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Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Gillian Ogilvie

Sydney, Australia

Finally!

Someone has articulated the frustration and fears I’ve been carrying around for decades as a fine artist.

Ann Elizabeth Rea’s no-B.S. approach is such a breath of fresh air.

What she is saying stands in stark contrast to all the stuffy, self-involved, snobby conversations that are so common in the art world.

As a bonus, her book is gorgeous so I purchased a journal and all three framed posters.

If you’re ready to flip the script on how to succeed as a professional artist, I highly recommend this book.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Lora Varnelis

Saint Joseph, Michigan

Raw. Inspiring. Creative. Beautiful.

Ann Elizabeth Rea has ingeniously written an emotional and authentic testament of what it is like to be an artist – and the many challenges faced when trying to survive and then thrive by making art. 

This personal account of her journey and the insights and epiphanies along the way have culminated into a manifesto that turns the art establishment on its head. 

This beautifully written and magnificently designed book captures the mind and spirit with its whimsical and unique way of delivering a message that speaks straight to the heart. 

This book is must read for fine artists and those who have ever dreamed of doing more.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Aaron Parker

San Francisco, California

This book is an invaluable resource, particularly for fine artists who sometimes need some help thinking like businesspeople.

It’s also beautifully designed, which inspires the reader not to sacrifice their artistry, even as they build business-minded practices.

A great reference and skill-builder for any fine artist interested in selling more art.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Isabelle Grahm

Beverly Hills, California

Ann Rea's book is a real revelation! 

This beautifully designed book provides a vital pathway to becoming sovereign for the serious artist whose life is about making art. 

Finally, the harsh and truthful insights are unmasked that accurately detail what is currently wrong with "The Art World."  

Practical steps on how to overcome the tyranny of the gallery systems have been carefully thought out & presented. 

These are real remedies,  which lamentably are not taught in art schools. 

I myself am a professional artist who has experienced firsthand all the complex dynamics of how the art world really works.

For most artists, this is causing detriment and lasting harm. 

The 'manifesto' in this book can ignite one onto a liberating path of self-empowerment. 

My hope is that all serious Artists will be inspired and motivated by this message and thus take the reins of their own power.

Artists and collectors worldwide would profoundly benefit from such a global revolution!

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Roberta Heslop

Ingestion, England

This is a must-read for any artist who aspires to make a living from their art and truly create their own art business.

Ann describes the pain that we as artists feel in trying to ‘be discovered’ because she knows how it feels.

In this book, she gives direct and clear strategies to help you free yourself financially and take control of your destiny. 

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Guy Drennan

Vancouver, Washington

If you are a fine artist, this book will change your paradigm about art and money.

I found myself saying, “Yes. YES!” to Ann’s insightful approach, which breaks the mold around the artists’ struggle while pointing the way to true freedom from the painful drudgery of the “starving artist.”

The layout is even more visually stimulating, breaking the text body into distinct sections.

I recommend this book to artists and non-artists alike.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Derek Bower

Cimarron, Kansas

If you want to learn how to sell even more of your fine art as an artist and succeed, give this a read.

No other source like this.

It offers a different but inspiring perspective from the mainstream methods artists have been hoping would work.

Rea's approach is not about hoping for success someday by being discovered, getting exposure, or getting into galleries.

Artist and author Ann Elizabeth Rea tells her story and experience of how she discovered the underlying concepts of this new perspective, or revolution, as she puts it.

The book reflects the basis of the Making Art Making Money School of Business program that she offers to artists who want to get serious about selling their art.

She includes stories of students she has helped, which are sure to inspire.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Lucinda Draine

Cambridge, Massachusetts

I just finished reading your book (every word).

Bravo!

I am happy to give a 5-star review.

Your story is engaging, meaningful, and of service to those who need to hear it.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Mandy Cameron

San Francisco, California

Ann Rea's book is an engaging read that stands out for its clear writing and well-structured narrative.

Rea's ability to present complex ideas about the art world in a straightforward, easy-to-follow manner makes the book approachable for readers of all levels. 

The pacing is just right, and the language flows, ensuring you can stay immersed in the content without feeling bogged down or overwhelmed. 

Whether you're a newcomer to this subject matter or a professional artist, the book provides a smooth and interesting experience.

Overall, it's a highly well-written work that perfectly balances depth, clarity, and thoughtful and playful graphics.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Daniel Barrett

Austin, Texas

Ann Elizabeth changed my life as my coach, and she has generously put the principles she taught me into a beautiful book.

I was scraping pennies and scrounging gigs, and now I have a thriving six-figure musical career and a Grammy nomination.

Do not pass go.

Do not listen to the prevailing bitching about art and money.

Run and get this book, and DO what she says.

She is a rare beacon of common sense in a landscape fraught with limiting beliefs.

"Yes, You Can Make a Better Living as a Fine Artist." will be a book that changes many artists' lives.

I'm living and loving proof that Ann Elizabeth is the truth, Ruth.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Jennifer McCombs

Girdwood, Alaska

I highly recommend this book.

The methods described in it work, and it's time for artists to get paid for their high-quality work.

All professional fine artists should read this book.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Michelle Pepitone

San Francisco, California

Ann Rea's book about the myriad difficulties faced by artists trying to sell their artwork opened my eyes to the exploitative way dealers treat artists.

Thank you, Ann, for explaining how artists can make a living selling their art.

In doing so, consumers can make more informed choices about buying artwork, making art more sustainable.

Also, the book design is gorgeous.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Dana Woolman

Manistee, Michigan

"Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist" captured my interest from the first page and kept me engaged.

The book resonated with me personally, particularly Rea's emphasis on the importance of mindset in achieving success.

It evoked a sense of empowerment and motivated me to apply the principles to my artistic endeavors.

The book's relevance to current challenges faced by artists in a competitive market makes it timely and valuable.

One of the book's strengths is its clear and actionable advice.

Rea excels in breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps.

Overall, "Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist" is a must-read for any artist serious about turning their passion into a profitable business.

This rating reflects the book's practical value, motivational impact, and Rea's ability to demystify the business side of art for her readers.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Paul Zasso

Roseville, California

I appreciate that Ann's book is very direct and to the point.

She clearly has a lot of real-life experiences and describes some of those experiences in her book.

She does a nice job of pulling back the curtain on what most art schools are doing and how it is virtually impossible to be successful after attending said school.

Ann offers detailed information on what it takes to successfully sell art instead of saying, "Let's hope for the best."

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Juliana White

San Francisco, California

Ann Rea delivers a powerful, raw account of her experiences navigating the art world.

Her story is not only an inspiring blueprint for artists striving for financial success, but it also sheds light on the systemic biases fine artists are facing.

The honesty and vulnerability in her writing make this book a must-read for anyone looking to transform their creative passion into a sustainable business.

A truly empowering guide for artists at any stage of their journey.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Irene Weisman

San Mateo, California

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist" is a book for those of us who are intensely passionate about our art, our music, our craft, even our healing modality that we naively believe that if we only master our discipline that the world will magically see our value.

The reality is that we, as magical, talented, giving, and thoughtful, creative souls, would benefit greatly from 1) examining and likely changing our mindset about our own intrinsic value and 2) learning proven business and marketing techniques that will result in actually selling our goods and services with integrity.  

There is no integrity in being a starving artist constantly on the brink of calling it quits.

I wish I had known this early on and taken Ann Elizabeth's course at the start of my career.

But I'm grateful for the teachings and mindset change that ultimately lead to my success and an increase in my confidence and self-worth.

This book is well-written, easy to digest, captivating, and practical.

Absolutely anyone in a creative small business role would benefit!

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Sabina Kleyman

Walnut Creek, California

If you want a reasonable, straight-to-the-point book and insight from an experienced fine artist, this book is for you.

"Yes, You Can Make a Better Living as a Fine Artist" is a no-nonsense book with a practical perspective and suggestions that can lead you to sought-after success.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Dina Kligman

San Francisco, California

Ann Rea delivers a powerful, raw account of her experiences navigating the art world.

Her story is not only an inspiring blueprint for artists striving for financial success, but it also sheds light on the systemic biases fine artists are facing.

The honesty and vulnerability in her writing make this book a must-read for anyone looking to transform their creative passion into a sustainable business.

A truly empowering guide for artists at any stage of their journey.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Rachael Mazel

Lafayette, California

We all know that your art professors will not teach you how to make a living as a fine artist.

When I asked my favorite professor how I could make a living, she shamed me for having any concerns about money, and this message stuck with me and caused many years of inner conflict.

After so many failed attempts working with art galleries that either didn't pay me or went out of business, I realized that I needed to take matters into my own hands.

However, I couldn't find any solid guidance until I found Ann Elizabeth Rea's new book.

I can only imagine how different my life would be as a fine artist if I had received Ann Elizabeth Rea's guidance instead of the stiffening shaming I received from my art professor, who I wish I had not trusted with my life.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Ambrette Gilkey

Greeley, Colorado

Ann Elizabeth Rea walks the walk and talks her talk as a successful art businesswoman who has chosen to lift other artists around her—if they choose to take action.

This book offers hope for artists who feel stuck or unsure how to build a thriving art business.

The author's stories of other artists remind you that you're not alone in these struggles and that there is a clear, attainable way forward.

She helped me rekindle the "art warrior" within me—the part of me that can stand tall with a genuine smile and confidently say, "I am an artist, and I am serving my mission."

This book is a must-read whether you're just starting or seeking to reimagine your future.

Ann Rea's straightforward style is perfectly paired with key insights, presented in a stunning layout with thoughtful typography.

It's a powerful reminder that success is possible—and that you have the power to create it as long as you choose to act.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Jina Kim

San Jose, California

If you are a fine artist who wants to sell more of your art but not now, you've probably been wondering why for a while.

Maybe you're wondering, "What's wrong with me.

Why are other fine artists selling but not me?

How can I create a fine art business?"

These were the questions that were going through my mind.

Yet, I still wanted to make money from my art.

If you're tired of telling your family that your fine art is not just a hobby, then this book you must read.

Ann Elizabeth Rea is my mentor.

She changed everything with my fine art business, my life, and my art.

These changes began with one question she asked me, "What is your predominant thought about making art and making money?"

Despite what you're thinking, if you have sold your art, you can make more money with your fine art.

You would have done it by now if you could have figured out how to increase your fine art sales and find more affluent collectors.

Ann's right, "We don't succeed alone."

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Travis Krause

Greeley, Colorado

"Yes, You Can Make a Better Living as a Fine Artist" is the book I needed 20 years ago.

Every word felt like it spoke directly to my artist's soul.

Illustrative stories are so relatable, and I can finally see what I'm selling and why I have the calling of an artist.

A bonus is that the book is beautifully laid out, and those aesthetics speak to the manifesto's message.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Emily Araujo 

Altadena, California

Ann Elizabeth Rea walks the walk and talks her talk as a successful art businesswoman who has chosen to lift other artists around her—if they choose to take action.

This book offers hope for artists who feel stuck or unsure how to build a thriving art business.

The author's stories of other artists remind you that you're not alone in these struggles and that there is a clear, attainable way forward.

She helped me rekindle the "art warrior" within me—the part of me that can stand tall with a genuine smile and confidently say, "I am an artist, and I am serving my mission."

This book is a must-read whether you're just starting or seeking to reimagine your future.

Ann Rea's straightforward style is perfectly paired with key insights, presented in a stunning layout with thoughtful typography.

It's a powerful reminder that success is possible—and that you have the power to create it as long as you choose to act.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Nancy Ill

Sausalito, California

"Yes, You Can Make a Better Living as a Fine Artist" rings true for all artists who want to see how to support their art and their artistic practice.

This book will blow up all the preconceptions you've learned and open you up to a new way of looking at your work, yourself, and your art business.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Jessica Babcock

Santa Cruz, California

This stunning book revealed my struggle to sell more of my art.

As a business owner, you would think I would know how to increase my art sales.

However, I was carrying around a common misguided perception that in order to sell more of my art, I needed to learn how to better sell myself. Ick!

Ann Elizabeth Rea clarifies that it’s impossible to sell oneself.

Successful fine artists don’t try to sell themselves, they serve a mission that’s greater than themselves.

Brilliant!

I bought her framed manifesto for my new studio to remind me of the 10 most important tenets of making art and making money with dignity.

Note that this book marks a new empowering movement in fine art history that you don't want to miss.

Yes, you can make a better living as a fine artist. -Ann Elizabeth Rea

Cornelius Geary 

San Francisco, California

This book is a fantastic resource for fine artists who want to learn how to increase their fine art sales while profitably marketing their art.

Expertly designed by an artist to close the gap between art-making and money-making.

Is it even possible to make a better living as a fine artist?

Absolutely. If you know what you're doing.

If you've sold your art, that's evidence that you could be selling more.

Yet, most professional fine artists are fearfully clutching a confidence-crushing formula.

  1. (WORK) hard.
  2. (SHOW) which we know doesn't mean selling your fine art.
  3. (HOPE) that a better representative will choose you.
  4. (REPEAT) until your dignity is destroyed and you give up.

No one can guarantee your success, but the same tired formula guarantees failure.

Hint: Build a profitable fine art business instead of building an art career.

Buy The Book

Introduction

A Moment of False Hope

I remember one seemingly innocent moment during an early afternoon in November 1999.

It was a short-lived moment when I believed that my dream of becoming a successful living as a fine artist was about to come true.

Your moment of false hope could have happened one year, five years, or even decades ago.

My moment happened while visiting Wayne Thiebaud at his art studio at The University of California at Davis.

Perched on a weathered, paint-splattered wooden chair, I leaned in, my hands tightly clasped, eagerly awaiting an art critique from a living legend.

True to his reputation, Wayne Thiebaud offered an insightful artistic perspective. Then he handed me my letter of recommendation.

After reading Wayne's letter, I found the courage to ask him a pressing lifelong question. How can I make a living as a fine artist?

One of Wayne's paintings had just sold on the secondary market for over one million dollars, so I figured he could tell me how to become successful.

I didn't know that when Wayne's painting sold on the secondary art market, he didn’t receive the proceeds; the seller and the art auction house made the money.

Yet, Wayne started scribbling the common failing four-part formula for artistic success into my mind, work + show + hope + repeat.

I don’t know, he added. I’m not a businessman.

My inside voice said, The Internal Revenue Service sure thinks you're a businessman.

He didn’t intend to become a businessman so he didn’t see himself as one.

Wayne's casual comment pointed out the persistent psychological divide between making art and making money, one which has needlessly crippled artists for too long.

In the United States, if your annual earnings from selling art are $400 or more, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to submit a profit and loss statement for your business.

Check with your tax advisor to see where you stand.

Although Wayne Thiebaud was one of the few fine artists to win the rigged lottery run by the art establishment, he had to gamble his entire life for an incredibly slim chance of earning a respectable living from his time and talent.

Most fine artists are following the familiar failing four-part formula and they will do so until they give up or die.

Buy The Book
 

Ann Elizabeth Rea

Fine Artist & Mentor

Ann has helped thousands of different types of fine artists, photographers, and craftsmen from 23 countries and counting since 2005.

Ann Elizabeth Rea is a fine artist and mentor. She is on a mission to help other fine artists take their power back from the scarcity and permission-based art establishment by teaching them how to sell more of their art and make more money with more dignity.

She founded the Making Art Making Money Âź School of Business, where students graduate by selling enough of their fine art to cover their tuition at a minimum.

Ann's mentor, Wayne Thiebaud, an art icon, praised her artistic talent. ABC, HGTV, Creative Live, The Good Life Project, Career Renegade, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Wine Enthusiast, Art Business News, Fortune, and Inc. Magazines have featured her art and business savvy.

Contact us to book Ann Elizabeth Rea for speaking engagements. 

Making Art Making Money as featured by:
Art. Money. Power. A New On-Demand Workshop for fine artists

Art. Money. Power.

A New On-Demand Workshop

-with 3 days of live support

An exclusive invitation for experienced fine artists who are ready to:

  • sell more fine art and make more money in 2025
  • restore their confidence
  • reclaim their power

Start your on-demand workshop the minute you register.

Register now, and you'll receive three days of live support via text or direct message. 

Please note. Registration will be increasing from $48 to $192 soon.

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