How to Make a Living as an Artist

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Leaving the corporate world to follow your passion in art might seem a little scary, right? Maybe you have been considering letting go of a full-time job or many side gigs to try to make a living off the sales of your art? You might be wondering if it is possible to make a living as an artist.

Today, I’m excited to share a talk with artist David Micheal Guerrero who made that leap. David’s design and art work has been featured on the HGTV show Flip or Flop. In this interview, he tells us how he discovered his passion for art and design, and he shares his secrets to learning how to make a living as an artist. It turns out, success comes when you least expect it.

Read on to discover how David followed his passion for art and discovered unique ways to market himself.

Please give us a little background on yourself with art, staging and interior design at the center…

Much like many designers or space planners when growing up, I rearranged my bedroom many times with furniture cut outs. Before sharing the best option with my brothers whom I also shared the room with, I wanted to see what they would propose first. I proceeded to tell them how their ideas wouldn’t work for the space, and how my plan was the best possible solution. So you see, I not only practiced space planning as a kid, I also was learning the art of listening and selling my ideas.

I have been a designer/coordinator since 2006 and worked my way up using natural artistic talents. In order to start my own company, I knew I would need to go back to school and get Certified as an Interior Designer. I went to Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut for two and a half years and finished in 2018. I started DAVID MICHAEL GUERRERO DESIGN LLC also in 2018.

Regarding my art…

As a child, pencil to paper seemed a natural way to express my thoughts and feelings. Sketching or doodling, it didn’t matter, the movement of the pencil and the sound of the graphite racing seemed to drown out everything else around. The only thing that has changed since then is I now have an array of tools at my disposal. I look to achieve energy and excitement on canvas through color and movement.

Growing up in the shadows of Dodger Stadium, I came away with an appreciation for nature. The textured rock formations neatly arranged by time and erosion. Elysian Park as my back yard containing forests for my own exploration. Trees and landscapes all come from this place. I turn to abstracts for more of a exploration and to break away from rules and what’s wrong or right. My techniques are non-conventional, and I don’t mind mixing mediums to achieve the look and feel of a piece.

Large works have come to define me. A large canvas will allow me to work without constraints and to achieve the movement I seek. Large works allow the viewer to take a step back and explore the work as intended. The viewer will find many images in my work, and they will tell the story they see. I create to share my story of the love for texture and movement.

I believe my artwork conveys a story and a conversation that begs to be had. Many artists inspire me. From Picasso, I draw complimentary colors. With Dali, I channel his flare, character and drama. From Bob Ross, I draw humor. My art is not always straight forward; there is some mystery and intrigue. For example, even when you think you know a painting, if you dig deeper you find new and interesting details. I want people to take a second, third and forth look into what they think they see. I invite the viewer to get lost in a world that is mine.

Regarding staging…

I became a certified Stager through Associated Staging Professionals, ASP in 2009. It was working with a friend’s team out of Long Beach called Identity Staging that helped me realize that it was not going to be my kind of thing. I always kept my friends at Identity Staging close, but I needed to find what was going to make me happy.

Can you explain exactly what a stager and interior designer is, and how you incorporate your art into those?

First of all, I need to define the terms here due to the mass confusion. An Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator are two very different professions, but there are some that do both. An Interior Decorator plans out the furniture plan, accessories plan, window coverings plan, areas rugs and such, much like what a stager will do. (Not my strong suit but I can manage).

An Interior Designer plans out what the inside shell of a home or business will look like. Space planning is a major component of this, for instance adding or subtracting walls to create areas. A space planner may create focal walls with paint or textured components. This may also require having to design a lighting plan, materials plan, flooring plan, paint plan, kitchen plan and plumbing plan. This is where I rock! These creative aspects of space planning make it like an art. When I can, I try to sell an art piece along with my Interior Design services.

How do you promote what you do?

Instagram and Facebook mostly, but I have gone on HomeAdvisor for some leads from time to time. I also promote at art venues when I can.

How did you land the role for Flip or Flop? And what gave you the idea?

A close friend and I were brain storming one night. He asked if I knew anyone on TV to help my career out. That’s when I remembered my friends over at Identity Home Staging. They had worked on multiple seasons of the HGTV show Flip Or Flop. Within 2 weeks of asking, they placed me in charge of the Art direction for the show and the properties they staged. You can see my art on 90% of season 7 of Flip or Flop, and you can even see my face on there for a few split seconds. I am usually hanging up the art as they film.

How much can a stager / interior designer / artist expect to make starting out? Do you have suggestions to help them hit the ground running?

In school, I was told not to go into Design and Art thinking you will make lots of money. But I chose to go into it for the love of Design/Art. That being said, before you start making a living as an artist, you will probably need either loans or financial support to get you going until you have the courage, clients and capability to run your business.

What do you love about staging / interior design / being an artist?

The best part of all is the ability to see the finished product at the end, to know the your creative passion and your ability achieved this goal. Sometimes you need to take a step back and know where you started and how you got here. It still blows my mind, and I am still just starting this journey.

Is there anything you would have done differently when you first started out making a living as an artist?

I still consider myself starting out. I will for a while. Why? Because in this creative field x 3 (Art staging/Artist/Designer) it’s about learning and all three will bring me a different day. What do I mean by that? As a creative, I must have outlets that set a different path for me everyday. I am not one who can sit at an office job and stare at a computer for instance. I worked with Digital Animation for awhile and said nope, not for me.

What is a book you would recommend every artist read and why?

I recommend The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield because it explains so much as to why and tells you to either do or don’t.

Lastly, do you have any final tips for someone wanting to make a living as an artist or get started in staging or interior design?

Keep working on your inner creative exercises, the ones that move you and inspire you. You know, the ones you are not ready to show the world and are for you only. Those are the ones you will come back to and they will be the ones that will take you places. Think about exploring Interior Design School and Business for Designers. Finally, always sketch or take notes and have your sketch book handy for you never know when inspiration will strike.

Bio for David Michael Guerrero:

David Michael Guerrero has been enjoying the creative process for over 20 years. With a fondness for impressionistic landscapes, sketching and abstract art. David has delivered large scale paintings that range from Trees to Abstracts using mixed media and Resin. Featured on HGTV’s newest Season of Flip or Flop and DIY Network’s Restored, David has a wide ranging audience. You can follow David on Instagram @dmg_fineart or Facebook at David Michael Guerrero. Visit him and take a look at his artwork at www.DavidMichaelGuerrero.com.