Perfect your style. As an independent artist, you should have a distinguishable, unique style, though you may choose to work across a variety of different mediums. Take a class at a local community college or art school if there are areas of your technique that you still need to perfect.
Create a studio space. Having a separate space for your art, even if it is within your home, will help you focus on being independent and treating your art as a career. Stock it with a variety of supplies so that you can spend time there, focusing and being productive.
Make extra time for your art. If you work a second job or are raising children, it can be difficult to make enough time to develop as an independent artist. Getting up an hour earlier or staying up an hour later can make all the difference as you jump start your career.
Enter juried competitions. For these competitions, you will usually have to submit slides of your work, as well as a CV. Prepare these items ahead of time, to make it easier to submit your work. Set aside some extra money each month for entry fees.
Enter local art fairs. This will help you build a name for yourself, as well as providing you with a venue in which to sell your artwork. Even if you do not make many sales at first, the exposure and community that such venues provide can be invaluable for an independent artist beginning her career.