How to Survive & Prosper as an Artist: Selling Yourself without Selling Your Soul
Press Clippings and Book Reviews
"Since 1978, [Michels] has been surrendering her living-room couch to countless artists seeking emotional support and practical guidance on their careers. With advice that ranges from how to prepare for studio visits and effectively negotiate with art dealers to self-help strategies for handling rejection - as well as success - Ms. Michels explodes the romantic notion of the starving artist." Deidre Stein Greben, The New York Times.
Michels is a tough but compassionate advocate, savvy in the ways of the world and the demands on artists in this materialistic society." Richard Pachter, The Miami Herald
"How to Survive & Prosper as an Artist. Selling Yourself Without Selling Your Soul by Caroll Michels... is the best guide I've found that looks at creating fine art as a career." Chris Farrell, host of Right on the Money, produced by Twin Cities Public Television.
"...this is a definitive guide to self-promotion and solid business planning for artists of all disciplines...the best guide I have seen and it gives thoughtful, practical advice." Matthew Brown, ArtsInk, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.
"[How to Survive & Prosper as an Artist]...provides the best overview of political and other aspects of the art world that I have ever come across...it is a Bible that every artist should have." Shannon Wilkinson, President, Cultural Communications, New York City, Art Calendar.
"One book stood out from the rest... [It] goes beyond the usual information about self-promotion... casts a critical eye upon more fundamental issues, such as the insufficiencies of art education, the viability of the art market, and the need of artists to control their own careers. Michels' book not only questions the status quo, but encourages the pioneering spirit of artists to apply their creativity to the practical aspects of their dreams." The Arts Journal.
"Ms. Michels is an optimistic...and supportive ally, someone who dismisses the old cynic's saw that 'you can't make a living as an artist.' She's also someone any artist should feel comfortable talking with, blessed as she is with an informal and warm yet direct manner that puts even the most self-conscious person immediately at ease. She's a humanist who often looks at the commercial art world with a jaundiced eye." Marion Wolberg Weiss, art critic, Southampton Press.
"She writes vigorously and passionately from several convictions: artists have bargaining power - and they must keep it; there is ample room in the art world for many artists to make a decent living; and artists have to invest in their own careers... Michels is personal and practical... She sounds like Wonder Woman; she is filled with energy, ideas, and sufficient spleen not to be walked on - ever! Her experience is the reader's bonus." American Artist.
"An excellent orientation to the artist's life and the art marketplace." FYI, New York Foundation for the Arts.
"This book can serve as the bible of marketing for visual artists. Updated in 1997, it has the best practical and honest information about today's art market I have seen... This is the one book you should have on your shelf if you are a visual artist." Mary Bowmar Richmond, Creative Women Networking
"Filled with valuable information and sound advice...highly recommended." Library Journal
"...Michels provides information on art world politics that artists really need. She also gives a lot of straightforward advice on strategizing..." Barbara Schreiber, Art Papers
"A successful artist friend said that pretty much everything she knew about making a living as an artist came from this book. It is a very clear sighted presentation of the many internal and external obstacles and opportunities facing artists... While there is some overlap of the books, The Artist's Way can help you be an artist and How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist can help you succeed as a working artist."
Greg Dixon, Shared Visions Unlimited
