Australian artist collective, Sixfold Project share their top tips for artists launching a career in the arts.

As part of their touring exhibition, Meanwhile, Sixfold Project created these 6 short videos highlighting 6 important areas of professional practice.

If you’re starting out as a creative and keen to iron out a few of the challenges along the way, these top tips for establishing a successful arts practice are for you.

This short video series is aptly titled:

What I wish I had known when I was starting out’

Video topics include

  • Entering Art Prizes
  • The Artist Affliction Addiction
  • Essential Qualities and Skills for Artists
  • Creating a Financially Viable Arts Practice
  • Collaboration in Professional Practice
  • Artistic Fortitude

Each video is between 3 – 6 minutes long. So, an easy watch with your next cuppa!

Who are these ‘top tips’ videos for?

Well, anyone who’s starting out in creative practice – for early career artists, recent graduates, or more established artists who are interested in hearing different perspectives along the way (like we are!)

You can pick and choose the videos you feel are most interesting for you. And you can view them in any order.

Video Series: Top Tips for Early Career Artists

‘Entering Art Prizes’ by Julie Poulsen

Practical tips and insights into choosing and entering the ‘right’ art competitions for your practice.

Learn about Julie Poulsen artist

‘How to Create a Financially Viable Arts Practice’ by Rose Rigley

Sharing different approaches to building an arts career, securing financial support, income sources, and having a Plan B.

Learn about Rose Rigley artist

‘The ‘Artist’s Infliction Addiction’ by Raewyn Biggs

A humorous look at the social and economic costs faced by artists, which we all know too well.

Learn about Raewyn Biggs artist

‘Essential Qualities and Skills for Artists Starting Out’ by Barbara Dover

Delving into three key qualities and skills needed by every early career artist – resilience, planning, and discipline.

Learn about Barbara Dover artist

‘Growing your Art Practice through Collaboration’ by Louisa Ennis-Thomas

Pros, cons and wins: how collaboration can be key to building a successful arts practice.

Learn about Louisa Ennis-Thomas artist

‘Artistic Fortitude: 1% Inspiration, 99% Perspiration’ by Jennifer Valmadre

Calling out the tests, trials and rigors of creating and exhibiting new bodies of work.

Learn about Jennifer Valmadre artist

Learning from others

As an active artist collective, collaboration is at the heart of our creative practice, and learning from others (and sharing our knowledge and skills) is central to our approach.

We hope you find these videos a helpful resource, blazing your trail in the arts world. Best of luck on your creative path!

The Sixfold Team x

Meanwhile exhibition, Void gallery, A crooked line, collaborative installation (2022), NorthSite Contemporary Arts

Art exhibition, Meanwhile was produced with the generous support from the City of the Arts Hero Grant (2022-23)

 The exhibition, Meanwhile, received generous support from the City of the Arts Hero grant. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.