Turning Creative Passion into Purposeful Enterprise
When art drives you to spend your day writing, painting, creating, it is more than a pastime — it’s a calling. What begins as an outlet often transforms into a new mission: building a business around creativity. Across the country, veteran artists are proving that entrepreneurship and art can exist together. We see their hard work of setting up studios, selling online, hosting exhibitions, and in booths at community events.
The Journey from Service to Studio
How Military Skills Translate into Creative Entrepreneurship
Veterans are known to have the skills needed for Entrepreneurship. Their discipline, perseverance, and adaptability are the kind of qualities essential for running any successful business.
Finding Your Artistic Identity After Service
Art can help with the transitioning period from military service to civilian life, which can be disorienting at times, but creativity helps many veterans find a new sense of purpose. They are developing their artistic voice, which is the first step to understanding self-expression.
Understanding the Business Side of Art
The First Steps
Starting your art business is the same as any business, and it begins by establishing your brand.
- Create a name and logo that reflect your identity.
- Set up social media accounts, website or online portfolio to display your work.
- Identify your niche: Who are you? What is your medium?
Setting Up a Veteran-Owned Art Business
- Register your business as an LLC or sole proprietorship. Some cities offer free business licenses for veterans
- Apply for veteran-owned small business certification (through the SBA’s VetCert program). SAM.gov and veterans.certify.sba.gov
- Set up an EIN (tax ID) for business transactions.
- Opening a business bank account and separating personal and business finances is important for end-of-year taxes.
Pricing, Promotion, and Profitability
Pricing art is tricky. Profits take time, but consistent visibility and client engagement are key. It’s easy to fall into a rut and undercut yourself for the satisfaction of a sale. However, best practices are typically:
- Cost of materials + time + creative value = base price
- Research comparable works online and adjust for experience.
- Promote your art through galleries, online shops, and social media.
Brush and Quill’s Role in Supporting Veteran Art Businesses
Brush and Quill Veteran Art News offers free features, interviews, and social media spotlights for veteran-owned art studios. We believe visibility is the foundation of opportunity.
Partnership and Advertising Opportunities
We invite veteran creatives, galleries, and art programs to advertise with us or collaborate on artist features to help elevate the visibility of veteran-owned art enterprises.
For advertising or partnership inquiries: brushandquill@shelleyhuff.com