A recent transplant to the Mid-Ohio Valley, Suzanne Schultz is passionate about helping artists succeed in their practice. She started her business, Canvas Fine Arts, in 2007 after meeting a struggling artist and identifying a need to help artists navigate the business side of art. Over the past 17 years, she’s worked with over 100 artists from around the world, helping them secure magazine covers, land design projects, gain gallery representation, and much more.

In addition to partnering with the hospitality, retail, design, media, and gallery industries, Suzanne has owned and operated art galleries in Boston and New York. She’s been a speaker and presenter for many arts organizations, including The Copley Society in Boston and the Masterworks Museum in Bermuda. In addition, she’s served on arts nonprofit boards and taught an Art Business for Artists course at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in Manhattan.

Now, she coaches and consults creatives and has just released a book, “Exposed: Secrets of an Art Rep.” The guidebook is the first in a series to continue to help artists with their business. We asked Suzanne to share advice for artists who want to build a sustainable practice.

What are you asked by artists most frequently?

Artists always ask, “How do I sell my work?” I do have an answer, one they may not want to hear! It is not simple but it’s also not hard, it does take planning and there are steps that I believe are necessary to take before running out to sell. These steps, outlined in my guidebook, set artists up for a better chance of not only success but longevity as well.

What do you see as the key to growing a successful and sustainable art practice?

I believe the key to a sustainable art practice is showing up. Consistency is key. If you don’t feel motivated, show up. If you have no inspiration, show up. If it’s simply walking into your studio and thinking, that’s showing up.

Are there any drawbacks to treating one’s art practice as a business?

Personally, I do not think there are any drawbacks to treating your art practice as a business. There are many things to consider before you start, to make sure it is right for you. People (myself included) tend to jump in without planning. Doing research and planning will answer lots of questions!

What advice would you give artists who struggle with balancing the business side of their practice with the creative side?

If you think the business side is dry, take your creative talents and make the business of it all fun, creative, and profitable as well. Use those great tools in all aspects of your life and business.

Many feel overwhelmed by the expectation set by social media to constantly generate content. How important is it to feed the content machine?

Social media is a double-edged sword for many. Use it wisely and strategically and pick your poison, you don’t have to be on every platform. Once you choose, be consistent - again consistency is so important! Whether it is once a month or once a day, it’s up to you. Think about it as a tool. Use it like a website. Instagram has the highlight option so you can organize your art, your events, anything! Follow people who should know you, maybe a gallery in Paris or an artist in San Diego. Build relationships and own it!

Suzanne will be signing copies of her book, “Exposed: Secrets of an Art Rep” at the shop on Saturday, September 7th from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. She will also be hosting a 90-minute workshop and book signing at the Parkersburg Art Center on September 12th as part of the Parkersburg Piccalilli Artist’s Conference!

You can find Suzanne on Instagram and her website (www.canvasfinearts.com) will be released this fall!