Turning Passion Into Profit: An Essential Guide for Emerging Artists

For many artists, the dream of making a living from their work can feel elusive. Creative passion is abundant, but turning that passion into a sustainable income is something else entirely. Pricing artwork, approaching galleries, understanding contracts, building an audience, and learning how to market oneself—these are skills rarely taught in art school, yet they are fundamental to any artist hoping to forge a viable career.

At Xochi Art Gallery, we have long observed this gap. Many talented artists walk through our doors with extraordinary vision and technical skill, but without a roadmap for navigating the realities of the art world. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate the release of a resource designed specifically to bridge that gap: Belinda Levez’s new book, How to Price, Market, and Sell Your Art: A Guide for Emerging Artists, published on December 8, 2025. https://xochi.art/book

Belinda, co-founder of Xochi Art Gallery, British entrepreneur, and author of 19 non-fiction books, brings more than twenty-five years of hands-on experience to this work. Her journey has taken her from magazine journalism to the heart of the European art world, curating exhibitions, mentoring emerging artists, and managing the international career of her husband, the acclaimed Belgian abstract painter Roger Remaut. Her practical insights and deep understanding of both the creative and commercial sides of the industry make this guide an invaluable tool for artists looking to build sustainable careers.

The book’s cover itself features In Concreto, a dynamic and expressive work by Remaut, symbolising the merging of creative passion and professional practice—a theme that runs throughout the book.

A Journey From Journalism to the Art World

Belinda Levez’s path into the art world wasn’t linear, but it was shaped by curiosity, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset. She began her career as a magazine journalist, learning how to communicate clearly, tell compelling stories, and connect with varied audiences—skills that would later prove crucial in the art world.

Her transition began when she took an increasingly active role in promoting her husband’s work. Roger Remaut, now internationally exhibited and collected with works in the Belgian and Flemish government collections and Ostend’s Fine Art Museum. He is known for his richly textured abstract paintings. Belinda stepped into the role of manager, organiser, and promoter—curating shows across Europe, building relationships with galleries, overseeing communications, and learning firsthand how to position an artist in an ever-changing market. Her work behind the scenes contributed significantly to his recognition and visibility.

What she discovered along the way was that many emerging artists lacked access to clear, reliable information about the business of art. Much of the knowledge she gained came from experience, trial and error, and navigating the industry from the inside. Conversations with artists revealed the same recurring concerns: How do I approach galleries? How should I price my work? Where do I start with marketing? What does a contract really mean?

Years of answering these questions informally eventually grew into something more formal—a desire to create tools and resources that would empower artists at the earliest stages of their careers.

That mission followed her to Portugal.

From Portugal to a New Creative Hub: The Birth of Xochi Art Gallery

In 2023, Belinda and Roger moved to Portugal and embarked on a new chapter: transforming the ground floor of their country home into an art gallery. After months of renovation—balancing creativity, and architectural integrity—the gallery opened its doors. The reaction from visitors was immediate and unmistakable.

“Wow.”

Whether it’s the mix of contemporary and abstract works, the intimate yet refined layout, or the juxtaposition of the stunning mountain landscape with contemporary art, Xochi Art Gallery quickly earned a reputation as a dynamic and inspiring space. Belinda married her curatorial eye with her understanding of how to create atmosphere, narrative, and flow within an exhibition. The result is a multi-functional gallery that feels both personal and world-class.

From its inception, the gallery has showcased a diverse and impressive roster of artists. Among the established artists represented are award-winning and museum-collected figures such as:

• REMAUT – Belgian abstract painter known for powerful textures and material experimentation
• Sandra Jane Heard – British artist recognised for her atmospheric, emotionally rich compositions
• Karen Jordan - American fine art photographer exploring the space between abstraction & realism
• Thierry Ferreira – Portuguese artist celebrated for his sculptural and conceptual dep
• Frédéric Develay – French artist known for distinctive conceptual creations.
• Bel Mur – Spanish artist confronts the corporacratic and heteropatriarchal society

Alongside these established talents, Belinda has also built a platform for younger voices, with a mix of emerging and award-winning Portuguese artists such as:

• João Marques
• Francisco Figueiredo Lopes
• Henrique Netto
• Tatyana Cristina
• Unknownezqui
• Miguel Basto

These emerging artists bring fresh perspectives, innovative techniques, and vibrant new energy to the gallery’s programme. Supporting the next generation of talent has always been central to Xochi’s mission, and Belinda’s new book extends that support beyond the gallery walls and into the global art community.

Curating Culture: Exhibitions That Tell Stories

Since opening, Xochi Art Gallery has curated a series of bold, thoughtful, and thematically rich exhibitions, each one designed to spark conversation and highlight the diversity of contemporary art today. Some of the standout exhibitions include:

Portugal NOW!

A celebration of contemporary Portuguese talent, exploring the country’s evolving identity through painting, sculpture, and digital art. This exhibition showcased the energy and innovation emerging from Portugal’s art scene and solidified Xochi’s commitment to local voices.

Sculpted Visions

A dynamic exploration of sculpture and photography exhibited Julien Dumont’s street photography and intimate portraits alongside Matti Dubee’s mix of political and emotional thought provoking sculptures featuring his innovative Dali paper technique.

Make Art Not War

A powerful, poignant and timely exhibition reflecting on conflict, resilience, and the role of art as a tool for expression, protest, and healing. A solo exhibition featuring the abstract, texture rich works of acclaimed Belgian artist REMAUT.

Fragments of Humanity: Totems, Idols and Urban Relics.

Seven visionary international artists were united in a profound exploration of what it means to be human. It featured James Peter Henry, famous for selling a painted Cardinal du Four Armagnac bottle for $1.2 million .

Verdant Echoes

Sandra Jane Heard’s solo exhibition reflected on the delicate balance between nature’s vulnerability and resilience.

Each show reflects Belinda’s guiding philosophy: exhibitions should not simply display art—they should spark an intellectual discussion on the social, political and environmental issues in the world today.

How the Book Supports Emerging Artists

Belinda’s new book, How to Price, Market, and Sell Your Art, is a reflection of her commitment to artist development. Rather than offering abstract theory, it provides actionable steps grounded in real professional practice. Among the topics the guide explores:

Pricing Artwork With Confidence

Many artists struggle to price their work fairly. Belinda breaks down the process into clear, manageable steps, explaining how to consider time, materials, skill, experience, and market value. She also addresses common pitfalls—such as underpricing—and offers practical formulas to help artists find balance and sustainability.

Building an Artist Brand

Branding is more than logos or colour palettes. Belinda discusses how to articulate one’s artistic identity, build a consistent narrative, and create recognisable work without feeling boxed in. She also covers the importance of authenticity in building long-term engagement.

Selling Online and Offline

From gallery representation to selling through Instagram, Etsy, artist websites, or open-studio events, Belinda maps out the opportunities available today. She explains how to choose the right channels, present work professionally, and maintain control over one’s creative direction.

Navigating Gallery Relationships

A large portion of the book demystifies galleries—how they operate, what they look for in artists, and how to approach them respectfully and strategically. Belinda also includes guidance on contracts, consignment agreements, commissions, and professional etiquette.

Connecting With Collectors and Industry Professionals

Artists often underestimate the importance of networking. Belinda shows how to build meaningful, long-term relationships with collectors, curators, dealers, and fellow artists, emphasising trust and genuine connection rather than transactional interactions.

Protecting Your Work

Legal considerations are essential yet often overlooked. Belinda covers copyright, intellectual property, certificates of authenticity, and how to preserve one’s legacy.

Through each chapter, readers gain insight not only into the “how” but also the “why” behind each strategy. Belinda’s voice is steady, encouraging, and grounded in real-world experiences—both successes and challenges.

Why This Book Matters—Now More Than Ever

The art world is evolving quickly. Digital platforms, global accessibility, and new technologies have expanded opportunities, but they’ve also expanded competition. Emerging artists often find themselves overwhelmed, trying to figure out how to stand out while maintaining creative integrity.

Belinda’s book arrives at the perfect moment. It gives artists clarity in a landscape that can sometimes feel chaotic. It provides structure in an industry that doesn’t always offer guidelines. And most importantly, it empowers artists to take control of their careers rather than waiting to be “discovered.”

A Resource That Reflects Xochi’s Mission

Xochi Art Gallery was founded on the belief that art should be accessible, celebrated, and nurtured. We believe in supporting artists at every stage of their journey. Belinda’s book is a natural extension of that mission—an offering of knowledge, guidance, and encouragement for artists seeking to establish themselves in a competitive field.

As we continue to grow, curate exhibitions, and champion both emerging and established voices, we are proud to share this resource with the wider creative community.

Whether you’re just starting out, re-evaluating your career path, or simply curious about the mechanics behind the art world, How to Price, Market, and Sell Your Art is a guide built on genuine experience and a sincere belief in the potential of artists everywhere.

https://xochi.art/book