Introduction
Thriving as an artist may mean establishing your own nonprofit organization or being self-employed, negotiating deals, insuring your pieces, and handling complex financial matters. Entrepreneurs and those interested in selling their creative works will need to educate themselves—and seek expert guidance about their own situations—on a broad range of issues before setting prices and collecting income. Get started with these general resources but remember that strategic marketing is critical to your success. Make sure your marketing plan is in place, and get your online media up-to-date.
Business Development & Practices
- Cozad New Venture Challenge
- EntreCORPS—entrepreneurial assistance from University of Illinois students
- “Entrepreneurship Foundations” from LinkedIn Learning (log in with your NetID to view the video course for free)
- Foundation basics—tips on setting up a tax-exempt organization from the Council on Foundations
- Illinois Business Consulting
- Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts—guides on business practices
Taxes & Finances
- Employer identification number information for your business from the IRS
- Illinois tax rules for selling work at fairs
- Self-employment tax regulations from the IRS
Be sure to check our information on funding your own creative career.