Art Business...

"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Teaching and opperating a studio is a business and there are many aspects of this business that need our constant attention in order to run smoothly. Often the teacher will wear many hats. Responsibilities can run the gamut from book keeper, to art instructor, travel agent, seminar coordinator and janitor. Other duties can include web site maintaniance, author, designer, mentor, and of course we can't forget parent and partner.

Time management becomes one of the greatest challenges to control and balance. Often we are caught between deadlines and family schedules. Keeping everything in order and as simple as possible is the usually the best approach. Below you will find topics which the Academy thinks may be of help to you, they have been helpful for us...

"One of the major causes of personal failure is the lack of persistence in carrying through that which one begins." ~ Unknown

Hosting a seminar - things you need to know...

When hosting a seminar there are many things to consider.  The first step is to figure out all the costs of the seminar.  Find out exactly what is and what is not included. 
When working with a shop contracts are always a good idea – for the shop and for the teacher.  Decide what items on your contract will be negotiable and point these out when working with a shop.  The best policy is to remember it has to be good for both the teacher and the shop.  Generally shops make their money on the surface, supplies and subsequent sales that are made during the seminar.  If they are covering the teachers’ expenses then obviously they will determine the actual charge for the seminar.  Make sure cancellation policies are clear to all parties involved.

Whether you are the teacher, the host, or both - you will need to consider all of the items below when planning for the seminar and determining the cost.

If you are not the teacher – find out:

• If the teacher charges per student find out the minimum number they require
• If it’s a daily fee – find out if there is a limit to the number of students
• Travel expenses?
• Room & Board Expense
• Shipping fees – project, surfaces, etc.
• Are the patterns, instructions & step pictures included in the teaching fee?
• Who will order the painting surface?

Location of the seminar – When renting a room or arranging for one:

• Hotels often have gratuity and/or set up charges – be sure you find out
• Check the tables and chairs – confirm that the table size is adequate
• Do they charge for water and coffee service or is it included?
• Do you have a 24 hour hold on the room?  This is necessary if your     seminar is more than one day.
• Can you bring in food or must you order it from them?  If you have to order it from them there will be tax on it and a tip added to your bill – be prepared.  
• Will they allow you to provide snacks for breaks?
• What hours will you are allowed to occupy the room?  Is this negotiable?
• Will they secure/lock the room at night when you leave?
• Do they provide free parking?

Miscellaneous Expenses:
Photo copies and mailings
Surface

Hosting duties for teachers and for non teachers
Securing the location
Making boarding arrangements for the teacher
Advertising – provide all the details

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"Most small problems, when nourished with procrastination, will grow bigger and bigger." ~ unknown

Building your Reference Library...

"The disciplined person is the one who does what needs to be done when it needs to be done.' ~ unknown

 

Resource materials and the artistic journey go hand in hand. This can be a useful addition to any studio, you will find enjoyment and inspiration here, and your students too will be motivated to study.

These librarys feed our intellect and provide inspiration for us. They help us explore and develop ideas; they empower us with the knowledge of our favorite subjects or disciplines.
Collecting art reference books and DVD’s is a serious undertaking, but one which can be looked at as an investment in our artistic future. They help our own ‘self directed’ art education, making it a rich and productive experience.  
Finding the right kinds of materials for our studies can be a daunting proposition unless we know exactly the direction we wish to take. As you prepare to build your personal reference library, it is good to have a plan.

Begin by taking an inventory of what you already own, make a list of the different 'genres' or categories which interest you now and perhaps will in the future. Buying a book is an investment so being sure about the content is a bonus. Reviews are often helpful and may help you make educated decisions about your choice.

As you make lists of what catagories interest you, you may find that other ideas develop. As you brouse our library on this website, you may develop interest in new topics that you may not have though of before. This is inspiration at work, a seed that is planted and then it is up to you to nuture it. You may never know if and when that seed will sprout unless it is planted...

 

 

 

 

Setting up the classroom...

When setting up a classroom for a home studio you will most likely be working within a predetermined area.

If you have a choice of areas to use there are some obvious considerations, the first being the size of the room.  You will also want to be close to a sink and close to a restroom if you plan to bring students in.  A main floor room makes for easier access and no one need worry about navigating stairs.  Natural lighting is a plus in a classroom, but either way excellent lighting is mandatory. If you will be painting at night more lighting will probably be required.  The size of the space available determines much of what can be done.  You will want sturdy tables and chairs and garbage cans.  A Video camera and a monitor set up is always a nice addition to any classroom.  A computer and/or a DVD player in your studio and also a copy machine that is capable of enlarging and reducing can also be very convenient.

The first step is to map out your space and determine what you are actually able to fit into the available space.  It works well to make a drawing to scale on graph paper, indicating where all the doors and windows are before you begin to plan.   Then make little templates (to scale) for your tables, chairs, desks, shelving, filing cabinets, and anything else you would like to have.  Make templates for walkways. 

Measure the sizes of your tables and plan a minimum of three feet for student space behind each one and also allow 2 or 3 feet of space for others to pass behind the student space.

Allow for a standing easel and room for the teachers table, plus room for the students to gather and watch the teacher paint up close.

You will want to have cupboards or shelves for storing the items that will be used in conjunction with your painting classes.  Having everything easily accessible and organized is more relaxing for you as well as for potential students.  Determine the various places shelves or cupboards could go.  Then try placing your templates in different directions and grouping.  It’s easier to try it all on paper and change things around to your hearts content.  If you are short on space try placing the tables so two butt up against each other so students would look directly at each other and would see the teacher when looking to their side.

Don’t crowd in more that you can comfortably fit.  If your space is tight you may need to find another area for all office and storage items. Just make sure that it is nearby and easily accessible. 

When decorating your studio we suggest that it reflect an educational environment.  Students love to view your artwork so plan to display it but don’t crowd it up too much.  It is preferable to exchange things once in a while and keep the studio feeling a little more peaceful and relaxed. There is a separate article on choosing colors for your studio that you will want to refer to.

 

 

 

 

Teaching - What will I charge?

Deciding to teach is the first big decision, now comes the hard part, how much do you charge?  This is sometimes the hardest to figure out, especially for a new teacher just starting out. But everyone starts somewhere and one must make the decision based on several things...
 
First and foremost, realize that it is up to you to place real value on what you do. You have spent a long time gathering your skills, teaching yourself and taking educational workshops to learn all that you have learnt. In order for your teaching to be respected and valued you must realize that your accumulated knowledge is important and that those who wish to learn will pay to have your knowledge and experience passed on to them. How much do you pay to have your hair done or to have the gasket in your fridge replaced? Always recognize that if you have prepared yourself to start teaching, you must look at it like just like any professional does. Ask yourself, "what have I got to offer?"

Your hourly time is worth a fair rate. If you present a professional image and do your homework to prepare yourself for teaching, you will have something of value to offer your prospective students. If you charge $2.00 per lesson, the student will expect to get $2.00 worth of knowledge. Remember, ‘perceived’ value is the key to any marketing plan and when you teach, in essence you are marketing your skills to the prospective student.

Ask around at your local college, go on line and have a look at similar situations, or pick up a brochure and compare the course and the length of the course to get an idea of what they charge per hour for classes and workshops. Keep in mind that experienced teachers will command higher fees, so this would not be the best measure or comparison. Look for situations that are similar to your own. Network with other teachers, this will certainty help you establish a fair rate.
This is only a starting point but it will tell you something about what your community will pay to attend various styles of classes.