How to Build a Sustainable Economic Model in Contemporary Digital Art
In a rapidly evolving digital art landscape, balancing creative ambition with financial sustainability is a crucial challenge. Led by award-winning artist and art director Mélanie Courtinat, this workshop explores strategies for building viable economic models as a digital artist through diverse revenue streams. Through examples in their own practice, the artist will discuss funding opportunities, collaborations, pricing strategies, and alternative revenue streams.
Participants will gain insight into how to identify and prepare grant applications that align with their artistic goals and how to budget for digital production. Strategies discussed in the workshop will include how artists can develop collaborations to build their network, experiment with new tools, and expand their portfolio. The artist will also explain how to negotiate fees, set a freelance rate, structure payments, and establish clear boundaries with clients to prevent scope creep in commissions and collaborations. The workshop will conclude with practical exercises where participants can develop financial strategies and an action plan for their own freelance and artistic practice.
Course Logistics
Dates: Monday, March 17, 2025
Times: 6 – 7:30PM PT
Cost: $60
Format
In-Person Workshop at Gray Area
Address
2665 Mission St, San Francisco
Experience Level: Beginner to advanced
Requirements:
Bring a PC/Mac or Linux Laptop
Additional Information:
• No Refunds or Exchanges.
• View our FAQ here.
• Contact [email protected] with any questions.
Workshop Outline
- Introduction
- Structuring Commissioned and Commercial Work
- Preparing for Exhibitions
- Alternative Funding Models and Revenue Streams
- Practical Exercises
- Q&A and discussion
Educational/Experiential Goals
Participants will gain a clear understanding of sustainable revenue models in digital art, from grants and commissions to alternative funding strategies. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, they will develop practical tools to structure their own financial approach while exchanging insights with peers.
Artist Talk & Happy Hour: Mélanie Courtinat
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 6PM – 8PM
Join us on the evening of March 18th at Gray Area as we welcome Mélanie Courtinat, whose interactive game work The Siren is currently on view in the Gray Area Gallery. Turning preconceived notions of video games on their head, Courtinat’s work questions the player’s role in virtual environments—often involving high fidelity graphics rendered by simulation engines. Courtinat will give a short overview of her work, followed by a guided playthrough of The Siren and a Q&A with the audience moderated by associate curator Wade Wallerstein.
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