Why do some artists have an "edge" over other artists that makes them able to make a living off their art?

Question

What is the edge? Are they more naturally gifted, smarter? Do they work harder?

Answer 1

They begin with a talent and action and following through with their commitment. A love for their art helps sustain them as they work through the business side of it.

Successful artists have to have a plan and establish goals, just like anyone else. Balancing PR and managing creative time are probably some of the most difficult aspects of bringing creative work to market.

publicity and promotion, visual presentation and exhibitions are
very important. A lot of artists are waiting to be discovered, rather than jumping right in and getting muddy.

Networking, pursuing reviews, making new contacts (and keeping in touch) consistently pricing to sell . . . all things an artist must become adept at. Knowing one's target audience is also an important part of selling any art.

Here are a couple of good books on the subject:

How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805068007/qid=1152057268/sr=2-3/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_3/102-6404808-2980156?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

The Artist's Marketing and Action Plan Workbook
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0970168136/ref=pd_sim_b_3/102-6404808-2980156?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155

Answer 2

Same reasons as any other self-employed persons are successful, a little talent, a little business sense, and a whole lot of committment and serious effort. DOing the work, not just thinking/talking about it.

Answer 3

Being good at creating art and being good at selling art are two different things. Those who sell well are either good marketers or salespeople or know someone who is. The really successful artists have both qualities.

Answer 4

some of them spy on the competition and plagiarize what looks promising. They will then get the idea in the market before the original creator does.

Answer 5

Marketing and sheer luck .....