What’s It Like Running An Art Business in Ireland.

Ever since as a child, I recall always being a creative. I had several hobbies over the period of time. In primary and secondary school, I was in love with dancing, when I went to college, performing in theatre plays, writing poetry, singing for family & friends and wearing fashionable clothes were some more hobbies I picked along the way.

I did not just randomly thought of opening a digital art business, I have always been passionate about creativity. After moving to Ireland from Pakistan in 2019, I started studying advertising from TU Dublin. While I was looking for jobs in the Irish ad industry, I started doodling on IPad in my free time. One day, It just hit me, "I want to turn this drawing passion into a business and I gathered some courage to start, "Tote This Way" in 2021. If you're in the same shoes as me and want to start an art business In Ireland, hear me out. 

Keep the Creativity Alive

First things first remember why you started. You’re an artist and love creating, never forget that. The business side is important but your creativity is what drives it all. Set aside a few hours every week where you’re just creating for you not for customers not for Instagram just you and your work. That’s what keeps the spark going.

Treat It Like a Real Business (Because It Is)

It doesn’t matter if you’re making 50 euro a month or five thousand your art business is still a real business. Keep track of what you earn and what you spend. The Companies Registration Office (CRO) has everything you need to register your business in Ireland and it’s pretty simple. Once that’s done set up a separate bank account even if it’s just a Revolut Business one. It helps you see where your money’s going and keeps things  clean for tax time.

Also keep your receipts for everything from software subscriptions to your iPad pencil replacements. They’re all business expenses.

Get Your Work Out There

Ireland might be small but the creative community here is massive. Don’t be shy about sharing your art. Post it on Instagram TikTok or even LinkedIn if that’s your vibe. Use Irish hashtags like #irishartist or #madeinireland  as people here love discovering local creators.

And don’t forget real life too. Cafes, pop up markets, galleries, there are loads of places that love showcasing local artists.

Manage Your Time (Because You’re the Boss Now)

When you work for yourself it’s easy to blur the line between work and rest. Suddenly it’s midnight and you’re still editing website pages or answering DMs. Try to set loose hours for yourself. Maybe mornings are for admin and afternoons are for art. And don’t forget to actually take days off, that makes you more productive.

A lot of Irish artists I know use simple tools like Notion or Trello just to keep track of commissions orders and ideas. It doesn’t have to be fancy.

Build Connections Not Just Sales

Running an art business isn’t just about selling it’s about connecting. Talk to other artists in Ireland online or in person. Join creative groups on Facebook or Discord. Go to local art events. Collaboration is massive in the Irish art scene and it can lead to cool projects or even new customers.

The best part is Irish people love supporting Irish talent. Once you start putting your work out there and showing up as yourself people will want to back you.

Stay Grounded and Keep Going

Some months you’ll sell loads. Some months you’ll sell nothing. That’s just part of running a business. Don’t panic when it’s quiet, use that time to make new work update your shop or learn something new. Running an art business in Ireland isn’t about constant hustle it’s about slow growth and staying true to what you love.

At the end of the day you’re doing something brave and brilliant. You’re turning your art into your livelihood and that’s something to be proud of.

So keep creating keep learning and keep showing up. Your art has a place here in Ireland and the world is ready for it.