7 Mistakes I Made After Quitting My 9-to-5 as an Artist (and How You Can Avoid Them!)

Quitting a stable 9-to-5 job to follow your passion sounds like a dream. But what happens after you take that leap? If you’re planning to become a full-time artist, you need to be prepared for the reality of running an art business. When I left my job to pursue art, I made several mistakes that slowed my progress. I want to share those with you so you can avoid them and build a thriving creative career.

7 Mistakes I Made After Quitting My 9-to-5 as an Artist (and How You Can Avoid Them!)

7 Mistakes I Made After Quitting My 9-to-5 as an Artist (and How You Can Avoid Them!) | Mistake 1. Not Having a Clear Plan

I was excited to start my art career but didn’t have a structured roadmap. Passion is important, but a solid plan is crucial. Before you quit, outline your goals, target audience, and revenue streams. Having a vision for where you want to go will save you from unnecessary stress and confusion.

Tip: Create a 6-month and 1-year action plan. Identify how you will market your work, where you will sell, and what kind of art you will focus on. Without a clear direction, you may find yourself overwhelmed by too many choices and not knowing where to begin. A business plan doesn't have to be complicated—it just needs to be clear enough to guide your decisions.

7 Mistakes I Made After Quitting My 9-to-5 as an Artist (and How You Can Avoid Them!) | Mistake 2. Underestimating Business Skills

I thought being a full-time artist meant just creating art. But running an art business requires marketing, selling, and managing finances. Without these skills, it’s difficult to sustain your career.

Tip: Learn basic business skills like pricing your art, branding, social media marketing, and bookkeeping. You don’t need to be an expert, but having a basic understanding will go a long way. Many artists overlook the importance of tracking expenses, filing taxes correctly, and setting up a professional online presence. Consider taking online courses or reading business books for artists to develop these essential skills.

7 Mistakes I Made After Quitting My 9-to-5 as an Artist (and How You Can Avoid Them!) | Mistake 3. Not Building an Audience First

I quit my job without a strong online presence. It takes time to grow a loyal audience who will buy your work. If no one knows you exist, making sales will be tough.

Tip: Start building an audience on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube while still working your 9-to-5. Engage with potential buyers, show your process, and let people connect with your art before you take the leap. Posting consistently and interacting with your audience helps build trust. Share behind-the-scenes content, work-in-progress updates, and personal stories about your artistic journey to create a strong connection with your followers.

7 Mistakes I Made After Quitting My 9-to-5 as an Artist (and How You Can Avoid Them!) | Mistake 4. Ignoring Multiple Income Streams

Relying on one source of income made things difficult. I expected original paintings alone to sustain me, but the reality is that income in the art world fluctuates.

Tip: Diversify your income streams! Consider offering prints, commissions, online art courses, Patreon, licensing your art, or selling art merchandise. Multiple streams of income will provide stability. Teaching workshops or collaborating with brands can also be lucrative. Many successful artists have multiple revenue sources that complement each other, making their businesses more resilient to changes in the market.

7 Mistakes I Made After Quitting My 9-to-5 as an Artist (and How You Can Avoid Them!) | Mistake 5. Not Setting a Daily Routine

Without the structure of a job, I struggled with consistency. Some days, I worked too much and burned out. Other days, I lacked motivation.

Tip: Create a daily schedule that includes time for painting, marketing, learning, and relaxation. Treat your art career like a job—set working hours and stick to them. Structure your week to include admin days, creative days, and content creation days. Overworking can lead to burnout, while underworking can result in stagnation. Find a balance that works for you.

7 Mistakes I Made After Quitting My 9-to-5 as an Artist (and How You Can Avoid Them!) | Mistake 6. Comparing My Journey to Others

I wasted time worrying about how fast other artists were growing. Social media can make you feel like you’re behind, but every artist’s journey is different.

Tip: Focus on your own progress. Set personal milestones and celebrate small wins. Instead of comparing, use successful artists as inspiration and learn from them. Understand that the artists you admire have likely been building their careers for years. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of consistent effort over time.

7 Mistakes I Made After Quitting My 9-to-5 as an Artist (and How You Can Avoid Them!) | Mistake 7. Expecting Instant Success

I thought my art business would take off quickly, but success takes time. Building an audience, making consistent sales, and growing as an artist is a long-term game.

Tip: Be patient and consistent. Keep creating, keep learning, and keep showing up. Success will come with time and effort. The first year of being a full-time artist can be the hardest, but persistence pays off. Stay adaptable and keep refining your approach.

What You Should Do Before Quitting Your 9-to-5

If you’re planning to leave your job for an art career, here are some essential steps to take before making the leap:

✔ Save at least 6 months of living expenses – This will give you a financial cushion while you build your art business.

✔ Build your brand and audience – Start growing your social media presence, email list, and website while you’re still employed.

✔ Test different income streams – Try selling prints, taking commissions, or offering classes before quitting. This will help you understand what works best for you.

✔ Learn business basics – Take online courses on marketing, pricing, and business management to prepare yourself.

✔ Set clear goals – Know what you want to achieve in your first year as a full-time artist.

Leaving a stable job to become a full-time artist is a big decision, and it’s not always easy. But with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn your passion into a successful career. Learn from my mistakes, plan ahead, and give yourself time to grow.

Have you thought about quitting your 9-to-5 to pursue art?

What challenges do you think you’ll face?

Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Free Printable Art Quotes!

Surround yourself with inspiration!

💛 Download this beautifully designed poster featuring 3 aesthetic quotes to keep you motivated every day. Print it, frame it, or pin it on your wall as a daily reminder to create, dream, and grow.

Grab your free poster now and add a touch of magic to your space! 💫

How to Use This Poster 

1️⃣ Print It – Use high-quality paper or cardstock for a premium look. You can print it at home or at a local print shop.

2️⃣ Frame It – Place it in a stylish frame to add an artistic touch to your workspace, bedroom, or studio.

3️⃣ Pin It – Use tape, clips, or a corkboard to pin it near your desk or creative space for daily inspiration.

4️⃣ Gift It – Share the motivation! Print extra copies and gift them to fellow artists, friends, or loved ones.

5️⃣ Use as a Journal Cover – Print it smaller and stick it on your sketchbook or planner for a daily creativity boost.

💛 However you choose to use it, let these quotes fill your space with positivity, creativity, and inspiration!

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