Pilfered from the internets a year or so ago and originally found at John Harrington's blog (btw if you want to get into business or already are I recommend his latest Best Business Practices for Photographers book ... it's geared toward freelance, not staffers unless you are a staffer looking to go freelance. It's been recommended in places by such as Chase Jarvis, David Hobby, etc.)

Anyway, these are 10 ways to remain a starving artist.

1 Don't set goals.
2 Never ever think about money.
3 Keep your artwork to yourself—don't show it, don't talk about it.
4 Don't tell anybody you're an artist.
5 Spend all of your time in your studio. Don't bother marketing—let your art stack up.
6 If people are buggin you to buy your artwork say it's not for sale—it's not priced—that will deter them.
7 Go at it alone—don't get any help.
8 Stay away from artists earning money.
9 Expect instant success.
10 Wait to be discovered.


This is a quote from the above referenced book which made sense to me.

"The best photographer is one who promotes and markets first himself, second his services and style, and finally, his price." -John Harrington

I understand many here aren't pursuing a business and that's cool ... but anyone who is even entertaining the idea, well these are some things to think about.

That's a different way of doing it! I can see it working, though, for others. I can't not share my work, however, I just couldn't keep it to myself.... I haaaaave to share it! I would fail at business

I've always been keen on observing the eternal debate of the artist. I've met some very great photographers, canvas painters, musicians that are so technically and artistically advanced but get them to do the business side of things and wow ... talk about fail boat. They are a mess.

I realized that it really takes someone who is well versed in business administration and their art to succeed OR get a team of people around you so that you concentrate on all the creativity and they put it in bid form, handle calls, taxes, whatever and get the checks for you.

I'm a little lopsided in that I probably know more about business than any particular art.

Thing is, the majority of people here are interested in photography as a hobby, not as a business, so telling them to advertise themselves, etc isn't really of any value.

Didn't read the last sentence of my first post did ya? ... I understand tl;dr is a sign of the times.

Derp Derp.