The ArtSmart Method: A Guide to Business Autonomy for Artists

The hassle-free, no-frills instruction manual for commercial success in the art world

In her 25 years of working with artists at all stages of their careers, Amy Davila has formulated the answer to the quintessential question of the modern art world: “Which external circumstances does a tempestuous and original mind need to succeed?” For artists, Davila’s systematic ArtSmart Method brings order to the chaos of the creative process: whether it’s harnessing an idea, generating income, negotiating with collaborators and galleries, or growing their practice into a brand. Now available as a book, The ArtSmart Method offers an accessible and insightful mix of financial advising, business and career consulting, and constructive advice.
This much-anticipated volume places Davila’s empathy, wisdom and know-how into the hands of artists the world over. Each chapter carries the reader through the stages of the ArtSmart Method, from creation to completion, all the while addressing questions of money, exposure and legacy. Davila guides artists through everything from harnessing their network and turning threats into opportunities, to negotiating business contracts and cash flow management. The thought exercises and business tools in this book are presented from an artist’s perspective, taking into careful consideration timing, accessibility and design. Whatever success looks like to each artist, The ArtSmart Method will prove they don’t have to suffer to achieve it.
Amy Davila is the founder of ArtSmart Inc, a Los Angeles–based art consultancy. Former director of David Zwirner and former faculty member of the Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Claremont Graduate University, she founded ArtSmart to help artists, galleries and art organizations achieve financial, business and career success.