- The business itself is comprised of 60% creating and 40% marketing (including publicity, networking, etc.)
- to be a professional artist (at least according to Canada), you must: declare yourself an artist, create art, exhibit art, have other people confirm what you do
- you should exhibit approximately 15 to 20 times in 3 or 4 years
- never accept more than a 60% commission
- you can deduct for your taxes all that helps you do your job as an artist
- you should become a member of an organization
- there's tons of help out there from employment centres to governmental web sites to bursaries and bank support
- you should get stuff insured against damage, but also protect your intellectual property
- you should have a separate bank account for your job
- if you have a business and you make less than 30 000$ you are not important
Basically, have a unique business plan, be seen and be available , and keep a safety net under you at all times.