Attention to financial planning and management is an important part of any business. These resources will help artists be better informed around the many facets of financial management.
Note: The resources on these pages are listed by priority, with top-rated items appearing first. For more information on the listings and how to submit recommendations for listings, please see the note at the end of Artists' Career Resources.
Ask Harriete: Artist Professional Guidelines Q&A
An astute business and tech savvy blog from metalsmith Harriete Estel Berman. This blog has a wealth of information on all aspects of an artist's business, including a set of professional guidelines developed by a stellar committee of craft professionals for the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG).
SmartAboutMoney.org Resource Library
A collection of money management tools from the National Endowment for Financial Education and other organizations reviewed by SmartAboutMoney.org. Also, see http://www.smartaboutmoney.org/LifeEventsFinancialDecisions/tabid/299/Default.aspx for index of information based on life events and financial decisions.
Creative Capital Online Learning Workshops
Famous for their excellent weekend-long intensive art business workshops, Creative Capital has a series of one-topic webinars. You will need a computer with speakers, but no special software. The cost is $25 per 90 minute session. Check their calendar for times and topics.
The Actors Fund Podcast Series
These podcasts on financial management from The Actors Fund were made for actors, but can be useful to anyone with irregular or episodic income. Topics covered include managing cash flow in a profession with irregular income, organizing expenses, finding a supplementary job that leverages your skills, and credit health. While actors' income tends to fluctuate even more that that of craft artists, these videos contain some tips that may be helpful to craft artists in managing their income and expenses.
New York Foundation for the Arts: The Profitable Artist
The Profitable Artist is a handbook for artists in the performing, literary and visual arts, compiled by arts professionals and the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). The book guides the reader through five broad substantive topics that are often overlooked by artists: strategic planning, finance, law, marketing, and fundraising. Each topic area is reinforced by real-world examples and applications of the material.
Publications: Allworth Press Business Books for Artists
Allworth Press provides practical information books for the creative community.
PBS Frontline: The Secret History of the Credit Card
A credit card can be a useful tool in running a craft business, but too much credit card debt can lead to serious financial problems for your business and your family. In this program, Frontline and The New York Times examine how the credit card industry
Getting Your Sh*t Together (GYST): Software and Services for Artists of All Kinds
GYST is a software application for PC and MAC for tracking artworks and other career-related items such as artist statements, contacts, etc. Cost is approx. $130.
Entrepreneurs’ Help Page
This web site distributes basic information on legal, financial, and management issues that commonly affect people who are just starting up their businesses.
Dave Ramsey: The Truth About Debt
Dave Ramsey has a syndicated radio show that revolves around helping people get out of debt and begin building wealth. This part of his website addresses some myths about debt.
Financial Planning Association (FPA)
You can find financial planning literature, ask a certified financial planner (CFP) questions, or find a CFP. Through qualified partnerships with other organizations, the Support Center can provide individuals with pro bono financial planning assistance. The site contains numerous articles on financial planning for a variety of situations.
ArtHome
ArtHome helps artists build assets and equity through financial literacy and home-ownership. Online tools include a home buyer's guide and home budgeting information.
The Motley Fool
The Motley Fool online forum is designed to help participants obtain financial information and discuss ways to make investment and personal financial decisions.
