How Much Do I Make? And Worldly Travels

How much do I make? I get asked this question all the time.  Any artist will tell you it is not steady. Mostly it is about luck and how much you can sell per month. Shows often do well, but I have had some where I have sold nothing and others where I sell quite a bit. Most of the time it is the occasional phone call from a gallery telling me I sold a painting and the check is in the mail. I also do a lot of private commissions as well. It is really all about the business and how you market yourself. There are some very bad painters who make a lot of money and extremely talented painters who do not. One day I sat down and devoted my time to marketing my art. I made $3000 in a couple hours. With the dedication and networking, it is possible, but it is ebb and flow. In January I made $10,000 and in February I made $2000. In march I had the Western Masters Art Show which went very very well and I have made enough to cover my travel expenses for the year which involves Scotland, England, France, Alaska, New York, South Africa and Costa Rica.
I am visiting Scotland, England and France out of pure desire to see the land and visit family who live over there. I will be leaving in April and traveling for a month. I needed a refresher after preparing for the Western Master's Art Show since September 2013. When I return in May, I will begin preparing full force for next year's show.
Alaska will be to visit my brother and sister in law. I am super excited. But it is also my time to do business with galleries in Alaska as well as take reference photos of the wildlife to use for my new collection.
New York.... I am moving out there to paint. We have a beautiful house overlooking the ocean on Long Island. A perfect place to paint.
South Africa is for business. It will be my second time back to the same area as before. I will be living down there for a month taking reference photos of the wildlife for my African collection and plein air painting. It is an investment to make money.
Costa Rica is a family vacation but also time to photograph the jungles and wildlife!
Oh and Florida, I always go there for some rays and to paint in the dead of winter!

All I have ever dreamed of is doing something I love while being self-employed and traveling. I am living my dream at 22 years of age. I am so blessed and thankful to GOD.

My Weekly Schedule

Before I began painting full time I was a bit apprehensive as to whether I could follow a schedule and the lifestyle of a painter. I was worried I would frequently experience burn-out and painter's block and most of all loose the passion of painting as it becomes a job.
Picking the average work schedule seemed fitting. Except for 7 days a week.
Up at 8am alarm, breakfast and business until 9am.
Painting from 9-5pm with an hour lunch break for more business and rejuvenation.
5-6pm, work out and shower.
6- bed, dinner and entertainment.
Often I do my best work from 11pm-3am because I get a random wave of inspiration. Whenever this comes along, it is crucial I find my way to the studio to paint because most days I cultivate inspiration as I work. It doesn't come freely each day. When I hit this wave, I usually spend 8+ hours zoned into my work with no food, drink or distraction. This is why night works well. (I have never pulled an all-nighter, the 8 hour zone is a very good day!)

Even though my studio/office is feet from my bed, I only hoped I would wake up ready to begin work for the day. I can assure you, although it is hard waking to an alarm 7 days a week, I am excited to make it back to my easel. I have not experienced burn out yet; painter's block, yes. Traveling is so important to refresh and gain new inspiration. I do travel a lot which I will talk about in my next post.

I also love the flexibility of my schedule. I am free to spend time with friends and family or fulfill my other passions like fly fishing, or hiking. Self employment definitely has its benefits.