5 Essential Tips for Preparing Your Art Business for the Unexpected

Something that is often overlooked when talking about starting and running an art business is:  Can your business handle an emergency? Can it survive chaos? 

The recent L.A. fires, have prompted me to reflect on this. Living in L.A. County, I was about 20 miles from the Eaton fire in Pasadena. Witnessing the blanket of smoke from my window was a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.

(Listen to the podcast for full details. Rather read the transcript? Check it out here. Otherwise enjoy the summary below!)

The Reality of Emergencies

During the fires, we received an evacuation warning on our phones. Though it turned out to be a false alarm. However, in those tense moments, my thoughts raced about essentials, our two cats, and where we would find shelter. My business was the last thing on my mind, which I have found to be true in other types of emergencies like an illness or the death of a loved one.

The Importance of Preparedness

Emergencies can disrupt your business for days, weeks, or even months. It's crucial to prepare your business to withstand such disruptions. Here are some strategies to help:

Financial Stability

Money is often the biggest stressor. Ensure you have enough savings in your business bank account to cover expenses for a few months. Shanna Skidmore's resources have been invaluable for managing finances as a creative entrepreneur.

Passive Income Streams

Consider revenue streams that don't require your constant attention. About 20-30% of my income comes from passive sources, like licensing deals with print galleries. This can relieve the burden of generating income during emergencies.

Essential Equipment

Identify the minimum equipment you need to run your business from another location. As a digital artist, I rely on my desktop and drawing tablet. Consider what you would need if you had to leave everything else behind.

Outsourcing Production

Can someone else produce and ship your products? Having a backup company for dropshipping can keep your business running smoothly. It takes time to find a reputable company, so start looking now.

Automated Marketing

Implement marketing systems that work without you, like Pinterest, SEO, and email automation. These can help maintain sales even when you're not actively involved.

Communication with Clients

If an emergency impacts your business for more than a week, notify your audience and clients. Transparency builds trust and prevents misunderstandings. Use email, social media, and website banners to communicate any changes.

Conclusion

Preparing your business for emergencies is essential. Build savings, explore passive income, streamline equipment needs, consider outsourcing, and automate marketing. Most importantly, communicate with your clients. These steps can help your business survive and thrive, even in challenging times.

If you found this post helpful, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more insights.

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Additional Resources Mentioned in the Episode

E10 | 5 ways to diversify your art business for sustainable growth

Shanna Skidmore - Finance Expert for Creative Entrepreneurs

Leverage your existing art to create a supportive business with passive income. Learn how with Passive Revenue Streams for Artists