At .ART Registry, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of International Artist Day with an inspiring lineup of speakers who shared practical, “survival guide” tips for artists. Our emcees, CMO Jeff Sass and writer, editor Anastasia Sukhanov, led us through each session, where artists, strategists, and industry pros offered advice on building a successful career, strengthening an online presence, and embracing every creative challenge. Here are some essential takeaways for every artist’s “survival toolkit”—ideas to keep you motivated, business-savvy, and ready for anything the art world throws at you.
Survival Skill: Self-Audit and Business Basics
In an interview with conceptual artist Sophia Wallace (www.SophiaWallace.art), celebrated artist Shantell Martin (www.ShantellMartin.art) shared survival tips on taking control of your art career. Known for her bold, identity-driven line drawings, Shantell emphasized the power of a “skills audit.” “If you want to be a successful artist, you have to see it as a combination or a cocktail of things,” she explained. Artists, she advised, should identify strengths (like public speaking or organization) and tackle gaps in business skills, from taxes to contract negotiations. Shantell’s advice? Level up your “business” side to help you thrive in the creative world. “Knowing your strengths and working on your weaknesses can level the playing field,” she shared—an essential skill for every artist’s survival toolkit.
Survival Skill: Create (and Commit to) a Daily Practice
Illustrator Nate Bear (www.NateBear.art), known for his vibrant designs, spoke about his “draw-a-bear-a-day” project—a daily challenge to create a new bear character every day, each with its own unique twist. “When you draw every day, you get your groove and mojo back,” he said. Nate’s survival tactic? Add variety! Each month, he introduced themed assignments, from turning random shapes into bear characters to creating animations frame-by-frame or exploring 3D sculpting. His daily practice isn’t just about consistency; it’s a toolkit for exploring new skills, growing creatively, and keeping his audience engaged. Nate’s commitment shows that structured, varied practice builds a brand and keeps the artistic spirit alive.
Survival Skill: Connect Locally and Collaborate
Muralist Rob Anderson (www.RobAnderson.art) shared his passion for community-based art, which invites locals to participate in creating public murals. Rob’s advice? Create work that brings people together. “Sometimes, you get a nod from the universe,” he shared, describing how letting kids and neighbors contribute to his murals created powerful bonds. For Rob, public art is more than visual appeal—it’s about community survival, making art accessible and shared. His message: Connect, collaborate, and use art to strengthen the community around you.
Survival Skill: Craft Your Digital Portfolio
Art business strategist Anna Shvets (www.Tatchers.art) emphasized that in today’s art world, an online presence is essential. Anna’s advice: view your social media and website as part of your portfolio. “Think about who you are speaking to with every post,” she explained, encouraging artists to align their content with their voice and goals. Anna highlighted the importance of consistency in both style and engagement, reminding us that a cohesive online brand boosts visibility. Her survival tactic? Curate a digital presence that resonates with your audience and reflects your art—your online “home base” in a connected world.
Survival Skill: Turn Challenges into Creative Fuel
Artist Phil Hansen (www.FKM.art), known for his TED Talk, “Embrace the Shake,” shared how to survive—and thrive—by embracing limitations. After developing a tremor that affected his art, Phil transformed the constraint into his signature style. His advice? View obstacles as opportunities to innovate. “Sometimes, limitations are the best way to discover what makes your work distinctive,” he shared, proving that challenges can often lead to creative breakthroughs. Phil’s survival skill: leverage limitations as prompts, letting them push you into new territories and unlock unique strengths.
The International Artist Day conference gave us a toolkit of practical advice, from career management to community building and creativity under constraints. Through the insights of Maurice Cardinal, Shantell Martin, Nate Bear, Rob Anderson, Anna Shvets, and Phil Hansen, one message was clear: art isn’t just about individual expression; it’s about resilience, connection, and growth. At .ART, we’re here to support artists in every part of their journey. Let’s keep building a future where art thrives, inspires, and connects us all.
Watch the whole conference here.
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