Taking the Leap: Building a Career As a Visual Artist

by Cay Lang

Most artists would rather focus on art than struggle with the details of a business plan. Now, they can. Based on artist and teacher Cay Lang's popular seminars, Taking the Leap teaches artists how to succeed in today's complex and competitive art world. Offering inside information on how to show at galleries, nonprofit spaces, and museums, as well as a host of nontraditional venues, this behind-the-scenes look at the art world reveals how decisions are made and what artists can expect. Lang explains how to master efficient business skills such a negotiating a deal; making the most of art events, trips, presentations, and phone calls; and preparing top-notch promotional materials such as slides, bios, statements, and cover letters. Including many examples of artists who've found inventive alternatives to the gallery system, she suggests ways artists can by-pass mainstream channels and create their own art scene on their own terms. Filled with joy and encouragement, Taking the Leap recreates the energy and enthusiasm Lang evokes in her classroom and makes it available to artists everywhere.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference, Photography, Business, How To

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[Eleanor]

I liked the author's candid emphasis on the importance of setting goals for yourself, of getting into the studio to actually make work before worrying about making it as an artist, and the idea that one doesn't have to engage with the mainstream art world to find artistic success. I thought the templates for letters to approach galleries were useful and the practical advice of pitfalls to watch out for. However, I preferred this book less than Jackie Battenfield's "The Artist's Guide" and the book "Art/Work." However, this book was initially published before those, so good for it for being a trailblazer in helping artists get their heads around building a career. Of course, specific information shared about technology is dated as the latest edition is from 2006, but the advice about artist's presence and personality and how to behave in person and online is sage.

[Agata Labianca]

Aimed at a newcomer to the business of art, such as me, this book is clearly outdated. Although it is a short read, it becomes a chore because of the authors' dense writing style. I recommend taking notes as you read because the book uses anecdotes well as a teaching tool and contains some hidden gems of advice, especially on how to get organized and think about art as a business. The book also provides some reasoning as to how curators and dealers approach this business, which I found particularly enlightening.

[sarah ann]

a [little] simplistic and [most definitely] outdated, *but* a great read for getting oneself back in the mindset of working toward your art goal, whatever that goal may be. reading this from the prospective of a potential artist was a really interesting switch from looking at these concepts from the point of view of a gallery worker. it impressed upon me that professionalism, organization, and tenacity are key to nailing the business side of being an artist.

[Laura]

And now to act on this knowledge...

[Ljubica]

Great book. Too bad that many of these books aim for an American audience and therefore some portions of this book may not be very helpful to Canadian or European emerging artists.

[Ietrio]

A volume that is both sad and immoral.

It is sad, because the one called 'artist' becomes a mere bureaucratic cog in a bigger machine.

It is immoral, because all this work and training is invested to make you some bureaucrat's lap dog. At first I was thinking of 'minor jester', but jester is way too high. No, Lang is going to make you the subordinate of a vulgar, uneducated City Hall worker or the glorified excuse for some University leech to spend even more tax dollars.

But I get it, it is a living.

[Sahana Siska]

While the technical aspects of the book is now outdated, the processes remain the same. And something I return to always is the last part of the book titled 'Absolutely Essential ways of thinking'.

[Katharine]

I finally finished reading the recommended book for my graduate Professional Practices class. Since it's now nearly 20 years old, a lot of the specifics are very dated (the section on websites is pretty amusing, and contacting galleries and other art professionals is all based on sending packets of slides). However, if you translate the general principles into current terms, it's still a lot of good ideas and helpful instruction. I've read several similar books but I still found this one challenging and inspirational, as well as just a reminder of what I need to be working on.

[Lisa]

This book was really for the beginner whom wants a career as an artist. This is a great book for a beginner. There was very little new information for me which was disappointing. That said it was motivational, and provided information about taxes for the artist and consignment forms which was in fact information that I knew very little about. It was a quick read so if you have access to a copy then you might as well read it but be forewarned, there was no information on grants which was my motivation for purchasing the book. Sorry Cay!

[Sequoia]

A great reference tool that encourages artists to factor in the business elements of being an artist.

[Abigail]

Highly recommended by an artist aquaintance who has done a few gallery showings herself, I picked it up at the library today. So far, damn terrifying.

This is a good thing.

[Eliel Lopez]

Interesting ideas for start ups.