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Professional practice
Practical guides
How do I set up in business, organise events, make proposals? What are my responsibilities on copyright, insurance and health and safety? What's the best way to price work, approach galleries, get legal advice and collect debts?
Use these guides from artists, curators and arts experts as an introduction to being professional as an artist.
Guides
Getting paid
As a professional artist you may spend a good part of your time sending out invoices, chasing payments and generally worrying about your cashflow. This guide by Alison Branagan considers different payment options and offers practical advice on managing debtors. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk April 2003
Going for grants
Applying for funding? Ever wondered how the experts do it? Rosemary Shirley asked a range of experienced artists, curators and arts professionals to share their top tips for successful funding applications. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk October 2005
How to deal with VAT on sales
When selling work through a gallery, how does an artist deal with VAT on sales commission? VAT specialist Faye Armstrong explains. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk August 2011
How to get crowd-funding
Emily Speed on how crowd-funding uses the Internet to manifest new possibilities for revenue streams, turning small stakes into big ideas. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk January 2011
How to get tax credits
With constant news about the deteriorating economy, isn't it time you got a little help with your cash flow. Rachel Lamb, technical tax manager for Cumbrian-based accountants Dodd & Co, considers how to maximise tax benefits to help you in the current downturn. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk October 2010
How to improve your chances of getting work
Some tips and advice on strategies and approaches. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk April 2010
How to negotiate an exhibition
A guide for artists and arts organisers to creating a mutually-beneficial relationship. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk May 2010
How to save money
In these times of austerity, we've compiled a catalogue of money-saving ideas for freelancers that have been tried and tested by a-n readers. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk December 2010
Licensing reproductions
This checklist by Sheena Etches and Nicholas Sharp is a tool to help understand the purpose and content of a reproduction licence. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk April 2003
Negotiating a better rate of pay
Getting paid a fair fee is not suggestive of a revolution. So why does it sometimes incur resistance, both from those who pay and from ourselves? This guide by Rod McIntosh introduces ideas towards getting paid what you want and indeed deserve. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk January 2005
Not just a job but an opportunity
A guide to using Jobs & opps as a learning resource. Jane Watt reveals how www.a-n.co.uk/jobs_and_opps can be used as a valuable resource for artists to develop professional practice. She looks at how information from past opportunity listings, project reports and interviews can be used by artists to realise present and future goals. This guide is punctuated by a series of six ‘activities’ that enable users to realise the full potential of resources on offer. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk October 2009
Pensions for artists
This guide aims to set out why people should be considering a pension or retirement plan and a number of different choices that are available. The document is primarily aimed at self employed artists. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk June 2007
Promoting your practice
Jeanie Finlay points artists in the right direction on the road to self promotion. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk June 2007
Quality on a budget
In an ideal world you would only embark on projects where there is sufficient funds available. This guide by Rod McIntosh outlines an approach to finding workable compromises whilst maintaining quality for times when money is tight. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk May 2005
Repaying student loans when self-employed
This guide by Rebecca Benneyworth highlights the key aspects to be aware of when dealing with student loans in self-assessment returns. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk February 2010
Residencies in business
Lucy Kimbell outlines some issues that can arise from residencies in business settings and should be resolved in advance. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk April 2003
Safe working practice
Whilst safe working practice is largely a matter of common sense, it is also a legal and professional issue. This guide by David Pope introduces the key legislation and offers practical advice on risk assessment. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk April 2003
Selecting a solicitor
If you need a solicitor, it is important to be able to identify the right one to handle your particular situation and to prepare adequately, in order to minimise your costs. Guide by Sheena Etches and Nicholas Sharp. Read on…
Guide, a-n.co.uk April 2003
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