Written by Bliss Sibiya – Founder of X-Factored Youth
Art as a form of expression has existed since the dawn of time, yet it is often misunderstood in many households. Despite art’s transformative influence on cultures across the globe, many parents and guardians still feel apprehensive about having an artist in the family. In some households, art is viewed as something reserved for the wealthy, leading to the misconception that those from less privileged backgrounds have no place in the art world. This creates barriers that limit opportunities for many talented individuals to pursue their creative passions.
We sat down with artivist and artpreneur Kganya Mogashoa, a talented visual artist based in Pretoria, to capture her inspiring journey. She shared the challenges she faced in changing her mother’s perspective on art and what it truly means to her. Kganya also opened up about the struggles she encounters as an artist in South Africa, shedding light on the obstacles within the local art scene. Additionally, she provided valuable insights on navigating the creative space in South Africa, discussing the mistreatment and challenges often faced by artists in the industry.
The interview made us reflect on what artists have faced and continue to face in South Africa. Considering their well-being, we often worry if they are reaping the financial rewards of their talents and gifts given both the social and economic climate in South Africa and her people having less disposable income for art pieces. Art is indeed a highly contested space in all forms and therefore require a new way of gaining an audience and monetizing your products.
An aspiring visual artist aiming to make a career and earn income from their art should ask themselves the following questions to guide their journey:
- What is my unique artistic voice?
- What makes my work stand out from others?
- How can I develop my own distinctive style that resonates with both me and my audience?
- Who is my target audience?
- Who do I want my art to speak to? (e.g., collectors, businesses, art lovers, social causes)
- What types of people are most likely to appreciate and buy my work?
- What is my long-term vision for my art career?
- Where do I see myself in 5, 10, or 20 years?
- What milestones do I want to achieve (e.g., gallery exhibitions, collaborations, international recognition)?
- How can I balance passion with income generation?
- What art forms or mediums will allow me to make a sustainable income while staying true to my passion?
- Can I create multiple streams of income (e.g., selling original pieces, prints, merchandise, commissions, teaching)?
- What are my short-term and long-term goals?
- What steps can I take immediately to start making money with my art?
- How can I grow my skills, network, and reputation over time?
- How do I price my artwork?
- What factors should influence the pricing of my work (e.g., size, medium, time invested, reputation)?
- How can I ensure I’m pricing my art competitively while valuing my work appropriately?
- How will I market and promote my art?
- Which platforms (social media, websites, galleries, etc.) can I use to showcase my art?
- What strategies will I use to build a personal brand and attract an audience?
- What resources do I need to grow my career?
- Do I need professional training, mentorship, or additional skills (e.g., business, marketing, digital tools)?
- What networks or communities can I join to connect with other artists and potential buyers?
- How do I manage the business side of my art?
- Am I prepared to handle finances, taxes, contracts, and negotiations?
- Should I seek legal advice or assistance for things like copyright and licensing?
- How do I handle rejection and criticism?
- How will I stay motivated when facing setbacks or negative feedback?
- How can I learn from rejection and improve my work without losing confidence?
- What impact do I want my art to have?
- What messages or emotions do I want to communicate through my art?
- How can I align my artistic goals with larger social or cultural causes?
- Am I open to collaboration and expanding my network?
- How can I build relationships with other artists, curators, and potential clients?
- What opportunities for collaboration can I explore to expand my reach and visibility?
By reflecting on these questions, an aspiring visual artist can create a clearer roadmap for building a successful and sustainable career, while staying connected to their passion and creative identity.
The journey to making a career and earning income from visual art requires both creative passion and strategic thinking. By asking the right questions and reflecting on key aspects such as artistic identity, target audience, pricing, marketing, and the business side of art, aspiring artists can navigate the complexities of the art world with confidence. Balancing creativity with a solid plan for growth and financial sustainability will help transform a passion for art into a successful and fulfilling career. With persistence, adaptability, and a clear vision, any artist can turn their art into both a livelihood and a legacy.