Navigating the Stormy Seas of a Thriving Artist’s Life

My anchor wallpaper. Originally designed as the backdrop for my dumbo octopus artwork, it’s now found its way onto books, mugs, socks—basically, anything you can slap a nautical theme on. And why not? There’s something grounding about anchors, right? They’re steady, reliable, and keep you from drifting off into the abyss. If only they could do the same for our unpredictable lives as artists.

Create an emergency preparedness plan.

Now, speaking of unpredictability, let’s talk about what happens when the seas get rough and you’re trying to keep your artistic ship from capsizing. You’ve probably already figured out that being a thriving, financially successful artist isn’t all smooth sailing. There are icebergs everywhere—whether it’s your income stream drying up, social media going down, or simply the fact that the world seems to delight in throwing curveballs your way.

But don’t worry, because just like my trusty anchor wallpaper, there’s a way to stay grounded even when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Here’s your guide to creating an emergency preparedness plan as an artist, because let’s face it, everything will go wrong at some point—but that’s okay.

1. Diversify Your Revenue Streams: The Lifeboat You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s start with the most obvious piece of advice you’ve heard a thousand times but probably haven’t followed: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. As an artist, your income is as unpredictable as the weather, so you need multiple revenue streams to keep you afloat.

Sell your original works, sure. But also think about licensing, teaching workshops, offering online courses, and plastering your art on anything people might buy—like my anchor wallpaper, for instance. Because when one stream dries up (and it will), you’ll have others to keep you from sinking.

2. Multiple Social Media Channels: The Titanic Was Unsinkable, Remember?

If you’re banking on one social media platform to carry your entire career, you’re setting yourself up for a Titanic-level disaster. Platforms change, algorithms screw you over, and sometimes they just disappear overnight. So, spread your bets.

Be on Instagram, but don’t forget X, TikTok, YouTube, and even LinkedIn if you’re feeling particularly masochistic. The more places you are, the better your chances of staying visible when the social media seas get choppy.

3. Your Website: The Anchor in the Digital Storm

Social media is great—until it’s not. That’s why your website needs to be your unshakable home base. It’s the one place you have full control, where people can always find you, no matter what’s going on in the chaotic world of social media.

Make it professional, easy to navigate, and packed with all the good stuff—your portfolio, your story, and an online shop where people can buy your art (or that anchor wallpaper, because who wouldn’t want that?). Your website is your emergency bunker, so build it strong.

4. Email List: Your Lifeline When All Else Fails

Picture this: every social media platform crashes tomorrow. How do you reach your audience? If you don’t have an email list, the answer is: you don’t. An email list isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s your lifeline to your most loyal supporters.

Nurture it, send regular updates, and build relationships with the people who actually care about your work. That way, even if the worst happens, you can still connect with your community and keep your art business running.

5. Insurance, Contracts, and the Boring Stuff That Saves Your Bacon

Okay, this part isn’t fun, but it’s necessary. Get insurance for your art business—cover your studio, your equipment, and yourself. Use contracts for every project, every client, every gallery deal. It might feel tedious, but it’s what will save you when things go pear-shaped.

6. Savings and Investments: Because cheese toasties Gets Old Fast

Let’s not pretend that the starving artist trope is something to aspire to. Build an emergency fund—enough to cover at least three to six months of expenses. And if you’re feeling really savvy, start investing. It’s not glamorous, but financial stability is what allows you to keep creating, even when times are tough.

7. Keep Learning: The More You Know, the Less You Panic

Learn new techniques, master marketing, and get your head around basic financial management. The more you know, the more adaptable you’ll be, and the less likely you’ll be to freak out when the inevitable curveballs come your way.

Conclusion: Chaos Is Inevitable.

Being an artist isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and full of surprises—most of them unpleasant. But with a solid emergency preparedness plan in place, you can weather the storm, keep your art alive, and maybe even come out the other side stronger.

So, whether you’re sailing through calm waters or navigating a full-blown hurricane, remember: you’ve got this. And if all else fails, at least you’ve got some killer anchor wallpaper to brighten your day.