The less money you spend, the less you’ll need to earn or raise. This will give more time to your practice.

a piggy bank

How can artists save money?

Before you think about raising your income, work out if you can reduce your expenditure.

  • Are you paying too much for your studio (if you have one)? Could you reduce your costs by sharing or subletting?
  • Are you paying too much tax?
  • Are you claiming any benefits to which you are entitled?
  • Housing is often a major cost – find out about more affordable housing options.
  • Work out if and how to save money on domestic bills with Uswitch and Money Saving Expert.
  • Are you properly insured? Not having insurance can be a false economy and there are some special deals for artists.
  • Can you avoid spending by bartering or exchanging your skills with peers instead?

Though thinking about how to save money doesn’t sound much fun, if you save hundreds a year it’s time well spent. Think about what benefits these savings will bring your practice.

Live-art duo Hunt & Darton explain how they carefully looked at their finances to become full time artists