Every creative wants to make and sell enough art that they don’t have to maintain a day job outside of their artistic efforts. Most view it as an all or nothing game.
I prescribe to the tried and true method of starting a business. Start with the lowest investment possible to begin your business. Whatever profit you make, you save ten to thirty percent, pay taxes, and invest the rest back into the growth of the business. Paying bills and expenses are also important to cover with your profits but the efforts must be methodical. Buying new clothes and eating expensive meals on your earnings will slowly chip away at the long term security of the business. The startup will only grow as fast as you can allow. Your time will go into producing the art you love, delivering artwork to venues or clients, buying supplies, printing materials, and funding marketing efforts.
Art careers are tricky in general. We are creating a commodity that everyone doesn’t need and sometimes can not afford within their budget. This adds a special importance to marketing that young or less experienced artists end up learning the hard way. For example, young artists of today believe the system is rigged and no one cares because they post on social media regularly. But they don’t go into the real world and display their work. They aren’t telling people about their art in person. The reality is that no one owes you their time and interest. You as an artist must gain there interest.
The other consideration is right time and place — in history. Some of the most recognized art styles were considered grotesque and unimpressive during the time they were created. Now we honor and respect them, but the artist saw very little acceptance. Without learning art history, it is easy to overlook this truth. Your work my take many hours and funds, but it doesn’t mean your community/culture can comprehend and appreciate it. Some are lucky and their art perfectly aligns with the morals, culture, and desires of the community they are creating art in. They often see the financial support and acclaim that many want.
Stay true to your art but make sure you are improving your business practices to reach the heights you hope for.