I started reading biographies earlier this year at the suggestion of Andy Andrews, author or "The Traveler's Gift".  Andy stated that when he started his career he began by reading biographies because they share the secrets of the person's success.  As I began reading biographies they all have one thing in common, each person was successful.  I guess they don't write biographies about failures.

As an artist I wanted to read the biography of someone famous in the art community and I was drawn to Ansel Adams.  Most people don't know that Ansel Adams struggled financially most of his life.  His real monetary wealth didn't come until the last twelve years of his life.  Obviously his estate is being rewarded handsomely. 

What you get from reading these biographies is the artist's path of development.  What was their artistic vision?  How did they get their work out into the world?  Who did they meet along the way and where did they meet these people?  Why artists today feel they need to reinvent the wheel is puzzling.  Reading a biography will give you the opportunity to live a successful artist life at least vicariously while you're emerging.  It will give you support knowing that others have tackled challenges and survived, event thrived. 

Remember a biography is art...writing is art.  Consider the biography part of your art business education and I guarantee that you too will be rewarded.

Gotta go read...
Greg

artist success strategist