The Wise 11-Year Old Artist

My nephew Phoenix turned 11-years old yesterday, though I’ve always secretly suspected him of being 41.

Quick Answer

The 11-year-old artist Phoenix successfully established his art business by creating knitted hair accessories and selling them via an Etsy shop and Twitter, demonstrating a strong understanding of promotion and sales. Phoenix strategically priced his items by researching competitors and accounting for time and materials, while also implementing a discount coupon for returning customers. His business philosophy of "under-promising and over-delivering" is supported by his commitment to spending every Saturday in his studio to create new inventory and expand his product range. This example from The Working Artist Learning Site illustrates how young artists can build a sustainable career through practical business strategies and consistent dedication.

I’m visiting to help him celebrate his 11 years and see what new things he can teach me. He didn’t disappoint.

“I’ve learned how to knit!” Phoenix announced proudly as he showed me his beautiful handiwork. He creates hair accessories and gifted me with a pretty red bow fastened to a barrette. I’m wearing it now.

I always knew Phoenix was an artist. But imagine how proud I was to discover that he’s a Working Artist!

He’d created an Etsy shop for his wares. And a Twitter account. He’d learned how to promote his work well.

Even more impressive, he’d researched what others with similar products were selling their work for and set his prices accordingly. He took into account time and materials. He found out what the shipping rates would be and figured out packaging. I was impressed.

Phoenix shared his business philosophy with me, “I believe in under-promising and over-delivering.” To that end, he created a discount coupon for returning customers.

He’s even cut a future deal with a classmate who makes soap, taking a commission on her sales in his shop.

I asked what would happen if his hair accessories became suddenly popular and sold out?

“That’s not a problem,” Phoenix assured me gravely. “I’m committed to spending every Saturday in the studio creating new inventory and expanding my range.”

I’ve worked with a lot of wonderful artists in my career, but I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud.

Keep on eye on this one, I think this could be just the beginning.

Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How did Phoenix, the 11-year-old artist, start his art business?

Phoenix started his art business by creating knitted hair accessories and then setting up an Etsy shop and a Twitter account to promote his wares. He also researched competitor pricing and factored in his time, materials, and shipping costs.

2 What business strategies did Phoenix use for pricing and promotion?

For pricing, Phoenix researched what similar products sold for and considered his time and materials. For promotion, he used an Etsy shop and Twitter, and implemented a discount coupon for returning customers, embodying his philosophy of 'under-promising and over-delivering'.

3 How did Phoenix plan for inventory management and future sales?

Phoenix committed to spending every Saturday in his studio to create new inventory and expand his product range, ensuring he could meet demand. He also explored future deals, such as taking a commission on a classmate's soap sales in his shop.

4 What mindset did Phoenix demonstrate that is valuable for artists?

Phoenix demonstrated a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset by not only creating art but also setting up a business, researching the market, and planning for growth and customer retention. His commitment to consistent production and customer satisfaction highlights a strong business acumen.