Here are highlights of second chapter of the book "How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist:
1. Artists have the same need as other people to set goals and plan their careers.
2. Read note file and retrieve. Focus on real art news and career guides not just art reviews and critical essays. These resources contain info on the business of being an artist including directories, grants, exhibitions, legal and accounting, health hazards, laws, etc.. (Is there such a publication or website for Philippine artists?)
3. Set up files for various categories like grants programs curators, organizations, galleries, press contacts, websites, contracts
4. Create mailing lists for directors of galleries, curators, architects, art critics, editors, fans, collectors. Include specific names.
5. Consider a career advisor who will assist with all aspects of career planning and knowledgeable about the many facets, options and opportunities to artists.
6. Know the law, contracts, copyright, wills and estates, sales , income taxations. Artists should never feel intimidated helpless or victimized. Some artists are averse to the use of contracts because they naively believe that people who sell buy and exhibit are good kind and trustworthy. Or they erroneously believe that they have not achieved a level of recognition or success that permits them to ask for what they want or deserve. Requiring dealers to use contracts is not a sign of mistrust. Rather it shows that you take yourself and your work seriously.
7. Artists estates. You must take the initiative in planning for the survival of your work for your chosen beneficiaries. Estate planning for your works should be seen as an act of self respect.
8. Accounting. Know tax treatments and keep records to keep track of your artworks in terms of money.
9. Health insurance. Pension Plan. Create a nest egg for when you will be old and retire.
10. Health hazards. Various materials used by artists are directly responsible for serious health problems including cancer allergies etc
