Ann Elizabeth Rea

Ann Rea is a prominent artist, mentor, and CEO of Ann Rea, Inc., known for her initiative Making Art Making Money. Her mission focuses on empowering fine artists to reclaim their autonomy from traditional art market constraints and to enhance their financial success without compromising their artistic integrity.

Background and Career

After graduating from art school, Ann Rea experienced a significant hiatus from creating art, spending over a decade in corporate jobs while repaying student loans. This journey led her to develop a unique perspective on the intersection of art and business, ultimately motivating her to help other artists thrive financially through her programs.15

Making Art Making Money

Rea's flagship program, Making Art Making Money, is designed to teach artists how to build sustainable businesses around their creative work. The curriculum emphasizes:

• Identifying and Serving a Niche: Artists learn to understand their target audience and how to effectively reach potential collectors.
• Luxury Marketing Strategies: The program advocates for authentic marketing approaches that resonate with clients without resorting to pushy sales tactics.14
• Community Building: Rea fosters a supportive environment where artists can collaborate and share experiences, enhancing their learning and growth.23

Her teachings have garnered attention from various media outlets, including ABC, HGTV, and Fortune magazine, highlighting her innovative approach to art sales and marketing.1

Philosophy

Ann Rea challenges the conventional "starving artist" narrative by promoting the idea that artists can achieve financial success independently of galleries or traditional art establishments. She encourages artists to view their work as valuable and worthy of fair compensation, advocating for a shift in mindset towards entrepreneurship in the arts.34

Impact

Through her programs, many artists have reported significant improvements in their sales and overall business acumen. Rea's approach not only equips artists with practical skills but also inspires them to embrace their identities as business owners in the creative field.34

In summary, Ann Rea stands out as an influential figure in the art world, dedicated to transforming how artists perceive and engage with the market while fostering a community of empowered creators.