How do I start my own art business?

How should i start up some sort of art related business, im 16 and don't wanna be working class anymore (uk)?

• im 16 and at college studying a level 1, im planning to do art at level 2 next year. i wanna do something related to graffiti but anything art related would be ok. i don't want to work for someone else, i fear reaching poverty level because of my bad GCSE's and how im not getting any qualifications worthwhile. i know if i tried i could be in sixth form but im no longer at school and now im doing a level 1 B-tec because im a idiot that let people get to me :S i feel like im walking on fin ice, i want a stable career but i don't wanna just go for the easy low pay jobs any advice that might help? should i make my portfolio bigger while im at college to help? i don't have a clue

• Answer:

  Art schools and universities are very good, up to a point. However, they can regurgitate the usual artistic ideas. I can always tell somebody who studied Pottery at Birmingham and differentiate their work from somebody who attended Stoke, or similar. But it is still worth attending college or Uni, as you learn the technical aspects of your craft. However, art is something that you just do. If you are any good, people will want to buy it. There are a few craft guilds about, which are quite fun, since they put on exhibitions and allow you to sell your work in markets that you could not usually afford. There are web sites that allow you to publish your work and sell it. However, you are probably just as well setting up your own web site, with lots of digital pictures of your work. Set up a paypall account and you will be able to take money for your work online (Am in the process of selling a pot in America using this method). Portfolios are always good. Get examples of your work together into a portfolio and it will help you get into college. As for the middle class. As an artist, these are the people who will be buying your work. People with money have always sponsored the arts and these people are more likely to buy your work than working class. They are the people who will help rocket your work to sucess or leave you starving in an artist garat somewhere. So here is a tip. Yes, try to develop a portfolio. Spend your spare time and money working on this and look at what you need to get in order to go to university if you feel that this will help you. But take care of the bread and butter as well. Find a career that will allow you to fund your art until you are able to sell enough to quit work. So learn to type and use a computer. Failing that, get your forklift licence. But you need something to put bread on the table until your art is selling and recognised. A lot of art is done on a computer now, so understanding basic IT is not bad. Hope this helps. Luck