Here's how we turn this into a profitable venture for all involved. First, we secure a primary sponsor who can at least cover the production of the limited edition print. We want to meet all of our immediate costs as soon as possible. Then, we round up other sponsors to cover the cost of the calendar. Each sponsor, plus the lead sponsor, get their own month.
Sponsors cover all of our printing costs.
We don't have to apply sales dollars to pay bills. This keeps the accounting organized. There are some risks involved, of course. One has to create a compelling piece of art that enough people are interested in having. Of late, I've taken to doing commemorative, almost documentary-style art pieces designed to mark time, or identify a hidden treasure.