Your Art Career with an Art Press Release,” https://renee-phillips.com/advance-your-art-career-with-an-art-press-release, July 4, 2018
Interview with Caroll Michels, “What Artists Must Know about Pricing Consistency,” Artsy Shark, July 4, 2018. www.artsyshark.com/2018/07/04/what-artist-must-know-about-pricing-consistency
Daniel Grant, “How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist,” Re:Sculpt, International Sculpture Center, June 27, 2018. https://sculpture.org/blogpost/1860266/Business-of-Art?tag=Daniel+Grant
Caroll Michels. “Advice for Artists on How to Make a Living—When Selling Art Doesn’t Pay the Bills,” Artsy.net, June 25, 2018. www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-advice-artists-living-selling-art-pay-bills
James Gurney, “How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist,” Gurney Journey, June 5, 2018. http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2018/06/book-review-how-to-survive-and-prosper.html
“Top Ten ‘Must Reads’ for Emerging Artists,” Light Space Time, May 2018. www.lightspacetime.art/top-ten-must-reads-for-successful-artists
“One Question,” Neoteric Art, May 4, 2018. https://www.jasminedirectory.com/art/detail,1960003838,neotericart.html#more-4908
Caroll Michels, “A Press Release: An Underutilized Tool for Artists,” Light Space Time, April 26, 2018. www.lightspacetime.art/art-press-release-an-underutilized-tool-for-artists-carroll-michels
“Career Coach Updates Book Offering Career Advice for Artists,” Sarasota Magazine, Sarasota Magazine, April 24, 2018, www.sarasotamagazine.com/articles/2018/4/24/career-coach-updates-book-with-career-advice-for-artists
Career Coach Updates Book Offering Career Advice, 941CEO, April, 24, 2018. https://941ceo.com/articles/2018/4/24/career-coach-updates-book-with-career-advice-for-artists
Katherine Tyrrell, Art Business Info for Artists, April 5, 2018, www.artbusinessinfo.com/news/new-the-best-art-business-books-for-artists
Jeff Kent, Professional Photography https://www.ppa.com/ppmag/articles/caroll-michels-advice-on-prospering-as-an-artist
Franklin Einspruch, Artblog.net http://www.artblog.net/post/2019/02/survive-and-prosper
Donovan’s Bookshelf http://donovansliteraryservices.com/august-2018-lp.html#ppbp
Daniel Grant, Re:Sculpt, International Sculpture Center. https://blog.sculpture.org/2018/06/27/how-to-survive-and-prosper-as-an-artist-selling-yourself-without-selling-your-soul
Peter Harris, Seltzer http://www.thisisseltzer.com/how-to-survive-and-prosper-as-an-artist
BOOK REVIEWS OF PAST EDITIONS
“With advice that ranges from how to prepare for studio visits and effectively negotiate with art dealers to self-help strategies for handling rejection – as well as success – Ms. Michels explodes the romantic notion of the starving artist.” Deidre Stein Greben, New York Times
“This field of artist consultancy has more or less belonged to Michels for the last quarter-century, and [her book] in many respects, remains the ultimate reference and the most heartfelt, thoroughly-argued call for artist self-empowerment.” Franklin Einspruch, Artblog.net
“Michels is a tough but compassionate advocate, savvy in the ways of the world and the demands on artists in this materialistic society.” Richard Pachter, Miami Herald
“Learn how to successfully market yourself as an artist, performer, or (shudder) ‘creative,’ through this step-by-step guide. Michels writes in terse, instructive sentences, and never lets us off the hook: ‘If you want to avoid fulfilling your potential as an artist, there are many ways of going about it. Excuses are easy to find [and] the fear list can go on and on’.” Kathleen Massara, HuffPost
“How to Survive & Prosper as an Artist. Selling Yourself Without Selling Your Soul by Caroll Michels… is the best guide I’ve found that looks at creating fine art as a career.” Chris Farrell, host of Right on the Money, produced by Twin Cities PBS
“She writes vigorously and passionately from several convictions: artists have bargaining power – and they must keep it; there is ample room in the art world for many artists to make a decent living; and artists have to invest in their own careers… Michels is personal and practical… She sounds like Wonder Woman; she is filled with energy, ideas, and sufficient spleen not to be walked on – ever! Her experience is the reader’s bonus.” American Artist
“Filled with valuable information and sound advice…highly recommended.” Library Journal
“. . . Michels provides information on art world politics that artists really need. She also gives a lot of straightforward advice on strategizing…” Barbara Schreiber, Art Papers
”The practical business savvy makes How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist a ‘must have’ for any aspiring artist. . . “ Midwest Book Review
“. . . an amazing book designed to help artists of all genres become self-sufficient.” The Dabbling Mum
“One book stood out from the rest. . . and goes beyond the usual information about self-promotion.. . [Michels] encourages the pioneering spirit of artists to apply their creativity to the practical aspects of the dreams.” Tess Elliott, The Arts Journal
“. . . a veritable storehouse of advice and information by renowned arts career coach Caroll Michels.” Camille Eskell, Woman
“. . . the missing manual for all artists at all stages of their careers.” Richard Donagrandi, Artscope