How to be an artist in the 21st Century – Answers please!

What is your advice on how to be an artist in the 21st century?

All artists are asked to answer the above question and send their answer to artist@flaneur.me.uk with HOW TO BE AN ARTIST in the title. We would also like you to answer some or all of the following questions as well, although this is not as important!

Your answers may be published by The Flaneur as part of an ebook and online and in other formats. By returning your answers you allow us to use your answers and images in our publications. Click here for full terms and conditions

Further questions ( non compulsory)
How long have you been an artist?
Describe your artistic practice:
How does the reality of being an artist compare to what you expected?
Can you support yourself just through your art?
How do you fund your art otherwise?
How much time per week can you practise your art?
Describe your studio space:
What ways have you found to help make a living in art? Eg, selling editions.

Artist or Art Entrepreneur?
How do you market your work?
Are you deliberately trying to build a brand?
Where do you sell your work?
Do you sell online?
Do you regard it as part of an artist’s job to actively try to sell their work?
Do you have a target market in mind when you work?
What percentage of your arts time is spent on:
…creating work __%
…marketing __%
…admin __%
…other (please specify) __%

Technology
How big a part does technology play…
…in your work?
…in your marketing?
How much time a day do you spend online?
Do you consider yourself computer-literate?
Do you think that you would be more successful if you were more skilled with computers?
Do you use social media?
What part does Twitter play in spreading news of your work?
Have you suffered online theft of your images?

Chin scratching:
Are we living through a time of artistic change comparable to the Renaissance?
Is the reproducibility of digital art a failing or a benefit?
Has life got easier or harder for artists in the 21st century?

Advice:
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
What other tips can you offer to other artists trying to make a living in the 21st century?

Links:
Website:
Other:

Thanks very much. If you want to please attach images of your work and of yourself. If you want us to stay in touch so that you can learn about the launch of the ebook and whether you have been included please sign up for our weekly newsletter at the top of the page.