Being an artist has never been easy. This is especially true now with the ever-changing art market, rapidly changing technologies and online marketing.   If you are like most artists, you find it difficult to find the time to read, but it is really essential for you to do this in order to stay on top of things in the art world and get ahead or at least not fall behind. 

The best way to do this is to read books from experts who know what is happening in the various art markets, in art marketing and ways to expand your reach and sell more of your art. 

Below we have chosen 1o art books we believe are essential for an artist to read in order to become successful and stay successful.  They are presented in no particular order.

1.    “Guerrilla Marketing for Artists” by Barney Davey

Barney Davey’s book “Guerilla Marketing for Artists” is a must read for any artist who neither has the time, the knowledge or the expertise to tackle art marketing and promotion.  This book is well written and it provides a concise guide for artists to follow. More information on this book.   

2.    “The Artists Way” by Julia Cameron

“The Artists Way” by Julia Cameron is the seminal book on the subject of creativity.  This classic book should be read by any serious creative person.  Julia provides new insights into the creative process that she has gained over time. More information on this book. 

3.    “I’d Rather Be in the Studio” by Alyson B. Stanfield

Alyson Stanfield’s book is a classic art marketing book that should be read by all artists who want to make art their full-time career.  This is a must-have guide to self-promotion for serious artists.  More information on this book.

4.    “2015 Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market” - Mary Burzlaff Bostic

In the “2015 Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market” Mary Burzlaff Bostic provides a complete reference guide for any artist who wants to establish or expand their career in fine art, illustration, or graphic design. Thousands of successful artists have relied on these annual guides to help develop their art careers. More information on this book.

5.    "Starving" to Successful” - J. Jason Horejs

"Starving" to Successful” (The Fine Artist's Guide to Getting into Galleries) is written by J. Jason Horejs, the owner of the Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ.  This book provides pragmatic advice and concrete, actionable steps that an artist can begin implementing immediately to become more successful in marketing their work to art galleries. More information on this book.

6.    “How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist” – Caroll Michael

Caroll Michaels book “How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist” is a book that puts to rest the popular myth of the starving artist. There is plenty of room in the art world for artists to make a good living if they are willing to take an active stand in promoting their art careers. Michaels shows those who would like to make a living from their art how to navigate the often bewildering corridors of power that lead to success in the art world. More information on this book.

7.    “How to Sell Art to Interior Designers” – Barney Davey

“How to Sell Art to Interior Designers” by Barney David provides the artist with another avenue through which to sell their art. There are four times more interior designers than there are art galleries in the U.S. and most artists never pursue or approach the design market because they don’t know how to get started.  This book provides insights from co-author Dick Harrison on how it all works. More information on this book.

8.    “How to Make Money at Craft Shows” - Mallory Whitfield

Have you ever wanted to sell your handmade crafts or artwork at local craft fairs, but have no idea where to start? Mallory Whitfield has been selling her own handmade creations, as well as the work of other artists, at a variety of craft shows and other events since 2004.  She has learned a lot of lessons the hard way, and now she is sharing them here with you so that you can learn from her experience! More information on this book.

9.    “How to Get Started in Art Licensing” – Tara Reed

This is the second edition of “How to Get Started in Art Licensing” and it is an introduction to the realities of licensing your art. Tara Reed has been successful in licensing her art since 2004.   This book is an honest look at how licensing works so you can decide if it might be for you. Tara’s book will help you to shorten your learning curve. More information on this book.

10.   “Getting Your Art into Corporate Collections” - Liron Sissman

Liron Sissman’s book will teach you how to sell more of your art through art consultants to the lucrative corporate art market, where no consignment is required and art is sold in multiples!

The corporate, healthcare and hospitality art markets are especially lucrative markets, which look for multiple artworks at a time. Unlike working with galleries, there is no consignment involved, which allows you to build your business faster!  More information on this book.

These are our top 10 “must-reads” for all artists who want to sell more of their art and become more successful.  The days of just hoping your art will get into a gallery and perhaps sell are over.  These books can help catapult the serious artist into new art markets and to a higher degree of success if their suggestions are followed.