Where To Start a Creative Art Business

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

I didn't know how to start an art business.  Or even where to begin.  At my "real jobs," I did have experience with creating and implementing programs.  So, I began with a very simple business plan that was only a few pages long.  Almost every assumption, plan and idea didn't end up working except for one tiny detail.  It said, "Create as much as possible."

Seems obvious, right?  But, this is where I see many of my colleagues fail.  Why do we need to keep making new pieces?  Because we can only sell what is available to purchase.  And when I worked a very brief stint at a very successful retailer, I learned they only sell 10% of their inventory.  This means, if you want to earn $10,000, you should plan to have $100,000 worth of art to sell.  Whis means we need to know how many pieces we can make in a week, month, and year.  This is where business begins.

It can seem daunting, but we all have to start somewhere.  My business started with $50 of supplies, 10 paintings, and a very inaccurate business plan.  It was a humble start full of experimentation, trial-and-error, mistakes, surprise victories, and so much more.  I was constantly learning.  I'm still learning.  But, the biggest lesson for me is still "create as much as possible."

🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞

Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun

https://www.facebook.com/events/1060097501884160

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

💣 Does It Matter? 💣:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/does-it-matter-71218e31b858?sk=69bc8bb5e6e85776700c19bcb13bf552

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/BrightscapesArt/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Do Whitefish Eat Candy?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Do Whitefish Eat Candy? #535

pen, ink, and color pencil on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202307040

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232846174/do-whitefish-eat-candy-535-artist

Do whitefish eat candy?

What do you believe?

What would it mean if it were true?

JOIN US for the

ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! 

There will be lots of artists, collectors, traders, and more. How happy are you with your art collection?

https://www.facebook.com/events/666551288240784

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

Culture of Transparency

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/culture-of-transparency-6426b48d5ac7

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Why Biscuit Rush Lips?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Why Biscuit Rush Lips? #534

pen, ink, and color pencil on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202307039

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/237257008/biscuit-rush-lips-534-artist-trading

Why biscuit rush lips?

What do you know?

What if lips delayed biscuit?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

Culture of Transparency

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/culture-of-transparency-6426b48d5ac7

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Do Whitefish Eat Candy?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Do Whitefish Eat Candy? #533

pen, ink, and color pencil on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202307035

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232846174/whitefish-eat-candy-533-artist-trading

Do whitefish eat candy?

What do you believe?

What would it mean if it were true?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

Culture of Transparency

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/culture-of-transparency-6426b48d5ac7

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (17.8 cm x 22.9 cm)

202205017

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/184035042/roaring-factory-original-acrylic

The oldest part of the factory was opened along the lakeshore by a German immigrant in 1899.  Raw materials flowed in from the many tributaries to feed its machinery.  Not only did it ship its products worldwide, but it was the center of a community that was built around it.  What happens to us now that it is gone?

We don't mourn the loss of the foul and horrid structure.  But it was the glue that bound friends and neighbors to a common interior life.  It overwhelmed all of our senses and its success became our success.  How do we keep a community that is no longer working together?  We can still be friends and neighbors even if we disagree on what to do next. 

This piece would work in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, light purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished

acrylic paint on canvas board

7" x 9" (17.8 cm x 22.9 cm)

202203007

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/184035042/roaring-factory-original-acrylic

The oldest part of the factory was opened along the lakeshore by a German immigrant in 1899.  Raw materials flowed in from the many tributaries to feed its machinery.  Not only did it ship its products worldwide, but it was the center of a community that was built around it.  What happens to us now that it is gone?

We don't mourn the loss of the foul and horrid structure.  But it was the glue that bound friends and neighbors to a common interior life.  It overwhelmed all of our senses and its success became our success.  How do we keep a community that is no longer working together?  We can still be friends and neighbors even if we disagree on what to do next. 

This piece would work in a small space that is dark red, dark orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

All We Hear Is Radio Gaga

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Marketplace by NPR (National Public Radio) recently interviewed me for a segment about "alternative investments" in art.  Please listen at: 

https://www.marketplace.org/2019/02/13/business/hobby-investments-cant-escape-darn-global-economy

More advice on art investment available at:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html

Your Friend,

Michael Kraus

MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - To hear about my artwork, process, and mutt, listen to Graphic Ear interview at WAYO 104.3FM at: https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/

Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

"All Entities Move and Nothing Remains Still"

"All Entities Move and Nothing Remains Still", 2014

pen, ink, and graphite

© copyright Mike Kraus

When is a place no longer home?  Is it when you no longer recognize the town?  Maybe it’s when all the institutions you were involved with have dissolved?  Or could it be when all your friends and family have fled?  Is the passing of time what makes it so “you can’t go home again?”

Good Night Factory

Good Night Factory, 2014

scratchboard

© copyright Mike Kraus

The Acropolis or Coliseum of the Industrial Age.  Ruins commonly found throughout the Rust Belt.  The upheaval that occurred as families left the manual labor of their farms for the power-driven manufacturing of monolithic corporations.  A complicated artificial bond that brought gains in efficiency, medicine, and life expectancy as well as ecological damage, dehumanization, and greater inequality.  A dysfunctional relationship that scars entire regions as production is automated or leaves for poverty-stricken districts desperate for menial wages.  What happens to people when we are no longer needed?

This Long National Nightmare Is Finally Over...

After two very, very long years of looking.  Many, many declined offers.  Failed inspections.  And about a billion other issues, we finally have a home:


Here I am with my very, super excited little wife in front of our little home on 41 Woodside in Penfield


A fireplace in the living room.  


The kitchen.  


First floor bathroom.  Under the vanity has a lot of lost little kid items


Master bedroom


Family room entrance and hutch



rest of the family room


Another bedroom on the second floor



Another bedroom upstairs


The world's most beautiful yellow bathroom.  This picture really doesn't do justice to it...


I'll be adopting a lot of goats to mow this lawn.


Home sweet home!

There are about a million people we have to thank for making it possible for us to even have a home.  It's crazy how long it took and quickly it all ended.  YEAH!