“Oh after you mop the floor and clean the barn, can you finish the Sistine chapel in your spare time?” Contributed by my Facebook Friend Ross Fletcher
I woke up feeling quite feisty this morning. Nothing makes me spit nails more than the idea that some people under-value the work of artists.
Last night I was at a Blog World Expo party in Las Vegas. I met a pretty boy from a social media company who asked about my blog. I told him that I help artists make a living doing what they love with art.
Pretty boy replied, “Artists shouldn’t be paid for their art. Getting paid prevents them from creating really good stuff.”
I thought back to the artsy photographers I hired for my wedding day. They were more expensive than your average wedding photographer, but they gave me something wonderful: stunning photos of the most important day of my life!
I can’t even entertain the thought that being paid makes your work less good. That’s the biggest load of crap I’ve ever heard.
I asked him, “If they don’t get paid, who feeds their families and pays for their supplies?”
“They should work another job,” he said, rather smugly.
I want to make three points about Art, Contribution and Money with this article:
- Your art is a CONTRIBUTION to society. It brings joy, it solves problems, and it makes this world a better place.
- Being paid ALLOWS you to make that contribution to society.
- Your contribution expands in relation to the amount of time you put into it. More hours = expanded contribution to this world with your God-given talent.
We live in a money-based society. That won’t change anytime soon – so those of you who say “money isn’t important” get over it!
I almost punched pretty boy in the face when he said to me, “Artists are better off working a job they hate and then painting in their spare time.”
This is the problem I have with that:
a.) No one should work a job they hate. You were put on this earth with talents and you are meant to do that which you are good at and what you love!
b.) The world is missing out on your contribution. The less an artist creates, the less they grow. It requires hours upon hours to hone your craft.
If you are at a “real job” for 40-50 hours a week, doing what you hate, and then you have to come home and be a parent, and mow the lawn, and feed your kids, when will you create art?
I have friends who regret living most of their lives working in an office job and only creating a few paintings a year because that’s all there was time for. Think of how much their talent would have improved, how much they could have shared, had they created all day instead!
“Soooooo”, I asked the pretty boy, my blood getting hot with frustration, “do you get paid for YOUR work?”
Of course, the answer was yes. “Does getting paid make your work less good?” I asked. “Well, no” he said. “That’s different.”
Yeah, I thought so.
This topic drives me insane. Why should one small segment of the population have their work devalued so much that they are forced to struggle? Should interior designers also not be paid, and should musicians play for free and should the guy who artistically installs my decorative bathroom tile do it for nothing?
And an even better question is this: why should my plumber be paid more than an artist?!
Drew Brophy has been a working artist since he was a teenager. He’s always “Lived by the Paintbrush.”
When he was in his twenties, he painted surfboards for a living. A lot of them. So many that he’s become known in the surf industry as the artist who changed the way that surfboards were painted.
He says that painting 10-15 surfboards a day helped him to get really good and to develop a very strong style of his own. His style is now well recognized and many people try to emulate it and attribute their artwork to being inspired by Drew.
If Drew had been working in another field and only painting in his spare time, he would have been wasting his talent.
Drew paints what he wants, and he loves doing it. When someone commissions a painting, it’s because they love his style. It’s a beautiful way to put art into the world and be able to live a good life.
Charging for his artwork allows him to make people happy with his art. Without payment, he wouldn’t have the time, because he’d have to pay the bills by working on something else. And there’s only so much time in the day.
Though he hardly paints surfboards anymore, occasionally he will. These paintings BRING GREAT JOY TO PEOPLE. When they see their very own Drew Brophy surfboard painting for the first time, their eyes light up!
(The picture to the left is from a thank you card that ten year old Spencer wrote, thanking Drew for his painted surfboard – he is proud to be seen with it!)
Charging for your artwork enables you to make a contribution to the world with your art. It allows you to develop your style and to get better and better at what you do.
Most of my friends are creative people. The rare few that don’t care about being paid are either supported by a family member or have another career that they really enjoy.
We live in a money based society. That isn’t going to change right now. It costs money to eat, put your kid in sports, to have a home. We most likely won’t see that change in our lifetime.
As long as we are stuck in a money based system, I find it an outright insult to all hardworking artists to say they shouldn’t be paid for what they do.
It’s just a crazy notion that this one, single profession should work for free! (While everyone else gets paid…)
What do you think?
397 Responses
Years ago, I built an insulated bubble for the sole purpose of protecting myself from unevolved neanderthals, pretty as they may be, from destroying my ideas about art, money, making a living and doing what I love.
I knew people like this existed…but I was on a mission to make sure that this unfortunate, outdated species never made their way into my psyche (which is also a good reason for avoiding most galleries, art schools, and other ancient relics of civilization).
In fact, because there isn’t a single ounce of my being that believes in this antiquated notion…I’ve been able to create more than art, I’ve been able to create my dream job, a thriving business, employment for others, a loyal following, money to pay the bills, have a nice home, see the world, help less fortunate, and live the life I envisioned.
Bottom line…all those experiences enrich me, fuel my creativity, and help me to make the most of what I’ve been given.
Unapologetically, I make money and I want every artist I know to understand exactly what you espouse here:
money=freedom=creativity=ongoing contributions to society.
Great post Maria. Have a wonderful weekend.
Wow, your comment said it BETTER than my entire article! Thank you! I am a huge fan of yours, and it’s an honor.
I esp. love that you wrote this: money=freedom=creativity=ongoing contributions to society
Thanks, Chandra.
You are just the BEST Maria.
And in no way does anything I say say it better (you’re so funny!!)…I’m just so happy to get to chime in on what you write because you are doing such great work to help so many artists!
I have such great LOVE & RESPECT for you and Drew and I just get so excited about the positive impact you’re both making.
At least in my experience, the greatest lessons seem to come from the most annoying experiences 🙂
You are true leaders and I am honored to have you as friends.
Well said! Living a dream life is contagious and how can that not help other people?
money=freedom=creativity=ongoing contributions to society
I LOVE THIS.
Hi Sugarluxe! I just read your post right now, and I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks like this! Thank you for your post. You don’t know how much rejection I’ve gotten from Galleries and overall snobs. It makes my heart happy to read your post. Have a blessed day.
So galleries and art schools are “ancient relics of civilization”? So I guess any institution that keeps you from doing what you want do is an “ancient relic.” That’s some might fine reasoning, there Sugar.
Actually, yes, Jacque, they are exactly that. Relics. And in your answer lies the reason why – you seem to take issue with the idea that someone would stop listening to the institutions that are stopping them from “doing what they want” – know to us artist types as “expression yourself” so actually it’s a life-saving reasoning for an artist to decide that she doesn’t need the institutions that self-appointed as arbiters of taste. It’s a brand new world and artists rightfully are embracing being able to speak directly through their audiences and leave those who would rather control than create in the dust where they belong.
I couldn’t agree more with this article and your response. Your achievements back your stance. Ignore all those that would oppose. Foremost, those that fail to prove otherwise.
I think pretty boy is supremely lucky you have such good self-restraint because he really had a good thrashing coming to him (if only that would actually change something).
The world is such a better place with artists in it! It would be even better if more people could earn a living doing what they LOVE and helping to support others doing the same. It always feels better buying something great from an individual than from a big corporate store.
Keep up the good fight Maria!
What about Walt Disney he was artist he made children’s dream come true
Maria, I am breathing fire here.
As an artist who makes some of her money from her art and some of her money from doing other work she enjoys, I’d love to give Pretty Boy an earful.
Where in the name of heaven did he get such ridiculous ideas?! What is wrong with people!?
Clearly this person has never been creative a day in their life. A job you hate only drains your creative energy, leaving you zapped and unproductive at the end of the day.
I want to reach through time and space and shake this guy – hard. I admire your restraint – I don’t know if I could have done the same.
Wow- fabulous article. The business side of the equation has always been the weak point for artists – either because they were embarrassed about making money or because they just didn’t know how.
The “Starving Artist” is generally the short-lived artist.
Keep in touch!
L
I could just scream at these people. I hate to say it, but I can’t believe how many artists I come across that feel the same way. The few blogs I have written have been about helping artists market their art with the social media tools available. I can’t believe how many of their comments back are about not wanting to be pushy or salesy. It drives me crazy. I’m working on a blog now titled, “I Don’t Understand Artists and I am One.” How are we going to get other people to value what we do, when we’re working against ourselves. I value my work. I value what I do for a living and I am confident to know that not everyone can do it. I’m not going to apologize ever to the fact someone needs to pay me to enjoy my art on a daily bases in their home. Well done Maria!! And good for you for not knocking his block off.
I so agree with you as to why some artist feel uneasy at wanting to sell their art as we artist are a special breed of people and I feel the world should pay us a special thanks for contributing to society with our special talents.
Kenneth c Young
Yes I agree with you about these artist (or any salesperson for that matter) who feel that they are been pushy just because they are trying to market their merchandise.
People have to realize that salespeople are a very important part of what makes the material world turn. Just think if there was not a salesperson who came for example to our nearest Home Depot we probably would not be able to purchase supplies to build or renovate our house. So art is no different as there is a need and a want for art in the home. If it makes a person feel good to look at then maybe we would not need so much anti-depression medication that is out there.
Kenneth c Young
Great post! For FREE resources and information on the business of art, guidelines, articles etc. see our website. We also have a professional practices blog for artists. We are all about the DIY artist who determines their own art career.
Part of what frustrates me about this kind of thing is the way that pretty boy thinks that because he’s perhaps studied a little art history and has an opinion on aesthetics and some dime-store psych theories that he understands how artists are motivated. How the hell would someone who is not an artist have any idea what motivates an artist? Why should any of us pay any attention to people who have opinions on our lives based on no personal experience?
From one of my favorite Six Questions interviews: “No one cares about what you think, unless you do what you think. No one cares what you do, unless you think about what you do. No one ever really cares what you say.”
http://www.kickerstudio.com/blog/2009/05/six-questions-from-kicker-jack-schulze/
Also, let me just say that your first mistake may have been talking to someone who works for a social media company. I’ve never met one that didn’t remind me of a snake oil salesman.
Maria,
Fantastic! Thank you for your advocacy. We are not the exception.
You pay for what you get and great art deserves to be paid for. Excellent example about your wedding photographer. You got something unique and creative. This stuff requires money.
I needed to hear this today. I’m working really hard to get to that place where I can support my family solely through my artwork. I have the cubicle “day job” to pay bills and feed us; and then hit the studio after the kids go down to sleep. I get quality time with my wife on the weekends. I’m sacrificing a lot to make this art thing happen. It gets frustrating and defeating to not see the sales. But, I’m hopeful. I’m hopeful that the hard work will lead to the blessing of getting to make art as my full-time job.
I am not an artist. I make my living at an office job. What I do at said office job, however, is sell art. Also, I am not appalled at the social media marketer’s position on art and artists. I just consider people like him an opportunity to change minds. With people like him, you have to speak in numbers and ridiculously convoluted business-speak to get through to them, and–if all else fails–you can point out their small-mindedness and have a good laugh in their face for ignoring not only the enriching experience of art but also the potentially lucrative investment and market. Even big guns like Amazon.com are dipping their toes deeper into the art market. Ignoring the art world just makes him and others like him look really stupid.
Kudos to you for being able to keep your cool. I certainly have never heard anything so absurd in my life. Hopefully that guy’ll read your blog and know you are talking about him…although he may be too much of a narcissist to even make the connection. Thank you for being a voice for all of us that are painting for a bigger purpose AND trying to make a living at it. ~ S L Donaldson
Maria, I just think you were conversing with a particularly stupid person.
I really don’t think there’s a major body of people who think that artists shouldn’t get paid.
The real problem is that our laissez faire, free market society doesn’t have any good systems for allocating the money that gets paid to people contributing to the arts.
A dead artist’s estate might get zillions, while working artists get nothing.
A movie star in big studio films gets $20 million for a single film while hundreds of thousands of creative filmmakers & actors can’t even pay their rent.
Record companies and the like skim off the bulk of moneys paid for their artists’ work.
Etc.
Very few people are dumb enough to say artists shouldn’t be able to make a living at their art. The real problem is the many people who countenance an economy which makes sure they can’t.
I so agree as the true artist is special and should be paid dearly for his work and never should have to starve either. There certainly is not the proper advertising for art as most advertisements make art to be some kind of hobby for the week end.
Kenneth c Young
Maria,
Frankly, this guy sounds to me like a professional “heat merchant”. That’s someone who figures out your hot buttons, says or does something outrageous to start a fire, then fans the flames and stands back to watch you burn. It’s how he gets his rush. I have known or worked for a couple of these guys and have a pretty good radar for them by now.
You got a really good post off of him, clarified some interesting thoughts for yourself and others, so now just picture him getting too close to his own accelerants and goin’ up – WHOOSH! GONE! (grin)
Chris B—
Boy did you hit it on the head. Very insightful. And you gave Maria some very sound advice.
🙂
Sounds like the kind of guy that would want me to do a portrait shoot for him and his fiancée for free because it would “look great in my portfolio” or “I’d really get some great exposure from it” Please….
Seriously, a couple hours after I read this I got a call asking for some free work and because your post instantly popped into my head I stuck to my guns and politely said “sure, if you get your funding I can make you the best deal I can but I can’t do it for free.” I’m absolutely ok with volunteering for a worthy cause every now and again but not for a major business that I know is profitable.
Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration.
I can tell you two things about this guy. 1. He has never worked with any level of seriousness with the creative process. 2. He knows nothing about how inspiration, motivation, or work progresses for those of us right brainers who work as serious artist.
I have made my full time living from my artwork for the last 15+ years and I charge a pretty penny for what I do. I do not give it away and I have been more productive and produced better work than I ever have in my life. Being paid for my work has made this possible.
I used to teach art in the public school and hated it. I used to work in a factory sharpening drill bits and hated it. I was once a baby photographer for a photography studio and hated it. When I got home from those jobs I was spent. There was nothing left to create with. I just wanted to take a shower and call it a day.
I have learned two things about finances as they relate to artwork. 1. If it has any value or collectable quality to it at all someone is going to make money off of it. (the artist might as well get a share of it) 2. If the artist does not value his/her work, nobody else will either.
This guy is one of those people who open their mouths and let words come out without having any factual base in reality or actual experience with the subject he pretends to understand.
I am sure that he heard in some sociology course somewhere that ‘being paid for a job makes a person cut corners to get to the paycheck faster.’ For sure there are people in every field who are like that. That does not apply to those who excel in any field. To rise to the top and produce quality work day after day you have to be able to bring it to the table and you can’t do that by cutting corners.
Quality attracts collectors, if you cut corners in any aspect of your artwork for a paycheck you will never attract the serious collectors who will pay a fair price for your work. Those who do cut corners never “Make it” and if they do by accident get there they don’t stay there for any length of time.
My 2 cents,
Ray Cover
Full time engraver
How on earth would anybody be ‘better off’ working at a job they hate? Is it some lame old notion that an artist should be depressed, moody and suffering to be inspired? If you watch the news, depressed moody people working in jobs they hate go on shooting sprees and don’t do any painting in their spare time. What a doofus.
After reading these comments, I googled “jfk quotes artist” because I remembered reading one once. It seems that the prettyboy is no JFK.
I would encourage anyone to read a bit of what the president had to say about us, and what he felt.
I spent a lifetime working jobs that would be nobody’s first pick. After work I was never able to shift gears into a mindset condusive to creating. I wondered , sometimes out loud, what a man could create if he had the time and money. Last year I retired and now I’m spending some of my time finally finding out.
I like beautiful thing around me and I buy some from time to time. But I love the souls of creative people and wish there were more that I could do to be supportive. More people need to appreciate the people who bring beauty.
Prettyboy is an ass.
First, in the interest of full disclosure, I wish to state that I was directed to this article by Celesta Krantz, a delightful lady whom I have known and admired for more years than would be gallant to mention.
– – – – –
Excellent sentiment, milady! Certainly, your humble servant, this wordsmith here, doesn’t get paid for doing what he loves … but that doesn’t mean I don’t think that I should. I believe I write a decent stick, and should be compensated for it.
Skull-sweat is still sweat.
Great Post! I posted it one of my FB pages, because I think the message needs to be said – again and again and again until it sinks in – more than the messages we hear about how art is a hobby, or should only be done for love, and nothing else. This idea that an artist should be poor or not think of money is so frustrating! And not just ingrained outside the art community, but inside as well.
i have some things to add, especially given, my “art” is writing and not all the same rules apply. yet they do. anyway, i will add later, as i am sure i will be sharing this post again & again (via email list and on twitter).
for now, this is one of my top fav 5 posts of yours. ever.
immense gratitude,
annie
Maria,
You look stunning in your wedding dress–pretty as a picture postcard. and, by the way, your latest post ain’t too bad either.
Well, let’s just say I am sure glad I wasn’t with you at the expo. Otherwise, I would have given young Adolf a piece of my friggin’ mind.
Reading your post made me happy, gave me slurred speech, and I want the whole world to know, say no to drrrrrugggs.
Oops…sorry…but I just could not resist. Hope that cheers you up.
Well your article on Why Artists Should (Not) Be Paid For Their Artwork also makes me want to Spit Up Nails or something else.what do these people think that we artists should be on the sidewalk begging for coins to help support our art and when these foolish people do want to buy our art they just want to insult us by paying nothing for our talented craft.
Just remember most of us artist are self thought and the type of art that I do cannot even be found in no community college in my area. Another thing that really bugs me is the way governments promote Art as if it were some kind of hobby when the Arts are serious business and should be promoted as such.
Hay people (Salute The Artist) for our great contribution to society.
Kenneth
If an artist can make a wonderful living creating beautiful paintings for fantastic people who love their work…that is a perfect world to me!!
Now, now folks, let’s try to be balanced and objective here.
Don’t jump me, I am just trying to play the devil’s advocate.
Groucho does have a point, you know.
If you read about the life of artists and art history…
Well, let’s just say critics have argued that some of the
best art works have been created by artists who went crazy
and died penniless in an open gutter.
Indeed, this is true. We wrongly assume that all artists are the same and can achieve their goals only through financial support.
In fact, some of the most moving objects of art have been created by artists in their moody blues.
Some of the best art has been created by artists who were diseased, distressed, poor, desperate and even insane.
Look at the life of Van Gogh, Shelley, Keats, and so many others.
Robert Frost and Leo Tolstoy suffered from troubled marriages and frequent bouts of melancholia. Emily Dickinson was a spinster and most of her fame was achieved posthumously, if even.
Why assume all artists need our support? If ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. What say? Some artists have achieved creative breakthrough after being abandoned by their lady love, after losing a job, being reprimanded and even a punch in the kisser.
I am not condoning or glorifying only makinge the point that just as art is a complex process, so is the artistic personality. There may be a grey area that can be difficult to comprehend as well. Comprendo?
How dare we assume that one size fits all?
Since I happened to see Maria’s post early yesterday, I was excited to come back to read other responses.
Archen – I like that you presented the other side of the coin. It’s important to consider what got us here as we work to change the future.
Lack of money does not a better artist make.
However, I believe that adversity does (as you pointed out from a historical perspective)…and that can come in all shapes and forms.
As someone who has faced maybe more than my fair share of tragic losses, I can say for certain that is what compells me to create. It’s my way to communicate and cope. I don’t create for money, but if someone wants what I’ve created, then they have to pay for it.
That’s why the motivation behind the creation is so important, too.
I believe most artists use their art to communicate and many times, to cope with some of life’s painful experiences. Accepting payment for the end product in no way debases the emotion and creativity that went into making it.
And to go a step further, the artists from previous periods did not have the means to communicate on a global level like we do.
They had to wait for others to share their stories. And honestly, that’s the true legacy…not just the body of work they created, but the person behind it; the story of their lives.
Now we have the ability to tell our stories in real time. We don’t have to wait until we’re dead and hope that somebody else can share our tales of triumph and tragedy. Not to mention, if the work resonates at all with anyone; somebody, someday will make money from it.
So, I say why not us? Why not now? Share you stories. Share the life you live that is intrinsically part of the art you make. Because that’s where the real value lies. AND that’s worth getting paid for.
Oops!! Archan – not Archen. 🙂
Sorry about my misspelling that I caught right after submitting!!
I worked for 15 plus years in action sports designing for the man. I hated it because my drive was too far, and I was too tired at the end of the day to paint my own work. I was downsized 3 years ago like the rest of you out there. I decided the hit the ground running with my own company. I taught myself how to build my own site, and take care of finance. It is very hard to make money now, but the more I push myself I keep getting “word of mouth” work because I do my best. Life is too short to work at a job you hate. The more you develop into your own style the more you will be sought out and talked about. If you don’t charge enough people will assume your work is not a good investment…. Thanks!
Great article Maria, If I was there Pretty Boy would have received a dropped kick TO THE FACE! I agree with everything you said in this article 100%. Im in college right now trying to set myself up for the future studying something i love and the artwork that you and your husband have inspired me to do is a way i try to make some extra money. When I get paid for something its a huge boost of confidence and pushes me to try new things and better my work each time. UGH I can’t believe that pretty boy….
Great work Maria!
Maria, Once again a direct hit at one of the myths about being an artist. I’m equal parts artist, educator and entrepreneur as most artists have to be to make art, educate the thinking public (pretty boy appears to be outside this group) and run a business. I am a peaceful, principled person but I have to say I want to at least mentally slap every pretty boy out there. It’s bad enough when it comes from strangers. My own family of origin was dismayed when I quit my corporate job to make art the core of my life. My own experience and having heard many similar stories for years prompted me to title my book “My Real Job is Being An Artist: What You Should Know Before You Quit Your Day Job (Or Get One).” As thanks for supporting the cause of artists, I’ll send you a copy when it’s published – and you can give it to someone who can use it to make money and kick the sand of success in every in pretty boy’s face..
Ms De Wal:
(Assuming “Ms;” forgive me if I am wrong.) Actually, I thought a much better use for the book would be to turn Pretty Boy over her knee and spank him like his mother should have. He sounds like the kind of spoiled, whiny brat who snivels when his handkerchief is not folded exactly the way he wants it.
But, of course, I have frequently been accused of being, shall we say, “direct” in my attempts at behavioral modification of the unenlightened.
— Nighthawk —
There is something really wrong about a society that doesn’t see value in art or the work of an artist. I stopped conversing with people who put me below the minimum wage worker. As if my education, my efforts, my time, all of my contemplations, are worth less than someone who microwaves a cheeseburger and hands it out a window. (Which is also a fine occupation if that is what you are good at. ) My mother-in-law doesn’t understand what I do. Last time she was over at my house she looked in my fridge to see how full it was. I’m so happy that it was packed with a variety of awesome things. She’s really fat. I bet her mouth was watering at all of the tasty delights my last art paycheck paid for.
We each have “X” amount of time, energy and money. As an artist, I can choose to spend those priceless commodities on creating art,love and success or I can choose to argue with people whom are poorly educated and disgruntled at life.
Being empathetic of people who think being miserable is a necessary evil is a much higher ground than adding to their cauldron of anger. Confronting and defending simple kicks theirs and your defense mechanisms in overdrive and acts as a distraction from our path.
Kill them with kindness, show them there is another way and move on. Feeding into his ego issues will just strengthen your attachment with ego.
Knowing you as a friend like I do Maria, I know that your intention is to share success ,creative ideas and art…..right?…So does getting flustered bring you closer or further from this goal? If your intention was to “win” the argument so you feel better, does that bring you closer or further?
We all let ourselves get caught up in this sort of thing, as you know, I can be a sap and take things to heart too much. But part of success is avoiding unnecessary obstacles.
Very well said!
Preach it Maria! Holy crap these are awesome words! Though I don’t paint that much, when I do paint… I can proudly say, Drew inspired.
Yes, but….
some of the most beautiful works of art have been created by artists suffering in abject poverty. They were never paid and never attained fame even after death. Posthumous fame is only for the lucky few.
Vincent Van Gogh’s art was sublime, but read about his life. He was able to survive only due to the generosity of his brother Theo. Theo believed in his younger brother’s genius when nobody did and everybody considered him insane or ignored him. Read all about it.
It is a true story and one with lessons to be learned. Do all artists deserve to be paid? What happens to an artist once he or she becomes a financial success? Do all artists react in the same way? I think not. For some, creature comforts can inspire even more art. For others, that may spell the death of art.
For example, the artist may decide to give up art and pursue wine, woman and song, as the saying goes. Or the artist may find another hobby and decide to pursue another interest. Thus, the artist is complex. We must be careful about making assumptions.
The question of paying an artist for his/her work is thus frtought with risk. In this case, it is not an absolute truth; it is a relative truth. Some of the finest artistic creations have been produced because the artist was suffering from poverty and other hardships. Think about it, please, before you jump to conclusions. Cheers to your life. Thanks.
Right on Maria! Thanks for posting this. I wish more people would think the same way you do. It’s important and I’m always amazed that people will pay doctors and mechanics without question but when it comes to art they feel that it is negotiable.
Great read Maria, Of course people with sad lives will put down someone that is allowed to follow there dreams and do what they love as a living. Thats right a living. Most people just get buy and few really make a lot of money in the art world. The key is loving what you do so during the tough times you continue to work and create because you have to get it out of you head and into some design. Not because you think it is going to bring millions. In time if you do continue with a little luck and a lot of markerting a time will come when an artist work is in demand and even collected. As this time evolves, it is important I believe to remember three reasons to work and create. First it is important to pay you bills and create a lifestyle that empowers your art. Money is indeed needed to advance in the world. So clients provide ideas that you can accept or send to another artist. Second , to paint for yourself ideas that are yours alone and as time goes by even more beautiful..these will one day be the collectable art that is wanted by business, galleries and private collectors . Prints and other items can be made of each design and later sold. And Third is the reason that makes a lot of artist smile deep inside, and that is to give art as a present or donation to help others. It also brings a smile to the receiver and a gift that last for many generations .
Solid blog post Earthlings! The bottom line? Plumber, Surfer, Interior Designer, Geek (dat be me), Artist or whatever – Do what you love 100% and it will take care of you because odds are that if you put your heart and soul into your passion, people will appreciate it and pay for it…handsomely.
Now Go!
This idea that artists somehow don’t deserve to be paid is an odd and debilitating idea that seems to crop up far too often. I think many artists have (and still do) contribute to and believe it with the notion of getting paid=selling out. Personally I think this is a juvenile idea which does not hold up to scrutiny. I try and politely re-educated people I meet who show signs of this nasty mind-infection. Selling=able to hone skills and bring more beauty/inspiration/challenges/ideas to the world and to a wider audience.
If you let the market influence your choice of artwork then that could restrict you and you could miss out doing your best, or most original, work. But if you ignore the current market then you might not sell, or might not sell in your lifetime. So the answer is to do some work where you see there’s market demand but a gap in the supply i.e. think like a business person to maximize your return and get your bills paid. Then do some work you have no restrictions on your imagination but the drive for the work comes from within you; in this case you may produce work that has never been seen before – it could stimulate it’s own demand.
In the fashion world a designer will have a catwalk collection that is impractical and just for expressing ideas and getting attention; then they have a diffusion range with is commercial for selling in normal high street shops.
Yes, all artists DESERVE to be paid. Some artists may make better art when they are struggling because this is what pushes them. Some artists may lose their focus once they start selling their art because they stop trying new things. Some artists may need limits to come up with big ideas. And some artists may even think they don’t deserve to make money from their art. However, in no way does this mean an artist should not get paid for his or her work.
Just because some artists have made incredible work while starving doesn’t mean they would have lost any of their genius had they been eating three meals a day. Vincent Van Gogh’s work may have been even more sublime had he been able to live from his art. You only have to think of Miro, Picasso, Dali, Dubuffet, Calder, Duchamp, the list goes on and on. They made some of their best work after having achieved a high level of recognition and support.
Maria,
Couldn’t agree more. It never ceases to amaze me how much people disrespect artists. I unfortunately am in one of those positions where I am working a job I basically hate to pay the bills and wonder on a daily basis how much better of an artist I could be if I could focus most of my time on my art.
Your articles help inspire me to keep working on breaking the chains that bind me. Just knowing there are people who understand what artists go threw is a tremendous boost.
Thanks so much and keep the blogs coming.
Rusty
I Totally agree, I have upgraded my Art Tremendously, with all the tip’s from Both Drew and Maria. I know how Humiliating it is when someone say’s my Art Cost’s to much, but they think its Beautifull.
Never de-value your art in the eyes of others.
Once they take that first impression, it will always be an uphill struggle to be taken more seriously.
Your art can have a sense of humor of course, and you might not be in the least bit pompous, but you should never sell yourself short in terms of what you do (assuming you believe in what you do).
I am so sorry to be getting to this late. It is tough talking to ignorance. I don’t know if I would have been so nice!
Well to all those people who are still under the rock when it comes to anyone thinking artist shouldn’t be paid for their because it may take away from their creativity then maybe those same people should work for their employer for free as that is a good way for them to keep their minds of wanting to buy the material things of this world.
Sounds like that is what is happening when these people say that an artist can be more creative when he/she is not been paid for their work. Well I think these very same people better turn over the rock and see the light as been paid for something we love doing give us much more creativity.(Makes us feel good for contributing to society with our special talents).
Kenneth c Young
Aloha
My Tutu-Grandma would say to this Pretty boy, “Who You”?
The idea of an artist suffering for his art is a view held by popular culture because it seems more romantice to be a genius who is misunderstood by society, only after the fact, realizing that he was a brilliant intellectual whose art was cutting-edge. Historically speaking, a majority of artists got compensated for their expertise. It was considered a profession.
I am fortunate to be able to do my art nearly full time and I have to say that I have developed greatly because of it. I know that if a had a “normal” job on top of being an artist, I would not have the energy or time to create and develop my art in a significant way. There would not be enough consistent interaction with the creative process.
Thanks for this post. It is good to see that there are people out there who still value art.
This article had so much PASSION! Wow!
The big qualifying statement though for this to be totally on point is this: You must have more than a desire to be a paid artist.
Big difference.
a lot of talented artist always say this i need to find a good job then ill do my thing after. After a few years they waste in the comfort zone (regular office job) and quiting the art life. The reason why they choose the office job and quite being and artist is they had a bad experience
Being an Artist is a big gamble in life and struggle both financially and success but if you get lucky for your hard work the worth of a successful artist life is priceless .
Art–>Sell–>Sustain–>Art—>Sell–>Sustain
I could barely make it to the end of this post because my blood pressure was reaching a boiling point from “pretty boy’s” ridiculous remarks.
You laid it out clearly and well: artists have every right to make a living from our art. We deserve to be paid, and paid well, for the valuable contribution we make.
Great article… =)
I learned the value of the time to create in ’09 when i was laid off for an entire year from my 9 to 5 job. It wasn’t really until i was hired back that i realized this. I dont hate my job either. I design commercial signs for a fairly large company who has clientele that can afford interesting and creative stuff.
In my time off… i started doing wire sculptures and finally got that blank and made my first surfboard. I built up a creative momentum that has been fighting to remain now that i’m back to 9 tp 5, taking care of the 2 young kids, keeping house, etc…
TIME IS PRECIOUS!!! To be able to use my time to create under my own guise and make a living is a dream.
There are plenty of “pretty boy” characters out there who have plenty to say about what is and isn’t art, how it should be created and consumed, etc… What i hear is “blahblahblahblah…”
All i want to do is live, love, create, share, and smile. =)
Dear Dean,
Regarding the aforementioned chapel; the Pope treated Michael Angelo like the hired help. He was the greatest artsian of his age yet
artisans were indentured servents as far as the clients were concerned. The story of the conflect between these two giant intellects
makes fascinating reading.
The idiot you you spoke with falls under the heading of an old artist joke, When art critics get together they talkk about form, meaning, content, style and relevancy, etc. When ARTITS’ get together they talk about where your can buy the cheapest paint thinner.
The first time you tried to create art you were an artits
and it would have been so validating if you sold it at the school fair
Pass it on to the kids…………Tom T.C. Canterbury
forgive the typos i type lousy tc
I was wondering how many artist out there don’t bat an eye at the thought of Illegal downloading or sharing a song created by an artist. Song writers don’t get paid for there song in one lump sum like say a painter. There songs are paid in little bits and pieces. As Maria says we derive pleasure from those two minute moments we here them and sometimes all day. Is a dollar a song too much to ask for those moments. Just a thought.
Hi Mark,
No – a buck a song is not too much to ask. But based on the current statistics and historical trend with regards to music sales, I would get used to touring and making a living via live concerts and merchandise sales and look to expand your opportunities in music licensing for soundtracks, commercials, etc. Some might call this selling out, but….nah! It’s making an honest living sharing your canvas with the planet through diverse channels.
Think of live concerts, point of presence merchandise and licensed “jingles” as your medium to reach a larger audience. Putting a CD on a shelf or website will not simply sell itself. Consumers will only make a purchse if they connect the value proposition to the product, and they’ll only make this connection through the experience. A slight catch-22 between Giving and Selling, but based on every study and research I’ve done, if the question is – Which should come first, the Chicken or the Egg; and the Chicken is a free download, concet for charity, or a copy of Tab/Sheet music, then the answer is simple – The Chicken. The audience response will dictate whether or not there will be any Eggs.
Those artists embracing this methodolgy and approach to touching as many humans as possible through combined promotional efforts and engaging marketing are enjoying the best Scrambled Eggs on earth!
Enjoy your breakfast,
M. Story
PS – to all artists, I’m not saying give your stuff away; just put yourself out there with diligence and purpose, and use every available opportunity to you to make valuable long term connections with your audience. They will support you long term and breakfast will be catered every day.
Additional Tidbit Reading
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Corps_v._Apple_Computer
As to this statement …PS – to all artists, I’m not saying give your stuff away; just put yourself out there with diligence and purpose, and use every available opportunity to you to make valuable long term connections with your audience. They will support you long term and breakfast will be catered every day.
Additional Tidbit Reading
The problem and is selling your work for less then what it is worth just to get your name out there to the world might also give the impression that you think your work is not worth it’s full value. You know the old saying it is a lot easier to drop the price on something but trying to raise that price well (GOOD LUCK) as you will run into a hard uphill climb.
Kenneth c Young
I’m reading a great article on this topic written on ArtBusiness.com, and I found it so well explained that I had share a little bit with you:
“…art schools dismiss the art business by intimating that making art is pure while making money is not, making art is a “calling” while other professions are not (oh really?), that selling art is not only irrelevant, but it debases the experience of being an artist.
One fact the schools rarely seem to mention, however, is that if you can’t make money making art, you have to STOP making art. (That’s not something the art schools have to worry about, though. They already have your money.”
Read the rest of the article here: http://www.artbusiness.com/wannafame.html
Classic Maria!
Support the “Starving Artist” while accepting his excessive tuition fee, right? Hey, wait – maybe we should start our own school for artists by artists. Now there’s a concept. Derrr.
My viewpoint remains the same: Do what you love and the money will follow. Success, financially and otherwise, is a bi-product of doing what you’re most passionate about. Emmerse, get you hands dirty, ask questions, make mistakes, gather your humility and who, what and how you are. Never give up and never stop learning.
The person writing this article is being a bit of a brat, but with some fair points. There is a VERY useful book called ART/WORK (http://www.amazon.com/ART-WORK-Everything-Pursue-Career/dp/1416572333/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342203360&sr=8-1&keywords=art%2Fwork) that walks you through how to do all these things (and how not to get screwed over). It’s written by a gallerist (preferred title of gallery owner) and an art lawyer and covers all the bases.
They liken going gallery to gallery with your portfolio asking to be represented to walking into a bar and saying to each person there “will you marry me?”. Since artists often stay with galleries longer than with spouses this isn’t such a bad analogy.
I stand completely behind doing what you love, as well as not underselling oneself.
As an emerging artist, it has been very difficult for me to not sell my art for a lower price just to move it. I feel like the value of art overall is brought down by too many artists under-pricing their work. The ‘starving artist’ image can become a stigma for some.
What do I think? I think it’d be nice if the guy saw this blog entry and there were lots of people calling him for what he is – a flaming douchebag.
Hi Mr. Taylor,
We see you’ve decided to excercise your free speech rights. How intelligent of you. I looked at your blog, read your in-depth profile (Booze, Art, Music..and Booze) and even wasted a few minutes deciding which of your pieces I could appreciate.
The “Fembot” painting was pretty cool, although I wouldn’t buy it.
..What do I think? I think everyone should take a look at your art and tell you what they think. I mean, it’s not terrible stuff, but it’s not for me.
Eye of the beholder man.. eye of the beholder.
I’m not asking you to like or appreciate my art, and I’m not sure where you got the idea that I was. I’ve never heard of you before in my life, so I have no idea if your opinions on art mean anything. I’m just saying that the remarks discussed in the original post were offensive, self-serving, simple-minded and arrogant.
No idea why that got your back up, unless they’re your remarks.
Oop Bret – my bad man. I jumped the gun and thought you were referring to me when it appears you weren’t. Sorry man. Damn ego gets in da way of everything aye?
Carry on..nothing to see here.
Cheers
No worries.
Mr. Brett, Just to be clear, who are you insulting?
Mark, assuming you’re talking to me (my last name is Taylor, not Brett), maybe this will help: I’ve seen 70-odd posts bashing the guy who sparked the whole “Why Artists Should (Not) Be Paid for Their Artwork” post by saying that artists shouldn’t be paid for their work, but should get a real job to pay their bills. The same guy who’s been called an “unevolved neanderthal”, “particularly stupid”, a “doofus”, an “ass”, an “idiot”, “juvenile”, “ignorant”, “young Adolf”, a “spoiled, whiny brat”, and threatened with a kick to the face.
That’s who I’m talking about. I kind of assumed when I first posted that it would be obvious who I was referring to, since he was the one I thought everybody was talking about. Is that not the case?
yep, that’s the case. You are correct and I was out of line in thinking your were referring to my post that was initially just a couple above yours. I concur with your sentiment on the “Original” EEEEEEdiot.
Hope all is going well with you and your art endeavors to the fullest. I hope we now have a mutually respectful accord at a minimum. Again, my apologies for my oversight in responding to your intial post Bret.
Let me know if there is anything I can ever do for you regarding marketing and web design.
No harm done, Mike. A simple misunderstanding. Sorry ’bout all the confusion, and all the best to you.
Bret, sorry for the extra “T”. I also thought you were referring to one of the follow up posts and not the original blog. My mistake, no need for a reply post.
Who cares what all the “pretty boys” like this one says anyway? It’s just his dopey opinion and I do not care about it, or any body else who thinks like this.
This misguided thinking is rapidly changing anyway now that we artists can promote ourselves more effectively.
..Wow!….I can not believe what the pretty guy said…..Maria this post really helps to understand how important is to get pay in order to stay motivated and do better our daly work. xoxo
Hey Folks, For more info on the business of art, GYST Ink has an Artist Manual for artists on everything related to the business of art and professional practices. We also have over 500 pages of FREE information for artists on the website.
We also have software for artists to keep track of everything in their art lives, but the resources on the web are free.
I also write articles for the Huffington Post on business issues for artists, so if there is something that you can’t find, let me know.
Maria, feel free to add it to your blog list.
Thankyou .. i loved those points they are sooo good and for me to remember for myself also .. Thankyou for another great post.
Thanks, Belinda! So glad to have you here on my blog!
I think it is also important to realize that you don’t have to make a living at art to create great art. Some people produce better work if they are not worried about making an income from it. The stress of having enough to raise a family can be too much for some and inhibit their creativity.
Just saying… that it is okay to make money other ways as well.. that you are no less of an artist if you do so.
I love your blog Maria! 🙂
Thats exactly right Nicole. Its taken me along time to get my head around one of the points you brought up of telling myself its ok to get paid its allows me to continue in my work and create more!
I dont know where i got it in my head that i didnt deserve that .. but for me that one has been a biggy … 🙂
Great article and I think we definitely have to educate society…so that the starving artist scenario is not something people just accept. I don’t know why the “artist” which comes from “artisan”…is not considered a job just like any other…if not more special in many ways…bizarre!
Pretty boy needs to walk a mile in a working artists’ shoes. (visual artist). He sounds like a freshmen giving his first essay on art history, where in the same essay the topic of “selling out” also appears. Pretty boy not only sounds ignorant, but also cliché.
There are few rules about how you must be paid for your art. Some seem to give it away in trade for building a brand and marketing then selling in another medium. For example, painting murals for little or nothing to gain name recognition then selling prints or multiples to make a living.
It can and does often inhibit creativity if an artists is paid for a technique he/she must repeat over and over to continue making a living. It can be very difficult to move away from the income and style and grow in another direction and still be paid. It takes an incredible strength to reinvent yourself without the income, “doing what you love.” If you are successful for a time then go for an American dream (buy a home) then have your income halted because you are exploring a in new direction. The money and income may not come for some time. Will you loose your home before the new style is accepted and the money comes? It’s never easy.
I am always annoyed and angered by the low value placed on art. I believe it’s ignorance and part of our misguided culture and education.
Great topic! Thanks for sharing. I was just having a conversation today with someone about how I think colleges should offer courses for artists to learn how to market their art. It should be a requirement. I’m totally left in the dark about knowing how to market my artwork after paying for tuition and art supplies, etc. I have learned more about it from your blog and other art licensing related sites. Also, I resent those people that I heard back in college about “selling out” if you try to license your artwork/get paid for your artwork.
Christine, thanks for the comment!
RE: Marketing your work: There are a lot of resources out there that can show you how, and most are free. I’m glad you’re reading blogs, etc. That’s where you’ll get your best ideas.
Re: SELLING OUT: Most people don’t know what that means.
It means to do something that goes against your personal values. SO, for an artist, selling out could mean not selling art to companies/people who do things they don’t believe in.
In our case with Drew’s art, he believes in making people happy with his art, so he loves to see it on kid’s boogie boards and men’s t-shirts.
For some, that is not a good use for their art. They would only want it to be in the hands of the wealthy – people who can afford original art.
It’s all a personal choice. Selling out is doing what you don’t believe in, just for money.
I need to write a blog post on this!
Yeah, while in college, certain students and certain art instructors would refer to selling out as betraying your art and the art community. I can think of a few instructors who resented some well-known artists who made a career from either art instruction materials and/or licensing their artwork. They basically thought that those artists were the worst artists in the world. I think they might have been jealous of those artists. It’s like you are no longer viewed as an artist by those types of people who would say things like that in college. I do a lot of storybook themed artwork and in college one of my instructors asked me if I experienced any problems in my art classes for doing storybook themed work. It often is not regarded as being serious enough for the art world. And one of my instructors hated the word, “cute” as a way to describe artwork. That was like an insult to her.
Christine and other readers,
I have a series of article on marketing your work as well as over 500 pages of professional practices information on the GYST/Getting Your Sh*t Together website. http://www.gyst-ink.com (scroll down to the resources link)
I have been teaching a professional practices class at CalArts for ten years, as well as workshops in the city of LA, and across the country. Wrote my own materials as nothing was out there then. Sharing it all on our site. (We also have software and publications)
Also, check out GYST Radio and other projects we do.
I really love this! I have a daughter,lives and breaths art. She is trying to start to sell some of her work. She is asked by friends and people she knows to draw for them all the time. I find it amazing that they obj and ahh over her work and ask to have it. She use to give it away but finally relized how much time she puts in so she started charging. The ohh and ahh changed to “are you kidding, I can find better and cheaper art on e bay.”. Initially she was stunned but quickly decided she would smile and say”. Go ahead but does my time have any value.”. That usual gets no response just a funny look. She proudly informs people she does not work for free as anything else in life takes hard work and is not free. She is twelve.
Your daughter is learning important life lessons right now – how to deal with people, how to value her work, how to keep creating. You must be very proud!
I am amazed at how she has put things into perspective. She has watched many adults close to her and thrives on reading the bios of artists. Her strength and vision is surpassed her age and surprises me everyday. I am lucky to have such a gift in my life and find I learn from her. She has gotten me back into my art.
Joyce,
I want to meet your daughter!!! She is an impressive role model for artists!
Just to comment on the whole pricing issue. I am a painter and talk to many artists that finally got fed up with the whole devalued art thing with their work in galleries. So they just put up prices across the board with the result of an increase in sales not long after.This is something I have heard numerous times having worked in picture framing and gallery world 40+ years. Interesting isn’t it?
While I don’t believe it’s as simple as that. I do believe too many of us will listen to the guy telling you to give it away and undervalue ourselves. Who will tell you to raise your prices? What have you got to lose?
I absolutely love this article. Now that I have read it I understand now I definitely am selling myself short! 🙂
Yes, I can (and do) charge for my work. The question is are there enough people who are going to pay for me to make a decent living? So far, the answer is no.
It sucks to have a talent that’s basically worth nothing in this world. Often I want to say I’m not doing it anymore; the world doesn’t deserve to have art. I’ve often wondered what would happen if artists of all categories world-wide decided to go ‘on strike’ for a couple of months. Perhaps it would become a lot clearer what our contributions, including economic, truly are.
Dear Karen,
Thanks for your comment, and yes, wow, what would happen if:
ARTISTS WENT ON STRIKE!!!!!
So much would not get done. Clothing lines wouldn’t be made, graphic arts would be undone, walls would be bare, everything would become bland, boring, pathetic.
I’m sorry you’re having trouble getting paid what you’re worth. Maybe you should try another route…not sure what, but try a new method of marketing your art that you haven’t tried yet.
It is my vision that all artists are given the means to create, that they are paid well for their contributions, and that they keep on doing that which they are meant to do – make art.
Well said, but I would have been awful tempted to dot his eye for him anyway.
Drew inspired all of my drawing growing up.. and is till my favorite artist out there. Talked with him once at Surf Expo 2000-01 somewhere in there, was a super nice fellow.
For a strike there is usually a Union and dues, etc. Anybody up for joining or creating a visual arts union?
I’m guessing pretty boy can’t draw a crooked line. %-)
Fuming with you Maria… are the best engineered & built cars free ? Are the most beautifully designed homes free ?
Let’s change “Pretty Boy”‘s name to ignorant dumbass boy.
Wow, you really started a fire storm with this post! That’s awesome.
I’d like to comment on the point you, and others, make about art in the educational field. It has been my experience, (7 years of schooling resulting in a MFA in Computer Arts & 11+ years teaching as a Professor of Digital Arts) that yes, there is a lack of business and real world application in the fine arts educational fields. However, I have to wonder if this is not due to the division of the arts into very obvious and distict fields and the mission statements associated with the schools which offer these degrees.
For example, schools that offer Graphic Design typically focus on creating a strong portfolio centered around the advertisement and marketing industry. Schools that offer more traditional educations in the fine arts often focus on gallery display and recognition as a venue to finical success. Photography schools focus their students on a field of photography and fashion schools focus on fashion shows. I think it is very important fro potential students to research and understand the art school and the art field that they are entering before making a commitment. (I know I sure wish I had done a little more research and understood what I was getting/paying for in a college education.)
What I’m saying is that I think many of the educational programs in the arts are based on traditional models and need updated with cross curriculum study and marketing techniques. It is not entirely their fault as the educational industry as a whole is slow to change.The opportunity for marketing your work is quickly becoming a Internet based field where art can be marketed in so many outlets its more then a bit overwhelming.
Both the educational field and the students need to become more aware of the importance of learning and treating art as a business.
So, thanks for the post Maria. Keep getting people stirred up and talking because that is exactly what this field needs!
(PS. Did you know art used to be considered one of the sciences? And that artist’s were often paid by the amount of gold and precious materials they used in their work, not necessarily by their skill?)
Can I pls. have pretty boys name & address so I can send him all my bills and request a monthly check to put food on the table?? Pls!
I worked many, many years in banking only creating a handful of paintings per year. I resigned last year and have created 80+ paintings since and I feel that I’m only warming up! I have seen my work improve drastically and my vision clearer of what I want paint. However, due to financial obligations I will be forced to go back the a FT job outside of art, the thought alone is depressing. So, if he wants to pay my bills, make my day! I don’t work for free!! I work for passion!
I just found your website and read several of your articles. You’re amazing! Keep up the good work, I cannot thank you enough.
Thanks, Peter, I’m so glad you found my site! Appreciate the kind words! 🙂
I agree artists should be paid, of course. Unfortunately, what I dislike is how it’s become a business. Art shouldn’t be a business first, and too many people do it for money these days. The reason, I believe, is that you can get into art with almost no education (which is why these kinds of people shy away from being doctors – education and time is required) and just jump into copying and pasting photos that you took with a camera you just bought and calling it art. I realize this is their own right, but it’s annoying to me when these people do it just to make money, not because they love what they’re doing. If you’re going to make art, it should be an emotional expression of something other than greed.
Zachary,
Thanks for your comment!
Some artists do it for just the love. Some want to do it full time, which requires that they get paid. (You can’t pay the rent on love alone!)
In my husband’s case, his art supports our family. If he didn’t get paid, our son would be sleeping in the back seat of our car!
I don’t ‘think it’s greedy to want to be paid for your work. I’m not sure what you do for a living, but I’ll bet you get a paycheck. Otherwise you wouldn’t be doing it.
Just a thought!
There are different kinds of what we generally call art and different reasons for making it. Some are purely product without any more intrinsic thought behind it. As long as it’s well made, the maker deserves to be paid like any other skilled tradesman. I agree that people who find ways to churn out a mediocre and soulless product by cannibalizing others’ efforts are detrimental to everyone else.
It’s also sadly true that we are a rather backwards society that doesn’t know anymore how to value or what to do with anything that isn’t simply a product. .
Artists, as perceived by our society, do nothing but make the equivalent of assembly-line factory products because we are a materialistic society totally devoid of any significant inner life. Money is its only value and objective. Unlike, say, the Balinese, where art of all sorts is embedded in their life and culture, beyond mere product. Traditional artists there get paid for their work and are respected for it and many people make commercial art that is very fine and worthy, too. It is possible to have both, we’re just not that advanced yet. We still look at art in the service of the soul as either a luxury or as silly and pointless.
.
Have we progressed? NO. We are wasting time with the same old arguments trying to validate ourselves in a society that considers the amount in a paycheque or the bank sufficient enough to garner respect no matter what one does even to the destruction of the landscape or our water.We were all meant to work with our hands, create beauty and at the same time put food on the table from our labours. Live the joy of life , do no harm and share that beauty with others. Simple. Don’t expect this society to appreciate art, as they were not taught it at an early age, only that money is king.
Sometimes I need to evaluate and remind myself why I do it. It’s just too easy to get stuck in validation mode for too long.
I do believe these attitudes will change, especially now that more people are waking up to all the other things that need to change, too. Meanwhile, indeed, just do what you do and never mind the rest.
I’m older now. I remember a dic uttering “sellout” to me once when trying
to run a creative business. Later, he did the same thing ( yup, right out
of Hollywood Shuffle). If an artist hits a consumer market and they buy
and like his stuff- fine and dandy. As mentioned, I might loathe it, but I’m
the one who who is irrelevant to that artist’s life. It’s like playing the
penny slot machines or the Million buck payoff, it’s all a gamble.
Art for me is exploration of the world and the self ( what I aspire to anyway). Every time I’m on the precipice of being High fallutin’ snobbish,
I’d meet an unassuming artist who astounds me ( keeps me humble).
I’m (like everyone else) passing through this world. I thank all the
struggling artists ( and they do struggle) that enriched my life on this
planet with the fruits of the artistic language.
My favorite whacked out people.
Omg wow,I don’t know why people r like that,they act like they are entitled to free work like if its a privilege to work for them for free,I am an artist I draw paint do graphic design I also make things like costumes,and book up shoes,I’m also a licensed cosmetology and makeup artist but people still think that not paying me is ok,I’m so tired of that to the point where I try not to tell people or share what I can do cause I’m scared of being taken advantage of
Well as for the pretty boy he has to crawl out from under that rock as we are artist and people and dam well deserve to be paid what we and our art are worth or even more because we have a talent that most do not have.
So pretty boy either come out and see the light or crawl back under your rock..
Kenneth C Young
I agree, Maria.
I work a full-time job which I don’t necessarily hate, but it certainly takes most of my energy. Coming home to kids and other responsibilities and *then* trying to do my art is difficult when I already feel spent.
If I may reinterpret what Pretty Boy is saying it goes something like this: “Let’s have only one percent of our artists producing something, and let them achieve only one percent of their full potential.” In other words, if we as a society collectively appreciate the arts, then we need to embrace and support the arts. Given a capitalistic society where money is central, how else can we really substantively support the arts?
Back to my situation. I come up with ideas all the time, but never have the time to experiment or try to achieve them. I went to an art crawl the other day full of inspiration, mixed with frustration – because I know I will not be able to follow through on much of that inspiration. Now, I’m not looking for others to advise me on how I should be making changes in my life, I’m fully aware of the changes I need to make. This is just my present situation and I profoundly feel it. And I don’t even have to hate my job to feel it. That is my point.
But some “artists” make such awful “art” no one wants it. Then what? Pay them for wishing they were good artists?
What about great artisist who are horrible at marketing?
Maybe this is a nonissue.
What Is Good Art! That is a question that is very hard to answer as what may be considered as good art to one person may be awful to someone else. As they say ” It’s in the eye of the beholder”
Kenneth
What is good art – that’s a great question, and I have the simple answer: It’s anything that someone wants, finds joy from, wants to buy, or gaze at. No one can determine what is “good” or not, unless they are speaking from a technical standpoint. From a creative standpoint, any piece of art is going to be loved by some, hated by others. It doesn’t really matter what “good” means – all that matters is if someone loves it enough to want it.
One person previously mentioned that some artists work is awful and should we pay for them wishing there are is good. But I guess that person was using her own assumption to what good art is. That same art piece may give all that you have mentioned.
To tell you the truth I do not know how a technical standpoint could even enter the picture when it comes to art.
Kenneth
Well said! If you get down to the basics, you can thank an artist or craftsman for every man made item on this planet. From me ”the weekend warrior” that hopes to be able to support the family from sales of my art all the way up to the the person that designed pretty boy’s favorite car. Even his iPod, TV, furniture and kitchen appliances. Someone was paid very well for it’s design. Even large corporations know that the look and feel of a product has a direct impact on it’s success or failure. Someone had to be artistically inclined enough to accomplish the desired look.
However, this isn’t the reason for my reply. I can blow off people like him without thought. The people that piss me off are the artist that become to good to associate with their peers. The ones that see upcoming artist and/or long time artists that aren’t in the same income bracket, aren’t galleried or didn’t spend 6 years in college learning their craft as not worthy. These are the people I wish to share a few choice words with at any time.
Yes, I’d like to be well recognized and know I will. Yes, I’d like to make a great income from my art. No, I don’t care if my art never sees a gallery. I’d prefer it not!
Even worse… You get a bit of success and recognition then these people come speak to you as if you’ve been friends for years. To these people my reply is always the same…. Come talk to me when you have fallen off your high horse and remember where you came from.
Many thanks to you and Drew for keeping it real! Outside of Drew’s talents, his approach on life and his willingness to give back is why I’m a huge fan. Maria, many thanks to you for supporting rising artists and sharing your marketing skills.
That,s why I feel we artist should not be playing around with our art as per giving discounts and the like. We artists are very important people who have a very important gift as art does involve just about every facet of life.
Kenneth
I juggled many random jobs (substitute teaching, tutoring, shiatsu massage, gymnastics coaching, weekend salesperson at Renaissance Fair (you know you’re in trouble when that actually supports you!), graphic design jobs, etc. for years and didn’t get very far with my art. I got the one piece I was able to really finish in a year sold to a collector, so I knew the quality was there, but I had no time. If I’d done a regular 9-5 I would have had even less time, and it would have been less flexible and I would have been miserable.
Then I ended up marrying a computer programmer so I suddenly didn’t have to worry about rent and food. Suddenly my art started to take off because I actually had time to do it. It still doesn’t approach paying for anyone to live on, but at least with just tutoring art it pays for itself.
I do installation art a fair bit. One interesting thing- if I do it for a non art event (like the Treasure Island Music Festival) I get paid for both materials and time. If I do it for an ART event, no way.
I think we have belabored this enough.
The issue is a non issue for those who refuse to allow it and demand a fair price for the work. I see it as ignorance nothing less. If the public is ignorant generally that is an issue for our culture and educational system to solve. To be an artist having survived the hammering of our society and educational system into adulthood proves there is an inner strength that will carry you very far.
The beauty of my paintings can convert only those willing and able to see. We can all complain and bemoan that so many don’t have a clue but it is what it is for now. Until recently the role and of creativity has been downplayed and given lip service only.
Run don’t walk from the negative people in your life.
“The beauty of my paintings can convert only those willing and able to see.”—David
WOW! That is straight out of ‘The Kings New Cloths’ fable isn’t it?
Anyway, I have had more than one buyer make a statement that if “you keep your prices low, I’ll keep coming back”. At the time your giddy that someone is actually buying your work, but later, months or years later, it eats at you.
This is a discipline, nothing less. It demands all your time and your FULL attention. Like the spokes on a wheel, each facet must be mastered and to make great art. The spokes need to converge at precisely the same time and in the exact same place which is not easy to do. People ask me what they should do to learn to paint, I tell the serious student, ” learn the tools to forget the tools”, “oh and by the way, it will take at least 10 years”. (jaws drop)
So, when I get someone who wants to buy a painting that gives me the comment “keep your prices low”, what do I do? Well I don’t haul-off and punch them, all though I would like to. I just smile and take the money because, I need supplies, I need to pay utilities, property tax…I buy all my clothes used so thats not a problem but it would really be great if I didn’t have to eat.
My point:
Art buyers have gotten used to paying high dollar for crap. Now that the art buy and sell carousel has ground to a halt, they are stuck looking at that $250,000.00 greasy-box-with-a-chicken-bone-at-the-bottom-of-it installation. That’s a hard lesson, one that we all are involved in one way or another.
The Fix?
Make the absolute best art you can. The public needs elevated beyond the mediocre. It will take time but they will again learn to appreciate the solid craft and imagination and sill each work of art possesses. The age of mediocrity that rained money down on the art poser is over. Do not continue to believe that rolling naked on a canvas while covered in paint is worth anything….it is not! We do not need more of, ‘The Kings New Cloths’. We need real, and tangible. We need craft and skill. Making great art defies the cadence of today’s instant everything. If you get out to try and push it faster you will blindly steering it over a cliff.
I am getting really tired of hearing, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” If it is following, it has definitely lost the lead draft and gone at least one lap down. (forgive the NASCAR analogy)
Don’t take this wrong…I have not seen your work,
But just because you love NASCAR that does not mean you should get behind the wheel and race. A bit of talent is prerequisite.
what kind of talent is involved in driving a car?
TDK – All the talent in the world will not help keep you from having to do the 10 years of work as I’m sure you know. Talent is just the beginning and surely helps but talent is pretty common.
That ’10 years’ is craft, talent is either there in the beginning or not. It is however the difference in the end.
I realize this is an emotional minefield. Everyone wants to be an ‘Artist’ the fact is there are no more artist’s, they are all dead. (well except for Brittany Spears, apparently SHE is an artist, along with the rest of dregs of the MTV crowd).
I am not an “Artist” I have been painting for more than ten years and have made hundreds of paintings and thousands of sketches…etc, and I HAVE NEVER MADE ART! I just believe (and have been told) I have some talent, and that keeps me trying, If I had no talent I would have quit long ago.
Everyone gets rabid when they here someone say they have less or no talent, it’s natural. But you wouldn’t say Rembrandt Van Ryn was a duff-us if he said ” He could tell by a mans sketches if he were born to be an artist or a bricklayer”…which he did say.
As I said…I am not an “Artist”, I simply want to be.
I have been devoted to this discipline for over a decade…literally blood, sweat and tears. I’m not going to debate it, i’m tired of explaining this to an endless line “artists”. like Pez from a dispenser.
So, if you want to fight take it to Youtube, or Yahoo, there you find many in another long line of more ‘talented’ people then I.
Everyone wants to be an artist? Ask a class of first graders, “who is an artist? They all raise their hands. Ask a class of fifth graders the same question and you will be lucky to get one.
I respectfully disagree. Artists are simply born? We are all dead if all artists are dead. While talent has undeniable value, I don’t believe talent is enough and practicing the, “craft” will make the difference not talent. There are many talented but without steady focused exercise of that talent, it becomes wasted talent. Keep working. Your talent will only grow when and while you work and it will languish if you do not.
With some small talent and after over 40 years at it, I can state that I’m an,”artist.” I live and breath it every day. The blood sweat and tears is just part of it, some times it’s harder to bear than others.
There are many more talented but not more devoted. Sharpening my, “craft” skills if you will, continually. Without practice any talent is wasted. It’s a lifestyle and lifelong pursuit fortunately not like an athlete where the talent and practice can last only so long. Many bandy the word, “artist” about too easily with no respect or awareness of the effort, sacrifice and commitment it requires especially in our society. Yes, they want to be called an artist but without the effort or sacrifices. Putting it out there is difficult. I opens you up to all sorts of critique. Again part of the gig. Making use of talent is what matters nothing other. Some will appreciate what you produce some will not.
I agree but there are many more artists than there are folks who can afford to buy original art, and it’s getting worse as income inequality rises. I live in an affluent area and am often part of group shows where basically nothing sells off the walls except for the few artists who have spend many years developing patrons among the 1%. To be recognized on talent and quality alone, you have to be part of the 1/10 of 1% of artists as this is how many actually make a living from their work, and some of these are marketing machines, with poor quality, repetitive work, that has found a niche among the unsophisticated. Think Kinkade. He was a marketing machine for trite repetitive work. His work will be worth nothing in the coming years, despite all the snow globes he sold. I have created many hundreds of works while having a “day job” that was decent, and now I can retire in comfort while continuing my art activities. The upside was not catering to anyone’s desires but mine in the work.
Yes but unfortunately there are no more Sistine Chapels being painted today. There are millions of talented artists doing amazing work, but most of them earn their living somewhere else, the lucky few who derive all their income from art generally do other, more commercial work to subsidize the work they care about. The “celebrity artists” who become rich and famous by producing “high art” or “art for art’s sake”, the Christos and the Damien Hirsts, are absolutely dreadful and produce work that requires no skill and contains no beauty. To become one of these artists you don’t need years of study and practice, you need to have the right critic call you a genius, so then everyone else will pretend to admire your work lest they be called philistines.
My point is, I would love it if there were a lot of great artists making a decent living at their craft, and I lament the pitifully small budget for the NEA, and the hacks and charlatans who do get funding from it. But that’s not how it is, as is typical of a society in its decadent decline we no longer value truth and beauty, we value shock and offensiveness. Most of the prestigious galleries and contemporary museums in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago are full of garbage that would be unrecognizable as art 150 years ago. In any of them a person could sneak in, defecate in a corner, and they’d have to consult the curator as to whether it was part of the exhibit. The curator might even say yes!
You’re sooooo right!!! Anyone who craps in a canvas nowadays is considered an artist!!
Where do I line up to give Pretty Boy my contribution to his Waking the F Up slap up the side of the head? Though I doubt Trolls have the ability to understand the lesson.
I can draw but I’m not an artist, I like more to write but I’m not a writer – except at my work desk producing reports and letters etc. I snatch minutes to create when inspiration strikes and adapted my writing to poetry as mostly I can actually snatch enough time to finish a piece where even short stories could take months.
I just found this blog. Thank you, thank you, thank you for it! I’ve worked for a long time trying to make a living from my artwork, and it can be a real slog, and as it happens I do have a “real world” job that I do, unfortunately, hate, even though I’m good at it. I want more than anything to leave that job and make a good living from my talents. I can’t imagine coming home from a hard day’s grunt work, sitting down at a drawing board, putting in hard hours over a painting and NOT expect to make money at it. I DO expect it, thank you very much, and I deserve to! Thanks for sticking up for us “starving” artists! Much appreciated!
I am constantly asked to do long art projects for free, or about $100 per week. It’s disgusting. I did it for a short while to gain experience of creating detailed concepts for games and film etc. No more will I do this.
Wherever I look for work I see hundreds of artists from the developing world offering their services for about $5 per day. Being from the UK I can not compete with this. Money IS king – if we don’t contribute to the system we get arrested and become homeless. Money IS everything, whether we like it or not. No money, no life.
If people really believed money is not important they should donate all they have to charity or me, after all their money isn’t important to them. Of course no one will do this in reality as they will eventually realize that their money is EVERYTHING to them, as it is with the rest of the world. No money, no life. No money, no bills paid. No money, taken to court. No money, bankruptcy. No money, depression. No money, no friends. No money, no chance of independence and the ability to grow. Money IS everything, that’s why hollywood actors and top musicians/sports people love their jobs so much, because it makes them rich. They simply would not do those jobs for the love of it, otherwise they would be happy doing projects for indie companies, and happily leave their Hollywood jobs. That certainly won’t happen.
As long as we are told we need to pay for everything, we will have to pay for everything. The world is driven by money. It’s the reason why everyone get’s out of bed each day, to make as much money as they can. Not because we love money, but because we have no choice in the matter. No money, no life.
Artists are not classed in the same way as all other professionals. Their art is expected for free, or close to free. Artists shouldn’t have bills, shouldn’t have children, shouldn’t have a roof over their heads. Artists should provide all their work to who ever requires it, however long it takes to produce and however long it takes to develop the skills to become good at it.
This line of work has proved to be extremely disappointing and unrewarding.
Thank you, it took me many years of friends and family telling me I am good enough to charge for my work. The website is in the works as we speak but I will launch it soon.
Thanks again,
AD
Something just came to my mind – when I reading yours and “pretty boy’s” conversation: Michael Angelo was technically ‘paid’ for Sisteen Chapel. What I mean by that is that Angelo’s “art” was his sculptures and his ‘work’ was the Chapel (he hated it)
I’m afraid my spelling isn’t that great but the point I’m trying to make is that if artists work 40 hours a week on a job that isn’t related to their profession (i.e. a painter working in McDonalds or a musician working as a barista), then how is that person to develop the skills required for their art?
However, if an artist is working for money at a job that is similar to their profession (i.e. a musician working in a recording studio, a painter painting caricatures of tourists, a sculptor teaching classes, etc), then that person will eventually go on to create high art.
So if society required the contemporary Eva Cassidy, Da Vinci, Monet (my personal fave) to work at some soul crushing job in order to create high art – that society is kidding itself.
Also, I find it rather insulting to pawn off artists in jobs that they aren’t suited for. I remember trying to hire a person to work in a fast food outlet. I had dozens of CVs from people who only wanted the job for money. I know that sounds weird but there are people out there who love to cook and could get their step up into being the next Jamie Oliver/Ramsey through a fast food outlet. So those other people are really wasting my time, the customer’s time and their own time too.
Whatever happened to working in a job that you actually like?
Rant over.
I have been painting for almost 40 years, my first sale when I was 8. Vincent painted no matter what! Struggled hard. Goghan painted while working very hard physical jobs. And we all remember both. Both exceptional painters. We paint because we have to. We crave it! I do anyway. I am not wealthy, I paint for people who want everything for nothing. I have painted all sorts of things for people. I just recently a person ordered a large canvas they knew the cost of the canvas so they said to me that after you paint it since the canvas was so much, than you should just charge 50 or less for the work you do on the painting! Than I just finished a mural, with turkeys the husband wanted me to paint the turkeys head a little bluer, he called me 10 minutes later and told me not to worry about it, he took a magic marker to it! How do you handle those situations? That’s just a few things I deal with. I get that canvas thing a lot! What is wrong with people?
Kendra, I understand your frustration! I’ve had to deal with a lot of people who don’t get it. But, you can’t let this get you down. Instead, take charge of your business. YOU should be the one telling your clients how YOU Work. Take control of the transaction from the beginning. For example, when a client wanted to buy the canvas and only pay you $50, you say: “This is how I work; I will purchase the supplies that I want to work with. I have my preferred supplies. But first, I will give you a price quote. When you want me to start, I’ll get a 50% deposit from you. Then I’ll buy the supplies and when the painting is finished, your final balance is due when you pick it up.”
This way, you take control and use your own payment policies.
In the case of the man who made the turkey’s head bluer with a magic marker – I wouldn’t give any attention to that . Just let it go, don’t let it bother you. If you were charging more, he wouldn’t have done that!
All you have to do is change the way you handle your business financial transactions just a little, and everything will get easier for you.
I hope this helps!
forgot to put this in: things are going to change since I have found this site. Thank you so much for all the great information. We struggle with people all the time. A lot of people tell me that I will not be rich or famous until I’m dead! A lot of people! I need to have money to be able to create more! That’s why I charge! I also have to be able to eat have a place that’s comfortable to paint and gas to drive to locations and meetings. To pay taxs, wear clothes. I just don’t understand some people at all. Family say its because my thinking is different because I’m an artist. I think that maybe their thinking is the one that is different!
I really appreciate you taking the time to read and answer my questions and complaints. You are so right on about me not taking charge! Sorry I had so many complaints. Again thank you, you have cleared up my thinking on how I should react to my clients.
One does not have to be successfulllll to carry on.
But….one does need MONEY
It’s sad. Having a true artistic talent nowadays is worth as much as being able to palm a basketball!! My uncle was an art prodigy and grew up poor, and I’m also an artist (not gonna call myself a prodigy :p) who is blue collar. I been selling my art since I was in high school. In the 90’s, there was a growing interest in artists, but that changed in the 00’s and I saw this happen. People say I’m extremely talented, but I can’t work on what I love , unless I work for a magazine as an art director, or similar commercial things. I’ve been thinking of becoming a makeup artist, it’s basically the same technique as painting on a canvas, except a person’s face is your canvas. I’m trying here, even with being unemployed, in school, my mom with horrible kidney stones that make her shout in pain :'( and a sister who’s also sick, and having my food stamps taken away for unfair reasons, and I’m trying to be extremely positive and calm, and what I want, is to actually succeed at this…..I wish you all the best of luck, and I hope you succeed….There’s something to be done at the lack of art appreciation in these times…
i am an artist with exceptional skills. I’m not sure how much of that is talent, and how much of it is years of hard work. I teach art in public school in order to make a living. However, it drains me emotionally having to deal with “students” who do not give a rat’s rear end about art. When I get home I am too tired mentally to create. I do most of my work on weekends and summers.
Art will be purchased if people want it enough, just as with any other product. Art is a hard profession, and the reason behind artists complaining about not getting paid is because they expect people to pay for something that people don’t need, as in:
a) a product that serves only the artist’s own creative needs (pure self-expression – “fine art”)
b) a poor product (no matter how much artistic talent there is, if it isn’t channeled properly, it’s not marketable)
Artists should also ask themselves if design or applied arts really limit their creativity at all. Craft or creative work is in general is prostitution, but pure expressive art is closer to masturbation. Is your work really the kind that should be charged for? Does anything commercial fit your comfort zone?
I loved the article. I disagree with allot of the comments. Their are not millions of artists. I live in a city with a population of about 250,000 people. There are around 100 artists. However these 100 aren’t all the same, out of the 100 their are landscape artists, portrait artists, contemporary, abstract, people who use charcoal, graphite, ink, oil, water colors, spray paint, etc etc etc. There are only around 5-6 artists who operate within the same category/medium as me. 5 out of 250,000. More people will be diagnosed in my city of the same rare type of cancer. Art is affordable to 99% of the population.
Originals are more expensive but $50 for a limited edition print is not breaking the bank especially seeing as it lasts for hundreds of years.
People buy flat pack furniture with parts missing and replace them after a couple of years. People spend $100 on alcohol for a night out. Their are two types of people on this planet, those that admire you for your achievement/accomplishment/skill and those that are jealous. Unfortunately the vast majority are jealous.
Very thought-provoking post. I am an artist, and I’ve SOMETIMES (only sometimes) wondered that if I created something without the intent to sell, would it be that much different. I don’t think so: I enjoy it that much. Thank you for posting this. Enjoyed the read and now I’m a subscriber.
I don’t know if you’re born with the talent. I think everyone has it. Though some people use their minds differently are brought up differently and develop a different way of thinking.
Artist are not dead. Anyone who creates, invents is an artist. Without these creative people we would never evolve. You could mimic and quote from a book but it took creativity to write what is in it.
I’ve always loved art. I’d win every art award in primary school and high school. Then it came to my final years I had to decide what to study at uni. I come from a very strict family who were very much against the idea of getting a career in the arts. I was told I can’t be an artist and I can’t study art because I won’t ever make a living. So I did what my parents wanted and went into Law. I hated it. Part of me died thinking I couldn’t do nor spend my time evolving something I love. I studied different things at uni for 4.5 years, lived with depression and felt like I had wasted my youth.
All I want to do is create. It’s what makes me happy and gives me purpose. So this year I’ve decided to go and study art and teaching hand in hand. So I can always be around the very thing I love, while helping those around me discover what they love.
I am building an art studio while selling my own work to pay for my studies and suddenly I feel like my life is going in the correct direction. I finally feel like me. So if someone said to me being an artist isn’t a job. Or I shouldn’t get paid. I would tell them how it is, Would you tell a baker he’s not getting paid for the work he did making bread? No. Should an inventor not be paid for their ideas? No… With out artists there is no change, there is no creation and if they are too ignorant to understand that, they’re not worth your time.
It is very frustrating when big publications ask to ‘use’ my photos but say they have no budget for photography. What I tell them is that if I give my work away, I am establishing that my work has ‘no value’. That usually results in them suddenly coming up with at least a modest budget amount to offer! Thank you so much for sharing your vast experience with the rest of us artists.
Hi everyone. I Just wanted to share my experience on this thread. I have a BFA in painting and I also have a family with two beautiful children and a stay at home wife. I had to re-examine what was important in life when things got tight after my first child was born and discovered for myself that as important and talented as I think I was as an artist, I was an even better father and husband. By making that choice to be so, I spend long hours in a job that I don’t necessarily enjoy but over the years now pays very well. There was a painful period in my young life when I transitioned to becoming what I am, and I believe it occurs in every adults life when we have to step out of ourselves and let go of something that we love in order to do what we believe is right. For some of you out there, do not be afraid to work in other professions, have families, experience life and pain. You will grow into a better person. Thanks,
thank you for bringing an adult voice to this to try to balance out the child sense of entitlement.
Love your article and I wanted to hold the pretty boy while you punched him.
I have a lot of friends who are artistic and creative in so many ways. They paint, sculpt, draw, digital work, felt, sew, cross stitch and I write.
I’ve sadly seen a few of these talented folks have their production and even their desire to create diminish as they were forced to work jobs that they hated to make ends meet. What I learned from them and my own bouts with scraping by is this:
Not being paid to create what you love + working 40 hour job that you hate = depression = sharp decline in joyous artistic expression = the rest of the world misses out on what said artists could have created.
I am HAPPY to pay for art, I love it, I envy those who are talented and create it, and I feel that paying for it helps to show the artist how much I appreciate all that they do for my enjoyment.
I liked your comment on the fact that when a person is working at something they are not happy with verses been paid for working at our art to which we where meant to be to be doing in the first place.
Kennerth C Young
was wonderful to find your blog and this post, i’m an artist trying to make a living at my art and to read your words made me feel better, but i deal with this idea everyday and struggle to find a way to sell what i make by my own two hands on the sewing machine……
I believe artists SHOULD be paid for art Hello, my name is Jack Frazier. I own a website called Holllajack Clothing Company found and hollajack.com ( http://www.hollajack.com ). We are looking for REAL art to display on our website. We are not contacting every artist we see, just the ones that amaze us. We want to showcase art that wows people, and makes them ask “where did you get that”? Which is why we are contacting you. We hope you might be interested in sharing your designs with the rest of the world while making a commission that you set (we recommend $1-$5 because it adds to the total cost of the product). We are just starting out and you would be taking a chance on us….but we hope you take that chance. We hope you Holla, and can’t wait to see your other work!
Well said Maria! I heard you on blogtalk and am now a new fan and follower. LOVE what you guys are doing/writing/sharing!
I am an artist who has never accepted payment for my work. Why? Because I’m in the exact conundrum you specify – I work a soul-sucking job to cover my basic needs so my time spent developing my talent is limited. I never went to art school – just pure God-given talent. Yet not enough to charge others for it and feel like I’m in integrity because my work is just not good enough yet.
The clincher is that I am literally bombarded with requests from other amateur or pro artists whom I know to support them and their art through purchases and contributions to their cause. Why should I pay the way for other people to not have to work and make art all day when I do not have that luxury myself? I see so many self-proclaimed artists who behave as if the world owes them a living – even when their talent is still yet grossly undeveloped. Can you speak to this phenomenon?
I had a friend who as an artist did a sidewalk sale and one of his pieces sold for only $25. Some overweight and smug business type walked up to him, looked at his painting and asked: Is that your best price? My friend assured him it was not and then turned to him and replied, The $25 is YOUR best price. MY best price is $500.
I’ve always loved art, but when I was in middle school I had a bad experience with my art teacher. He would make me change my artwork to suit him and if I did not he gave me a failing grade. It hurt me to the point I stopped taking art. because I believe my vision was to be my own and my grade should not depend on pleasing him. I later took more art classes in college and again was in the same situation. I just up and quit. now the only art work I do is for and with my children.
Well Melissa I’m not sure what to think here. While I don’t believe there is only one way to make art at all, teaching it often comes down to teaching a technique only. I don’t think that is the best way to teach but maybe the only way your teacher knew to impart what they knew. Teaching is difficult. A good artist is not always a good teacher. I had teachers that painted on my work because they didn’t know a better way to explain what they were trying to teach. It really upset some of my fellow students to the point of tears. I was so hungry to learn I didn’t care, I was the student. My work at that point was trash anyway to me. You may need thicker skin. If you don’t like the teacher find another. You gave up too easily but it’s never too late to start again. Your not dead yet 😉
My point is it had to be changed or I got a failing grade. He would want the content totally changed, to the point it was no longer my work or vision but his own. His ideas were crap in my opinion. One of the projects was to make a poster add for join a Yacht Club. He wanted to me put those cheap plastic flag banners all over the top. How cheap and cheesy is that it’s a yacht Club not a used car lot. Second project draw/sketch how we see ourselves, now how can he tell me to change that? It’s insulting plain and simple. Not trying to be rude but he’s a jerk. I didn’t give up I moved on and I’m happy with my family and art will always be in my life. My daughter shares the same love for it as I do and I can explain things to her and let her know art is truly your own vision and expression. Even if someone tells you it is horrible if you love it do it.
“Being an Artist is not just a job neither a career; It is a blessing which help to live life to the fullest potential” ~~~ Me :))))
INTERESTING, I think your pretty boy thinks that if artists are a) unfulfilled in their work that they will produce better artwork b) unhappiness produces better work and c)that if the public like and buy your work it is not good – something in all this, but at the end of the day, it is up to the artist to a) VALUE what he/she produces aesthetically and emotionally and to put in as much into every piece – of course, not possible! We artists ALL produce pieces which are not FINE art but may appeal elsewhere as viable, accessible, beautiful pieces
Your pretty boy seems like a real dirtbag, but of course we don’t have his side of the story, nonetheless, I’m sure if I heard it from him, I would’ve punched him in the face til I made sure his nose would never look the same. Anyhow, if we applied his idea, we should start by hanging politicians who rob us, put dirty police officers who abuse their powers in front of firing squads, and give the profit of companies to the employees intead of the employer. But we live in an insane world where the few powerful get to torture the rest like ants. Fuck our lives, I don’t want to create art, human beings depress me and take my inspiration away, why would I want to inspire those who make me grieve!?
I TOTALLY agree with you. Wonderful post, Maria!
Well said; If I could hug you I would – You made me feel better today after months of feeling numb. I have done a lot of commissions; been ripped off; people who want you to work for next to nothing; it makes you feel worthless and can be soul destroying without the support. The encouragement is there for me to keep going but I work so damned hard as well as caring for my 3 children; earning very little money and I feel a burden. I sometimes think I should get a low paid job just to make finances easier; but then I would have no time to learn; paint and draw; and above all be who I am. I cannot stop wanting to create new work; I love the work of other artists and I myself would be very very unhappy in a world that had no art. So, I also want to know WHY ? WHY are artists undervalued. It has to change.
Maria – AWESOME article. I think people like “pretty boy” are the same people that make fun of or scoff at anyone that is different, or things and people they don’t understand. Small minds… and as unevolved as this thinking is, there are those people out there that think art and beauty is not essential. To survival? Perhaps not on the basest level … but to thrive and grow? Absolutely!! I am one of those that spent years in an office producing four and five paintings a year; not anymore. I took a leap of faith and it certainly has cost me financially, but I wouldn’t trade the evolution of my art, the learning curve and quality of life for anything! Happiness is… doing what you love!!!
Hi Maria,
I just want to thank you for your postings. I, too, have been living by my paintbrush since I was a teenager and I can’t tell you how much your writings affect me emotionally. I, too, came from a horribly abusive background (and from Santa Cruz, to boot). The old childhood tapes pop up alot. You are such an inspiration and sweetheart. You give all us former street kids a good shot of self esteem. Your blog has really hit home. I start off my day reading your articles just to keep the art and money train going. You and Drew have become incredibly important in my life. Peace & Good Times- A.V. Apostle
“Pretty boy” comments do not bother me. They used to when I was new. I disagree with him for all the reasons you mentioned in your fab post, but it doesn’t bother me that he disagrees. I think I would more easily be able to get my point across to him when I am not angry AND I can also keep my blood pressure at a healthy level. If he doesn’t agree, then I quit wasting time thinking about it.
I by no means create enough art to support myself, but I have sold a few pieces, and I am happy that I did. Besides, I would rather buy things from other creative people who make stuff by hand rather than paying for something mass produced.
Wow, you hit the nail on the head….you said exactly what I’ve been thinking. I, too, find it an extreme insult for anyone to suggest an artist shouldn’t be paid. Great post!
AMEN!
Just getting started, officially. Your articles are priceless, never learned this stuff in school.
only one complaint here. dont call a photographer an artist . Its a regular job.
We, by that I mean Artists used to have something like a union it was called a guild. When someone needed a resipe for how much milk or eggs were needed for the body of a paint someone would have likely known how much the egg yolk to say iron oxide was required to adhere the pigment to the panel at times the egg tempra was added to the plaster to slow the drying process of a mural or help adhere the pigment to a dome. Leonard made a mistake in judgement when he painted a fresco with walnut oil adding too much oil to the paint body the entire painting separated and melted. Had he attempted this on a test patch or had asked some one who had used it before He might have mixed it differently. Don’t think for a moment that the Flemish guys didn’t compare prices. This is a remarkably healthy system that has developed (a sort of tribal system) I still rather like the term Guild. of course if we want to make it really/truly (I can never remember which is correct) egocentric we could call it a movement. In fact I like that. Not that I want to do a hostile Take over but putting artists in the drivers seat gives me a bit of what the kids call a buzz. Every one except us works with contractual agreements. Doctors are also professionals and they have need to contract with a Guild called a hospital. They don’t seem to have a problem with charging. I think we all have to grow up and get a life. GM and International harvester have never Had to divest parts of their infrastructure to survive, these are tough times. Ford layed off six thousand people to use a euphamism to down size. The CIA uses the term sanction, with much the same effect. I believe it might have been the Odd fellows (really they called them selves that) “Ifit is to be done, it needs to be done by me.” We are in a monitary plight as bad in some ways as the great depression. Now there is an oxi-moron what was so great about it. Entropenuers, not giveaways are needed for Us to become healthy again. Maria I salute you as a true patriot who is a help in bringing around. How better a time than the day after the forth to do so?
I’ve just stumbled across your blog. Great posts so far.
This idea that artists shouldn’t get paid for our work is pure bull. Maybe it’s some dumb variation of the Protestant work ethic? 🙂 The idea that if it’s fun, it can’t be work.
Or maybe it’s just that in this materialstic society, it’s easy to devalue things that aren’t necessary for survival? “You may not need art to live, but you need it to feel alive.”
Pretty boy…Y U NO have a clue??
Lets give him the benefit of the doubt.and suppose he is familiar with the difficulties artists face getting paid fairly. Well the world has not been easy on the music industry in many ways despite the fact that they are more well organized the industry of late has been turned on it’s ear. The internet has been a game changer. Record sales have changed to free albums, piracy, digital downloads and costly concerts. The how of making a living has changed dramatically. The same is true on a different scale for the visual arts.
In the past there have been those who may have pointed an alternative way for artists to make their way. I’m in no way suggesting that all should follow in the footsteps of Wyland but it has worked rather well for him to give away murals as a way to gain notoriety and make a living on other smaller imagery, prints, reproductions, etc. I’m at present on the cover of a local magazine. It was and is a big deal for me. I was not paid for being on that cover but got a small write-up inside. It will be sent to the upper income homes in my community giving me very high visibility with my target demographic, potential art collectors. While I do not believe I will always make such deals I think it a fair trade right now and gives me both a sales tool for selling to other potential clients and the kind of reassurance to the client wavering and unsure that I am a professional. It’s a bit of delayed gratification for me at this stage. The magazine is happy and I get great exposure. Maybe it’s more like bartering than being paid at this juncture. I doubt I would be on the cover if I had demanded to be paid at this stage in my career.
When I read the title my feathers were instantly ruffled and I thought “But you’ll pay how much for a stupid Beyonce ringtone!?!” Then I read the article… thank you. Seriously. I really wish people would understand how badly they take artists for granted.
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This post struck several chords with me! I worked at a job I hated and during that period had neither time nor inclination to create. Once I became an empty-nester, I returned to my love of photography and I enjoy what I do very much. Thank goodness I don’t have to rely on it to support myself because my sales are sporadic. I do what I do for the pleasure I derive from it. Would it be nice to earn a living from it? Sure! It’s not going to happen any time soon…
What is rampant and illustrative of “Pretty Boy’s” attitude towards artists is stealing and copyright infringement. Nobody thinks our art is worth anything – especially photography – when it can be copied off the internet, passed off as someone else’s work or even used for monetary gain. “I found it on Google” is the excuse and the proliferation of “sharing” sites makes the creator of the work invisible or irrelevant. After what I’ve experienced, I’m struck by how those who create nothing feel entitled to take, for free, from those who do. A sad commentary on the lack of respect for the rights of others and on the devaluation of artists in general.
PS. I’ve stopped adding my website’s url to public comments. I feel less vulnerable that way.
For me, as a paper cutting artist that spends sometimes 300 hours on a piece, and draws a crowd and gets the attention of quite a few newspapers and whatnot- I tend to draw a crowd that isn’t prepared to pay what I’m asking for the pieces, yet they no less then demand that I continue making and showing my work for their viewing pleasure. Yet, as you say, I have to pay the bills as they do, so I wonder, could they imagine the world they are paying for? That world is an artless one, because all the artists had to get jobs that guarantee an income. That is why I’ve decided to make a view changes and from now on will be charging admission to my view my work. All artists should go on strike and deprive the world of its free art it feels so entitled to be entertained by every weekend in every city. Maybe we should push for a law that forces all art galleries to charge admission? Libraries are paid for by taxpayers, the librarians and other library employees have rent and bills to pay – gallery visitors need to make the connection between paying taxes for libraries and paying admission to view art. Art shows should be seen more like entertainment, the experience of going in and viewing things people do not intend to buy, yet they get to see the art, to have the experience those pieces give, to socialize about the pieces and all the benefits and reasons people do in fact attend art shows. I say take it all away from them and see if they miss it. If we take it away and no one complains then there you go… but if they do beg for the art to come back, they will have to $how us they need it. We didn’t ask to be born into a world ran by money, but it is and so they shouldn’t get our time and skills as slavery.
You are so right. If people are willing to pay thousands of dollars to watch buffoons chase a football-even to the point that they’re willing to commit a crime of passion- why can’t they charge for artists??
Artists on strike and charging admission for viewing works at a gallery sound like great ideas! Yet, what a sad world it would be without art, without the beauty it brings into our lives and more importantly, without the fulfillment we get from creating it.
The local galleries where I exhibit my photographs charge a modest fee to hang the work. Most are open three or four days a week for a few hours. At first I was taken aback by that requirement but then I realized they have rent, utilities, insurance and other expenses to cover. When you factor in that few visitors to any opening actually buy art, it’s a wonder we even have people willing to run art galleries!
Quote:
“Soooooo”, I asked the pretty boy, my blood getting hot with frustration, “do you get paid for YOUR work?”
Of course, the answer was yes. “Does getting paid make your work less good?” I asked. “Well, no” he said. “That’s different.”
In a nutshell pretty boy is afraid of competition of other artist being better than he is, and is the type to stomp other people down because he wants to be on top.
I totally agree with your post Maria Brophy
I am finally making use of my talents at an older age.
cheers to all artist who feel their work is worth value and share with the world.
And another note,
Kardashian and Kanye West bought a golden toilet seat and paid $750,000 dollars for it then other artist should be able to make top dollar.
He probably has no talents, that is why he thinks that way. I am sure he has a job and has no idea what having a career means. Anyone can have a job but not anyone can contribute to society.
He should have more respect for people who risk and sacrifice all to actually be productive even if they can’t pay their bills because people like him devalue the time of an artist. We need art and have always needed it! This world don’t need more drugs need more artists. All kind of artists.
Everything is true, but why bother even discussing it? Just push on. However I have always disliked the plumber comparison. This does not elevate the artists role. Please compare with a doctor or teacher.
This is like saying “You shouldn’t get paid for manufacturing widgets, because then your widgets won’t be as good.”
Art is a business. Artists “fail” for the same reason that traditional businesses “fail”: they connect what they supplied with those that demand. Sometimes that demand doesn’t exist, sometimes the supply is not well publicized. They write large business books on these subjects, and they can be about art as much as anything else. It’s creative, but it’s a creative business.
Except it’s not. Create art and being an artist is not a business. Corporatizating art and creating corporate and commissioned artwork is a business.
This is just the kind of comments I needed to read after yet again offering to do some sewing for a friend who happily took and made no offer of payment. IU get caught all the time with friends even at my tender age of mid 60’s 🙂 How do I get paid a fair price for my work which is of good quality and has almost 60 years experience behind it. It really makes me feel taken advantage of and I don’t know how to change it. can anyone make a suggestion please. I should be a top class paid dressmaker/tutor and earn money enough to live well on rather than just living.
Dear Sewitwell,
Thanks for landing on my blog! To answer your question – “How do I get paid a fair price for my work” – it’s simple – don’t do any work, or give any work, to anyone, until after they have paid. Period. Have a price sheet, and when someone wants your services or your work, say “here’s what it will cost. I take cash or checks or credit cards. How do you want to pay?” And once it’s paid, give them the goods. No one can take advantage of you without your consent. Only you can change it. Today!
Sewitwell, in addition to all of the points made by Maria in her response to you, I would add one more. Be your own best customer! By that I mean value yourself, value your work and refuse to give it away. No apologies!
. Neat article, I totally agree with this. I believe fine arts artists should get some fair share of money. It’s quite sad that there are many poor fine art artists and many rich “artists” that the media exploits. I am an artist, people say my art is good telling me that I should be an artist when I grow up. I try selling my art to them but all I hear that they can’t afford it. I only ask around 15-20 bucks a piece, What’s the point of being an artist if no one can’t afford to pay me… though to them it’s too much of a price to ask. When the irony is that they are willing to pay alot of $ just to buy albums of their favorite music artists… They don’t know I take time off from my studies just to make art…
It’s a load of crap. I’m still young, around the age of 13-15
I don’t plan on being an artist when I reach the age of adulthood till this injustice to artists ends.
Ted- I agree with you. This should be implemented. We should go on a strike to get the world’s attention. It would actually bring some aprecciation to our efforts
I tend to draw a crowd that isn’t prepared to pay what I’m asking for the pieces, yet they no less then demand that I continue making and showing my work for their viewing pleasure. Yet, as you say, I have to pay the bills as they do, so I wonder, could they imagine the world they are paying for? That world is an artless one, because all the artists had to get jobs that guarantee an income. That is why I’ve decided to make a view changes and from now on will be charging admission to my view my work. All artists should go on strike and deprive the world of its free art it feels so entitled to be entertained by every weekend in every city. – See more at: https://mariabrophy.com/business-of-art/why-
artists-should-not-be-paid-for-their-artwork.html#comment-74672
Ted, so you want all the worlds artists to go on strike so you can get paid to view your paper cut outs, is that right? You might as well dream of money falling from the sky. Ted, I have been a successful commercial and fine artist for 45 years and one thing I have observed from all of my peers is that if an artist is good enough the buyers will pay. Artists must see themselves first and see how they compare to the greats who do get paid. And maybe the fault is with you. Remember the line from the film. TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRES? It takes a hundred men to cover the hill so that one man can find the gold.
Without art the world would be boring. Artists SHOULD get alot of pay because it’s not easy to be a pro. It takes motivation and skill. I’m a total artist and your saying I have no place in this world? That I can’t get paid doing what I love? Grow up. I appreciate science, math and other jobs out there. I’m not dissing what you love. I’m an artist and I have a right to live and make money in this world.
My husband has been encouraging me to go forth with a certain medium that I’ve taken a fancy to. In order to make money. After reading this, what you wrote, I feel liberated to go ahead and do it! It’s very inspiring to hear such validation. Thank you!
Agreed 100 percent. I have had this conversation with a number of people, and in fact I work a second job which, though I enjoy, it doesn’t fulfill me like my art does. I could work on my art 12 hours a day, or night. 🙂 Still, it’s a dream.
I’m always approached by my “friends” who just love my work but it’s not in their budget (they want it for free) not even offering to pay for the frame or canvas, I’ve just had to stop doing this kind of work as they seem to think later on all they have to do is “like” my work and they’ll get another one free. thanks Dixie
WOW…THANK YOU!! I came across this blog post while searching google for crowdfunding sources for artists. I work festivalsm art shows, craft shows, corporate shows, beer and wine festivals, and mall carts at the holiday with myAmazing Photo Letters business…and as the economy has gotten worse, I hear more and more nasty comments from customers on the same line of thinking from that little turd you ran into! Frankly, it is our schools and parents poo-pooing art as a living that has perpetrated this mindset. And- APPARENTLY, school teachers are telling kids to steal ideas from others beacuse that is the greatest form of FLATTERY to an artist!! WHAT?? NO, the greates form of flattery to an artiosts is to GET PAID Exactly the amount of money we are asking for our work and contribution to their pleasure and joy!!! Not having our work, yes, WORK, stolen, trashed, treated as if it is nothing and childs play!! I for one, have never had a problem asking for money for my work. I have become very discourgaed however at the lack of support, respect and encouragement I receive in this world. THANK YOU for being an advocate!! Muah 🙂
There is a difference being commissioned for your art work as compared to selling it. You hire your interior designer whereas you most likely wouldn’t pay someone to preemptively rearrange your furniture in your house. In your Sistine Chapel example (or other major works of the era), it is logical (and a safe investment) to commission someone who was highly trained in the classics or had a long-term apprenticeship. In addition, their services served a greater purpose than creativity for the sake of creativity. So, I doubt “pretty boy” undervalues the work of art, but he recognizes that the work of a plumber who can unclog your toilet after you take too big of a dump is more valuable than the work of a marginal modern artist.
This is brilliant- thank you! I am one of those artists that creates only a few paintings a year because i work a desk job and only have time to paint in my spare time- it doesn’t improve the quality of my work- I can tell you that- it just adds to my frustration- lol
right on!
educating the public is one step, the other step is to educate the artists. Thats our goal also!
You are so right I’ve been furious about this issue myself and intending to write an article on it!
One must remember though that there is generally a class of artist that under normal circumstances does NOT get paid, and that is the beginner. The beginner usually creats art work for free just to get started. Also there are those artists that are not very good at it and they usually dont make much money even though there inflated ego’s tell them that they are pretty terriffic.
“Art…solves problems”
Yeah ok, tell me how the hell does art solve problems, like heart disease, sending people to the moon, etc.
Art is all about FEELINGS, not about problem-solving
Anything that sheds light on an issue facing society helps to solve problems. Art represents the time in which we live, and good or bad shines a light on what is going on.
It’s about risking ones reputation, and existence at times.
Picasso was exiled from Spain after creating “Guernica”, one of his most brilliant pieces depicting a horrible bombing.
One instance in time, captured by an individual’s FEELINGS.
More profound to me than landing on the moon.
My thoughts exactly. And this is coming from someone who draws and writes. I have the perspective to know that although “art” is important, the hubris from other artists, at times — thinking that the world would implode if they don’t create art (actually, THEIR world would implode and nobody would really care) — are downright delusional fools.
Ah yes!!! My mom had a very wealthy sister whose wealth derived from the vast cattle ranch and the banks that she and her husband owned… My mom was once lamenting to her sister about how much of a struggle it can be to make even a meager living in the arts, and her sister replied, “Oh, but artists don’t need to make money because THEY LOVE WHAT THEY DO!” Hah!!! I have often imagined asking her, “So, then if you LOVE operating your ranch and your banks, shouldn’t you be living in poverty? And shouldn’t your foreman, cowboys and managers, as well?” And what if a plumber happens to love his job? Should he only get paid if he hates it? Ridiculous!
Kristi, it’s clear (well, not so much because you didn’t “get” it) that your aunt was going by the stereotype that artists rejects money because “it doesn’t matter.” Artists and their fans are known to spout “I’m doing what I love/passionate about!” It wasn’t meant to be an insult to artists. But then again you, being the uber sensitive person you are, took it as an offense. And your aunt runs a business – that basically means profit … profit actually means money. Ridiculous!
I am an artist and it’s the only work i enjoy. i love to create. but i am only 17 and have been having trouble finding a way to make a living off of my art work…
Me, I give up on the whole thing. I’m past the age where I have any illusions left about ‘making it’. What’s the point of cluttering up my home with stuff nobody cares about? I’ve been toting it around with me every time I move & it gets to be more of a nuisance each time.
I too am an artist as I like to think of my self and though I disagree with the idea as much as the rest of you, i don’t think that this person was stupid. I just think that if that was his opinion then so be it. I mean, not everyone is going to agree with your beliefs. If this was how it was then the world would be boring. Therefore I choose not to judge this person by his opinion. So I find it foolish to call him stupid. That is what I am really furious about. Just because a person believes something you don’t it doesn’t make him or her stupid.
Great article Maria, thanks.
thanks Jim!
i think that guy is a wanker and needs a good slap. I am 20 years old and trying to become an artist and yes i wish to be a very wealthy man through my art but more importantly that money will help me help the young generation in britain as i plan to run a program where i can take those ignored, bored, missunderstood teenagers who hang around on the streets and get called thugs to go out and do exciting important activities. i plan to teach them how to drive and those without proper guidence i will help them to learn how to look after them selves. our teenagers are crying out for someone to teach them moral guidance but no ones listeaning. my point is if that pretty guy can read this, its people like you that ruin this world but if you stand in my way when i try to become successfull and help others i will hack you down like the scum you are, so stay out of my way and enjoy the rest of your day
well i will stick to my word and let him think what he wants
teach the parents to give moral guidance. Its not your job!
I’m not trying to start anything! I just think its very inappropriate and immature of you all to be talking about how terrible you think this person is when you haven’t even met him.
Funny, I would have wanted to punch the guy in the face too after hearing something like that.
1. This jackass believed himself to be better than others. While not having much going on for him.
2. It was painful to read this guy’s “reasoning skills”…
Someone pass that guy a glass of bleach, we need less stupidity in this world.
Be kind, obviously this man has not found his art therefore, Jealousy ensues. Unable to visualize himself Creatively Living, he lashes out at a “cruel world” from the weakest stance criticism, but really it is an invitation. Some people poke a dead body to see if it has life – to learn. Feed him, console his grieving lost soul mourning what feels like will Never be. Be the Love that you put into your art even when you aren’t in front of the canvas or lens. Invite him in and destroy him forever. Love
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Art Galleries??? What a load of crap . Baahahaha theres a so called artist who creates wrk from garbage ! but its just glued on trash in a haphazard nonsensical sty;le what a load of shit.its uninspiring . To me the uglier the Art the more they like it. Its encourages them.
Oh my I am one of those artist that you would probably consider as taking garbage and making into art as I use recycled material and I turn into what I have been told is very nice work
I’m not sure how I got to this blog, but boy am I glad I did! Maria, what a great piece, a very important one and one that I am afraid only those with talent of their own would understand. I suspect ‘pretty boy’ is fairly talentless. I’m 46 years old and had spent 25 of those years working in property law here in the UK. I only ever struggled by with an average income. A couple of years back I had an episode of enlightenment and thought ‘what the hell am I doing?’ So I took the plunge, I left the job and took a part time one, now I write books (that no-one buys) paint the odd surfboard and to earn a living I trade forex. I now have less money but what I like to call a ‘big’ life, I love my life and I look forward to every new day. Would I like an income stream from my books? Yes, of course, I could stop trading forex and concentrate on my art. But for me I get heaps of enjoyment out of the process of writing, I would spend more time doing it if I could. So I fully endorse your article Maria, it would be awesome to be paid, it would be a double whammy! Enjoy the work and then get money for it. But I say to all those creative types, get out of the 9to5 if you can, save some money and take the plunge, life will not come knocking at your door, you need to out there and grasp it.
omg thank you so much this was so beautiful. almost have tears
I am a single mom and artist. I had a “real job” for ten years that made me so miserable I didn’t want to get out of bed. I had no time for anything working 50 hours a week . But I studied art in college and paid money to learn a trade had skills that I was not using. Everybody encouraged me to pursue art but when I lost my regular job everybody told me I was crazy! You can’t support a child off art ! I was so angry …. Why ? Because it’s a hobby? Art is important after all imagine a day without art , impossible ! If I spend 100 hours on a piece and invest 200.00 in supplies I should be paid for my time not just the cost . After all mechanics charge you to install the parts to the car because it takes time from their day to install. I take time from my family to create art and I deserve to be paid for that .
You are amazing, i love this whole thing!
One of the craziest things about the myth that artists starve is the counter myth that supports it. I used to recruit lawyers; my company paid them $25 per hour and some of them had loans of over $250K.
Many, many, many occupations are competitive, risky, and occasionally require supplemental “day jobs” to keep the bills paid. Few people suggest that this means “nobody” can make a living at these things or that the practitioner should do anything less than learn the business end and do whatever it takes to put the practice first.
“Day jobs” themselves are not the problem; they just don’t work if they’re either all-encompassing, competing careers or are such low-paid grunt work that they drain a person.
THANK YOU.
I am sick of people asking me for a “quick” or “simple” drawing and being upset because I expect to be paid for it.
What’s more, I love your arguement against why I should have a “proper” job, which I do and I dislike.
Sue Pownall, Its no big deal to do a quick and simple drawing for free. If you are really a good artist it should only take you a few minutes. I have made a million dollars as a professional artist and lots of that came from me hooking the customer with a quick sketch. Stop complaining about it and do what it takes.
Yep, I’ve had that experience, too. I’ve been ripped off before. I guess the trick is to give them a taste of what you can do. But only a taste. Spend very little time on it. If they are intrigued, they might want more and purchase a finished piece.
Thank you for your article, I woke up angry at the world for this notion that should starve and/or continue to work a job I hate in order to feed my family. I am glad I found this article and to know that I am not the only one who feels that art FEEDS people, so why should I starve?
Thanks.
M.
Mak, if your starving as an artist, chances are you are not good enough to get paid.
Off moments happen to the best of us RON CROCI.
Thanks for accepting me. I’m a wooden crafts & sculptures,showpieces & office accessories artist in Bangladesh. Any kinds of wooden crafts & other products are make very easily by my own hand. If you can get a chance then I’ll show my better performance.
Excellent entry. Happily, I can testify as one lucky enough to make my living at my art — I used to do a lot of freelance commercial prototypes as well, but now it’s mostly my own stuff. I’ve found the internet invaluable for marketing — doubt I’d be in business otherwise! And yes, if Pretty Boy had known art history, he would know that professional artists have been paid and had paying, supporting patrons for centuries. You are exactly right: the more you are able to work at it, the more you grow, and many if not most of the great works now considered landmarks and turning points in art were not created for nothing. We would still do it, alone on the proverbial desert island, but to achieve our best — hey, food and lodging help!
Unfortunately there are agents, licensing companies, customers and private commissioners who also believe artists should create a protfolio for free, for them, for worldwide exposure, and have varying ways of making the artist believe they should. I am a full time “starving artist” currently struggling with being asked to create ALOT of work on a spec basis, and it’s also coming up to my 15th Christmas Day alone, as I can’t afford to do anything or go anywhere, much less treat myself – but what can be done??
Just wanted to add, I have been making money every month whilst low, and have won art awards and competitions – jsut in deffence to Ron’s comment….support is good Ron!
Now I’m in going to be a big financial problem.how can I build up my carrier again?
I work in another profession besides creating art. I have been doing it the last twelve years. I am micromanaged and told what I’m doing wrong often. There was a time I had a balance in this career, and I could fif my work in here and there. Not anymore. The Boss Man takes all of my time up. I might throw in the towel soon and work part time so I can do my art. I want to show the world what I can do!
I view myself as cursed because I have an extreme talent with painting. I was judged second in a competition with ten thousand entries years ago, and the first picture I tried to sell went for 7k. my pics are better than high res photos. I’ve been working a real job for the last 4 years and have just gone full time painting again. God knows how long I will survive.
Why should a plumber be paid more than an artist… if you need to ask that question you are beyond help. Simple answer, because the plumber is far more useful, functional and utilitarian than an artist.
‘Oh your house is flooding because of a burst pipe, quick best buy yourself a painting to cover over the watermarks…’- No-one ever.
Apples & oranges. Why should we have to make comparisons at all? Is there some kind of law as to who gets paid what? Value is totally subjective. And everyone’s time and effort is equally valuable, nonsubjectively.
When I want something fixed, I pay the person who fixes it. If I want something that feeds my soul, I pay the person who created it.
Neither one of those needs are less than the other. It’s a matter of which is more urgent at a given time, not a question of value.
Bravo Karin, wonderfully commented.
Sounds like Pretty Boy was just flirting with you.
Oh ya. You are right on the money! Someone when you are an artist your ‘work’ is devalued and perceived as a hobby. There is a convert question and idea that an artist doesn’t and shouldn’t really expect to get paid? I say have that same agenda next time you take your car to a mechanic, or a dentist etc.This attitude drives me totally bonkers too!
I have to agree. And I have a question for everyone that says artists shouldn’t be paid. What about Disney? That is art work in and of itself, should no one pay for their films? And the film industry itself, that is art, should all the films, T.V. shows, etc. also be free?
And then there are the comedians out there, should all their work be for free? Not one of them even earning a financial thank you for the joy they bring to the world?
All in all it’s nice to try and ignore the world and truths we live in but eventually if you don’t acknowledge them and deal with them as best you can they will come up and bite you in the ass; even if it’s something as “small” as never having been what your soul and heart wants and was born to be, an artist.
Well presented with passion. When you know the value of your art-making process, the price of your work reveals itself.
Hi Maria,
Sincerely, I feel as though this post of yours has changed my life quite a bit, as my heart once again yearns to reach out and grab the first medium it sees. Tearing while realization hits, and never fully realizing how much I have been holding back… from the world, and most importantly from myself. I now know why a part of me has felt like it has been missing. It was the same time as when paper turned blank for the first time, instead of being instantly vivid with what my mind imagined to put on it.
As an artist, I enjoy every delicate stroke, every soft or hard line, every color or shade, with so much passion. But over a couple of short years, I lost that passion due to many, many obstacles in my personal life. It was as if my brushes turned into a distant memory, cold stone, even forgetting that I have so many, or any at all! My pencils, inks, paints, chalks, pastels, everything… felt sooooo heavy… so lost.
Only recently, have I regained the yearning to turn surfaces into masterpieces, just as turning water into wine. Though my mediums still felt heavy; after a while I started to doodle, and even create simple sketches again. This was challenging for me. Think of it, as all of a sudden being best friends again with someone long, long ago. No, it takes more time than that, as the tried-to-forget memories come back more sensitive than ever.
I am one of those artists, who works 40-50 hours a week, and is not happy with a minute of it. That is because my true passion was left behind by my own doing.. All this time, and my heavy heartedness kept me from what I love most, and what makes me feel most free. Though I do not want to create art 24/7, but at least 10/3.
I still have other passions, but creating, cannot EVER be left behind. It is part of who I am, what I do, how I feel, what I will never be able say. Pieces of things my mouth will never be able to put together, explain, or interpret to others. This one outshining, special talent that God has given me can explain anything to anyone, more so than I myself can ever imagine. With every masterpiece, every sketch, every stroke… my artwork always surprises even myself at the outcome.
The world will always see me in one way as a person; but my artwork will show the world that I am not what they make of me.
So thank you Maria,
For helping me realize how much I have been holding back from the world… from myself…
Renée
Maybe he was talking about the kind of art that isn’t bound by the stipulations of the payer. The changing art? The avant garde? The kind that gets quashed by people who have money and don’t get it, so don’t want it, so say no?
i have been an artist my entire life. i have been paid for my work, but most of the time i am not. artists have to realize that being paid for your work is not a measure of your talent or passion, many ppl myself included feel that artists have been held ransom by making art about making money. a true artist does art because they are moved to, because they cannot stop themselves from creating. it is not a switched to be turned on and off by the highest bidder.
Well said. The true artist will always find a way.
The urge to create will assert itself no matter, that’s true. And money isn’t necessarily a measure of worth or ability. But even the likes of Michelangelo and Leonardo expected to be paid and make a living.
The idea of the starving artist doing it for love alone didn’t come along until the early 1800’s, Romantic Era. The notion really hasn’t done us any favours.
Napoleon II even said he wanted to encourage art but discourage artists.
I read the title…and was about to destroy you. But then I read your very well written article. Well done.
Thank you so much for this article. I have been working at all kinds of non art related jobs and as a mother and haven’t really created much art for about 10 years. By the time I get home from work and take care of the house and kids I am too tired to create anything. I just took a drawing class and apparently my skills are not entirely gone. I am 40 now and it is about time I make my living as an artist now. Not sure how but done wasting my time at jobs I really do not love. But need to pay the bills so need to get on it right away.
It always amazes me how “friends” will suggest that you give them paintings just because your their friend , to me that’s is just low class rude (especially since you have already given them several, I finally have a comeback answer which is( If you would like a print we’ll go make one for ya!! Nuff said
Wow. I’m (not so) surprised at what a huge response this post generated. You have truly hit on one of the stranger conceptions human beings have formed about art : that the creator does not deserve / should not be paid for their work because it is less valuable / should be done for recreation. I’m definitely on your side on the matter, a few quick rebuttals for all the people who have posted in opposition :
#1 – You are not considering the time / welfare of the artist. You are only qualified to hold this opinion if you have attempted to create art professionally. If not, you have no clue what you are talking about. Say you are an accountant, what if I asked you to do my taxes for free? “Could you just take care of them for me? Oh what you want to get paid for your hours of hard work?! Well that’s silly.”
#2 – You believe that art does not contribute to society as much as other types of work. My reaction is WTF?! You really think art is useless and the only people who really contribute are those who are gainfully employed in a non-artistic capacity? Ok then, try living a day without TV, literature, culinary art, architecture, design, radio, advertisements, and your craft micro-brew / wine / bourbon / whatever. Sit in a grey box / cave eat crap and stare at the walls. Having fun yet? Visual art is no different from other forms in that the creator had to support his/herself. If you really think that it’s not worth anything, then stop asking for free samples of it.
Awesome response thanks. It’s extra hard when you are living with the pretty boy and have to contend with this crap attitude.
I couldn’t agree with you more. Everything said is so true. Why would one assume that such beautiful gifts deserve no compensation? I’m an oil painter and quite frankly my body literally hurts afterwards. It is in a sense manual labor, after all. I mean the art doesn’t just telepathically jump onto the canvas. It is PHYSICALLY applied to the canvas. I sometimes paint for six hours straight! By all means we deserve to compensated.
Photography is the same way. I don’t *work* as a photographer, but depending on what I photograph I may have to contort my body into an odd position… and then *hold* it there. I’ve had to do that at rose festivals and fireworks shows… and then I was sore the next day.
Now, how many of you download stuff for free? Give others CD/DVDs to burn…in this digital revolution, it seems many many many want everything free of charge. It’s the way of the web, once something is created people can’t see what went into it and with all the time that teens have on their hands along with the ability to out-code the status quo, Free, is becoming a national desire. We want it for free but we want to get paid for our efforts. We need a new economy.
Likewise to the article, I had a Cadillac dealer offer me $75 bucks for a $300 painting. When I told him it took me 3-5 days to make it, he had a revelation, he had no idea what went into the making of a painting. He didn’t buy it even though he’ll charge X$ just for a hub cap for one of his cars, a hub cap just like all the other hub caps that come off the line.
Shouldn’t be paid?,I’ve been a freelance illustrator for almost twenty years and often wondered if I was being “used”.’Pretty Boy’s comments don’t help at all!
Money is a necessity and you should be paid for your work the same as a plumber or a lawyer or a police officer. The nice thing is, paying for art is usually optional and discretionary. (And don’t get me started on other artists who accuse successful artists of “selling out.” Everyone has a different path.)
Kate, please stop comparing an artist work to a plumbers. An artist that has mastered figures, archetectuer, landscape and perspective can only be compared to a surgeon. However most artists dont wanrt to do the work involved in learning all of this, there fore their art lacks the punch that they think they have and that is why they cant sell anything. Come on all you so called artists, learn the bascics and stop bullshiting.
That would be why Thomas Kinkade got rich off his apprentice sweatshop, right? Try again. People don’t want to pay a true price for art because they all have the Wal-Mart mentality about everything now. They are the same way about food (we’ll pay $5 for a latte but not for a properly raised dozen eggs) and clothing (we’ll buy an Escalade but paying more than $10 for a tshirt is highway robbery).
Thank you, Maria. I am an artist that splits his time with a full time job, and everything you say is correct. I manage to be highly productive as an artist but here are the facts: I get up at 5 in the morning to paint before work. I then paint when I go home. My day job is underpowered, yet art related and appreciated. I have not invested in making much of a middle class existence, have no kids, have a 15 year old car and a tiny apartment. Otherwords, where I am following the dayjob route, sacrifices have been made. People really piss me off when they say an artist should starve for their art. Its silly, romantic dumb and illogical. Ive developed highly individual skills in painting, ones which less than 3 percent of the population possess. So unlike other people in this position, like sports stars or actors, I should devalue this and starve in the streets. Its dumb, and only entitled douchebags think like this.
Thank you.
I have been painting sense 2000. I do it to release stress I have about 35 painting finished never have I sold one because I don’t thing they are good enough to sell. all I know is that I would like to keep painting and maybe someday I will have the balls to show the world my art.
I came across this article today while searching for other artists who had trouble getting started living out their dreams because they constantly hate their own work and/or worry about losing everything to do so. It isn’t that I find my work all that bad, it’s just that my confidence level is terrible and I am always comparing. But, I have finally had a fire lit within to at least try to start putting my art out there more than just a show here and there. This article made a much needed impact on my life today. I recently quit a long time job to ‘figure out’ my real life purpose. Part of that purpose is to share my creativity with others. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reminding me why we do what we do, and that there are in fact people out there who still believe that we should ALL be able to do what we love, and live too. YES! We all have talents and something to offer to the world, thank you for sharing yours.
Quoting Casper here, ” can I keep you?” I really needed to see this today. I have been painting and drawing since I was small. I studied in college but felt like a car stuck in the mud. It has been recently that things started to pick up and alllll by accident or surprise?? It started with the SeeMeTakeover in Times Square, then I was asked to have a show locally, which will be in January 2015. Shortly thereafter, my brother thought he was walking into a music store but it had since changed hands and is now an art gallery.. he whipped out his phone and showed them pictures and I get a call telling me to get there asap and now I am in. Finally, I was recently asked to illustrate a children’s book. Now I continue to ask myself, Why are you still working this job that you hate and working 3 jobs at one time, with 3 children and barely an ounce of time to paint more than one painting a month??? It’s because I am afraid that if I leave the steady income, I will fall flat on my face and go flat broke. Fortunately my husband is my biggest fan is begging me to quit my job-s and paint full time. This blog just hit the nail on the head:)
Heather, what a loser you are…. Doing all those jobs you hate so you will have cash. How dumb you must be to put up with yourself. You put art in the background just so you could have some stupid job. You are a pompus irritating phony. I would rather steal than live like that. The reason you have those jobs instead of “doing what you really want to” is because you don’t really have anything to express. You are as empty as those so called jobs. Come on, prove us wrong, make something of your self. And by the way you don’t need your husbands approval.
Ron I find your negative comments unnecessary and plan rude.
Ron, maybe you were born with a silver spoon in mouth but most artists arent, if y don’t work you don’t eat, please tell me why the vast majority of of classic and renaissance artists died poor? Is I because they didn’t have anything to express or they were phoney? Gee I wonder. By the way how can a person be phoney for not wanting their family to suffer for them to per sue their dreams, I get the feeling you spent many yours living at your parents while they suffered for you, because yup couldn’t be a ‘phoney’
Heather know it’s difficult feeling like you are between a rock and a hard place I empathize with you. We all have our hopes and are fears. It’s a balancing act were we need to have realistic hope and not allow fears to overcome us and not allow us to live our dreams and passions. It’s always a risk, but with faith, a belief in ourselves, and with a supportive network around us, I say go for it. Never mind the critics, including yourself!
I encourage you to believe in your capacities to take a chance at happiness in actualizing your dreams.
I went riding horses at 40, for two years, took up Mediterranean dance at 50 and went back to University to finish a Bachelor of Fine Art I started in the 70s. At 56 years of age and graduated 2012. You can do it! I received an award given to mature students who demonstrate perseverance, and determination in obtaining their degree. That meant more to me than the marks ever could!
You deserve to be happy doing what you want to do!
Hi Catherine,
I think Ron is in dire need of a group hug. Thank you for your kind thoughts! I live I a place where art is absolutely unappreciated but I am about to soar…….and Ron if you by chance read this, I accept your challenge….and send hugs and kisses
This is a great article. We were having a debate on another site about this and it got a bit out of control. We would love to get paid for every bit of art we’ve made. However, sometimes we’ve done art for free when we can see that there is a huge probability that it will lead to bigger projects and more work. E.g. we paint for Quiksilver at the Quik Pro France, run workshops at their offices/shops and paint boards for the factory. As a result, sometimes we’ll paint a freebie for a pro surfer or someone who has a massive onile following. Guess the question is if payment has to be in monetary form or if exchange is still valid? it is to us….. Keep up the good work, Pistache Artists.
(online)
Pistache Artists,
Thanks for landing on my blog!
Even when painting a high-profile athlete’s surfboard, you should get payment. You could offer them 50% off, and that would be a generous offer. The reason I say get paid, even if just 50%, is because people value that which they pay for.
My husband used to paint the surfboards of pros, many years ago, and he would find that they didn’t respect the painting; they would end up giving it away or breaking the board and tossing it. They didn’t value it because it was free.
Now, we don’t do things for free anymore. And Drew’s work gets respected, and it’s a special thing for someone, even an athlete, to have him paint their surfboard.
Thank you so much for your article like you I would have wanted to punch “prettyboy” in the face too. As an Independent Recording Artist it not only sucks to not get paid to add insult to injurry clubs in LA want us to pay to play so after we spend hours of preparation after working our day jobs and pay hundreds of dollars to cover all the expenses such as rehearsal studio, gas money, hair, make up, wardrobe, promotional advertising, photographer, video guy and sometimes equipment rental fees and then be told to sell tickets we end up spending thousands to make 20.00 bucks in the tip jar but yet we’re suppose to do this for free gtf out of here. We are worthy of wages and should be respected and valued for what we work hard to do for applause and recognition of contributing something worthy to society. Thank you for your blog!
Blessings Promise Marks
Wow your so whiny. Let me ask, Did the Rolling Stones take on “day jobs.” I think not. Your still not good enough. What your lacking is the ability ti stimulate the imaginations of your listeners. Weather its Mozart, Liberace or Kirk Cobain, they all had it. You just don’t. Not yet any way.
HUGS!!! Big ones, the letters and the hugs!!:)
I am not a musician I paint!
Ron, I think you’re off your meds.
Thank you. I needed to hear this today…even if it took me years to get to the post from my google search. Boatloads of thanks. As an artist I have been told that I undercharge for my work. I agree but feel as if I have so much to learn…how can I charge more…something I need to get over.
all painting work are beautiful according to the way you see it or describe it
Yes…We live in money based society so it makes artist more productive and creative if he get paid for his artwork.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am still seething over a pinhead that suggested I paint for less than minimum wage. When I refused, she attempted to hire a college student (she couldn’t find a student who was willing to work for the wages she was willing to pay) and then thought that a fourteen year old could take over what I was doing. (I have a degree in fine arts, years of experience and have won multiple awards.) What she didn’t understand was that I was (attempting) to do her a favor (she was starting a business) and that I was doing so out of friendship — not because I believed that she was paying me any kind of decent wage. Some business professor gave her the line, “why should I impoverish myself for you?” to hand me when she attempted to drop the agreed upon wage. No more doing favors for troglodytes!
(Whoops. Forgot to add that painting for less than the minimum wage also included taking time off from a day job that I do to support my painting, and thereby losing income by doing work for her.)
I’m a college student and I just changed my major from biology to art. I get so much crap from my family saying that I’m not going to make enough money and I don’t think they understand that I really would rather work a job that I live than be miserable trying to work as a biologist for my entire life. It was bad enough for one semester and I personally don’t wish ti repeat it. I’ve always for as long as I can remember have been an artist and very good at it. Now I really am just working de veloping voice and new skills.
OK. Not meaning to be a party pooper or something with your thoughts about why art should have a price. Just to give another perspective about it. Personally I do paintings (couple a year) just to enjoy the thrill of letting out what’s inside my brain and then hanging it around the house or at work and occasionally explaining people what’s the painting about. There are times when someone offers to buy, which is turned down with my always simple explanation: “Art is meant to be shared and everyone is an artist”. Why I do this? I believe that the most accomplished and exquisite master in showing their work is Nature and does it for free. Looking at the wonder of a colorful butterfly, or the mighty ocean waves, or the ever present tree with its color changing, or the pompous flowering plant in spring, or the melodic bird singing, or the beauty of a coral reef ecosystem, and so on just to name a few. All are for free and shared with us for out enjoyment. If I put a price to my art I would be precisely feeding the ‘for profit’ mentality that is taking our world down the self-destruction path. In a cosmic calendar, this for-profit mentality has put us couple minutes away from doomsday. Peace.
I understand your point about art being meant to be shared & the for-profit issues. It’s a philosophical conflict I feel at times.
I also agree that everyone has the ability of creative expression. However, that is not the same as being an artist which is taking that innate creativity and honing it to a level of expertise, like the difference between being able to play notes and playing to professional standards. All creative expression has personal value. That does not make all equal in quality of execution. What makes an artist is the time, effort and dedication given to developing one’s ability. It’s not something they do once in a while for fun, it IS what they do.
As for money, we live in a world that still requires us to have it and if someone puts all their time and effort into making a life and a living from art, you can’t do it for free. If you only do a couple of pieces a year for fun, that’s a different matter.
if ur a artist.just be yourself.what eles can u be.we need people like u.
I like the way you u lot talk about art btw,
Nature doesn’t do anything for free. She expects reciprocal energy in kind. If you enjoy her beauty so much, what are you doing to protect her? One way or another she’s going to get it back out of you.
Earth without “art” is just “eh”. So is this guy.
check out my work i do stone carvings
http://www.kehntekedesigns.com
Uh, since we live in a money based society. Tell me, why it is that the good, in the form of my art, and the service, in the form of my time to create that art, shouldn’t be paid for? That said was it zuckerberg who insists we should also be booted from FB because we lack integrity if we use a pseudonym as the Famous Mark Twain did when he wrote the Tom Sawyer novels and stories, as his real name was Samuel Clemens. Hmmm I wonder if Zucker-face even knows that, or who that is. Or why an artist, such as him would not want their real world location, their names, their faces online. Especially today where the artist that does so, as past recent events show us, risks being the victim of terrorism if they do. NO thanks. I will continue to use someplace else, and continue to accept money if offered for my work. (Which it should be noted, I normally do for free/tell the clients up front will be free. I only take a donation if it will really offend them if I don’t. Which is rare these days, but still does happen.
Creativity will be the currency of tomorrow. All else can be acquired by the increasing stored knowledge base that is being distributed faster to more people. Creative thought is what is human. “Being made in the image of God” would imply we are creators.
Creativity grows with our “Information Revolution”. Humans are the mind of all life. We collect and store data. We comb the data and create. The “Information Revolution” is “Creative Evolution”. Free time and longer life will mean more creation. Each decision made is creative. We are evolving and responsible.
I am against subsidizing artists because that’s dishonest against all others that work hard and don’t get a subsidy.
However I think we need to be paid for our work. But artists themselves are naieve too. They have the business brain of an amoeba in many cases.
I charge 800 euros for a show and 65 euros an our for a commission and I stick with that. But mists artists are so hopeless for cash that they buckle at the first: ‘ hmm. That’s too much’.
This ruins our market appreciation.
I’m in a luxury position that I also work in IT and I’m not pressed for money.
In IT its normal to see what your specially is and when it’s a niche your rate goes up.
In art that’s very difficult because everyone can play some music or paint and it’s very hard to measure the ability.
also a painter charges by the hour and that’s normal and they have rates we know to be acceptable.
Perhaps us artists née dot come up with price indication for each art per hour and stick to it.
Commissions in the golden ages were high and artists were respected. We can turn the tide but we need to be unified and not crumple because we are desperate.
I was just thinking about this same thing today. Since most of us would find life intolerable without art – paintings, sculpture, music, fiber, jewelry..whatever… The value it brings is invaluable. And yet, so many devalue the artist’s time which is way more than the materials used.
hi i am an artist currently studying for bva hons and i would like to offer a point of veiw. Art is the idea not the product although it is not the property of the artist, just as cars were an eventual inevitabilty when the first tool was used every idea is an inevitabilty. An artist does not “come up” with an idea, as aldous huxley said “the curtain was lifted that i might see”. The idea is not the artists therefore ownership of the recreation or the physical “copy” of the idea is also not theirs. Artists are agents of creation taking from the cululative human knowledge any artist that sells an “original” work is turning it into a product a commodity and while this is possible to do at this point it occurs it ceases to be art. The only art an artist should sell is commision work as it is devised and paid for before the product exists and as such they are paying for an idea to be made reality in this moment and your skills as an agent of creation. What you are been paid for is not your “art” any work an artist makes without this commission basis should never be sold if it is to retain its value as art just a thought
Aaron, that’s a nice philosophical point of view. However, without the artist’s time (during which the artist has to be able to eat and live), effort, aquired skills (which also cost money to attain) and paying for materials, the etherical creative idea would remain just that – an idea. We need money to make art and to live. Not everybody works entirely, or at all, on commission. Whether you see it as paying for an object or paying the artist to do the work of being the conduit of creative ideas doesn’t diminish the value of the art that results. It makes it possible.
For instance, Van Gogh wouldn’t have been able to paint for long without the financial support of his brother. Now people pay millions for the paintings he made for which he received nothing and lived in poverty to do so. Do you think that is right or just? No one else could have made those paintings the way he did. So while the essential ideas may not have ‘belonged’ to him, his expression of them did and the courage to do it. That is worth a great deal because, again, without it there would have been no paintings.
Thank you for speaking up.
Great article. I was just answering a question about how long a pointillism painting (24″x 30″) took me.Although I never timed it, I guesstimated 80 hrs. and I’m asking $825.
I can frame,do the plumbing, the electrical, drywall the works, built my home from the foundation up…but can they dream, imagine something and paint it? All tradesmen make over $25/hr and some a lot more. We/I settle for minimum wage or less and are so happy when someone buys a piece? I think far too many artists are giving their work away or charging just for material and it’s hurting everyone.
Thank you for addressing one of my lifelong pet peeves. Peeves is too weak a word, maybe issue or cause. Oddly enough, a few minutes ago, while writing a plan to sell views of my movie, I wrote the following about free artwork:
Artwork creators sometimes mistakenly believe that because they are giving a piece of their work away without charge allows them more creative freedom than selling their work.
They’re wrong. Whatever work becomes available to someone other than yourself affects your reputation and future work. You may think that you can stay in your own little world and create whatever you want to because hey, they don’t have to pay for my work. You can only stay in your own little world until you make any of your work available to someone else.
As soon as you do that, it is likely that the work will become public. If you put your work up for free on a website, it will definitely become public. And when it does, you’ll be hemmed in by all of the same restrictions that come with selling your work.
It’s the going public part that creates the boundaries, not the money. Give away whatever you want, but be sure it is as good as anything you’d sell.
Granted that there are some artists being paid too much for crap, but there are far too many doing it for the love of it and getting paid squat, and the idea that we are using a gift from God doing something we love is payment enough is obscenely stupid! Obviously pretty boy is way overpaid and probably does a crappy job, can you post some sort of contact or blog name so some of us might give him some sort of insight into reality?
Maria, I don’t know how to say this but your post truly touched my heart, to the point where I’ve been crying for a few minutes now.
It has been such a difficult feat to find support for what I do for myself and my fiance.
For the past few months, I’ve been learning how to build a business from scratch to accommodate my fiance’s amazing illustration ability and my creative video editing skills. I support his primarily because if he succeeds then I succeed. It has been SO HARD to hear the voices of jealous and frustrated individuals, who ended up not chasing their dreams and hate their job, push their “you need to have a shitty job” spiel as it were something that was a requirement of everyone to go through and “deal with even if you’re talented and driven”.
I work hard everyday long, long hours (up to 12-16 hours a day), even if some people don’t consider it “work”.
Thank you for being an inspiration to me, Maria.
This is so great. I have strong feelings about this topic as well and you put into words many of the things that I have not been able to.
This is total garbage. So artors and actresses shouldnt be paid… Along with athletes. An Artist wouldnt create anything for nothing plain and simple. Havent you heard the term starving artist? Its not like they make that much. I think not paying docs would be a better contribute to socity than free art.
When someone says you should make Art for the sake of Art, I can agree to that. However saying that to pay an a Artist for their artwork is wrong is a very ignorant statement. I hope that Artist’s don’t become targets of the next line of blonde jokes. Because IMO a lot of modern art is a joke. Like come on a basketball in a fish tank? Do you even paint your own dots bro?
Art that is made for the joy of making art comes out best. However it doesn’t make the artwork any more or less bad if money is involved. For example if you make a painting because you love painting and keep it around the house. If someone spotted it and asked to buy it, would that in turn make it less of a painting? I don’t think money is what drives most artist, so don’t worry about bad artwork. Most of the time they are overjoyed to work doing something they love that it can actually improve their art. I mean would you rather have art that is full of awkward creatively deprived Art. Or would you prefer artwork that is full of energy and creativity because the artist is being fed? I know, I’m an artist and when I look at people i paint with I can see their dispair in the painting. I told a girl her painting was too sad, the water look like an unborn baby ( she had an abortin recently) she instantly knew what to cover up withou me telling her. Point is if the artist isn’t paid for something he used creative brain power to produce the artwork will lack instead. For painting can’t be spelt without pain, you wouldn’t tell someone in the police force they should do their job for free because they love putting their life on the line for you.
Work a day job and still make art, why? This is something that if you had no choice you should do. But if you can make a living doing only art it would only be natural to pursue your passion. Having a day job would put considerably more amounts of stress on the artist making the artwork lack even more. I’m sure this pretty boy really knew what he was talking about (sarcasm). That’s like saying to a millionaire hey you won the lottery (ie. making it as an artist) but you should get a day job because you can’t live off 15 million dollars forever, ridiculous.
Ps: sorry about my bad grammar and run on sentences.
Absoludle Agree with every single word you have written and sentiment you have expressed ! Well Done Maria for Speaking Up so Sensibly:)
On the other hand – I am an untutored artist who began writing poetry and expressing each of them with huge oil paintings about 12 years ago when I was 58 years of age with no training at all, after some kind of an emotional epiphany at the time started me on this course. All of the paintings and the poetry won fantastic awards and gained a lot of community and media attention.
I was often asked to sell of the pieces.
BUT:- I always for some reason refused to sell them (even though I was AND STILL AM totally broke financially and struggle to find the money to buy top quality canvas, oil paints and brushes that I use.) Somehow I needed to hold onto each painting, which somehow linked with the next painting and eventually presented an ongoing visual story of the journey expressed in the ongoing poetry.
AND:- This also lead to community invitations from universities and groups for me to exhibit and speak about the Poetry and the Art displayed and I’ve always been so humbled by the effect this has had on others and to myself.
So:- I can say I would have certainly been better off financially to sell them along the way, (But honestly was never knowledgeable or confident enough, to know how much to ‘Cost’ them at dollar wise.
AND:- never knew how much to ask for as payment at speaking engagements about my journey, so always did that as a Community Contribution as free of charge as well.
BUT:- the journey has been amazing (Ahough at 71 Years of age I still remain financially poor but rich in spirit as I continue to regularly express my Art and poetry freely to the community on invitation.
AND:- Strangely enough – hanging onto the canvases and feeling so precious about them, didn’t really pay off, as most were destroyed in a storm that flooded the garage I used as a studio. I gave the remaining ones away to people who loved my art works and who had encouraged me so much along the way.
I’m so thankful I had taken photographs of each art piece, which I now display on large screens and I have had prints made of a couple of the pieces. The prints are nothing like the effect of the real art works though.
But:- There are always new days to paint new expressions of Life, aren’t there 🙂
Regardless of my own story ive shared with you here, I believe artists should most definitely be given respect and to be paid adequately for their art works, that can never ever be reproduced as original by another person.
If we pay artists as Musicians and as Photographers etc, as you mention in your wonderful blog, why should anyone dare to not value a visual artists work as worthy of financial payment?
More power to you Maria and thank you for sharing your opinions. Respect to you 🙂
I see you’re point but in a way I kinda agree with “pretty boy”, see I love painting and a lot of people say i have talent, but I don’t sell… the only people I “sold” to was to family and friends. But they won’t buy my art, instead they’ll ask me to paint what they want, what they have in there minds which is really frustrating because I’m a people pleaser I always say yes just to make them happy but I f*#ing hate it! It’s not art, I take absolutely no pleasure in it, It definitely closes up my creativity a lot and so I find it ugly and not valuable.
I have way more pride in everything I created myself for myself and to express ideas, emotions and feelings, than in anything I’ve ever sold.
So that’s why I agree with “pretty boy” when you do it to get paid you will most likely create decorations and not really art.
I know this is an older article, but I can add this (and maybe this is what the guy you were speaking with was maybe trying to get across), and that’s that *most* of the time, artists allow themselves to be corporatized. They paint and write and draw what others want them to paint and write and draw. They *create art* for *money*. The same way that plumber you mentioned plumbs for money.
Personally, I actually think that is a very major problem if your a certain kind of artist. If you want to be a corporate artist, then the guy’s advice wouldn’t be for you. If you want to be someone who only creates exactly what you want to create exactly when you want to create it, then his advice is actually sound. Not his actual advice, but what I believe he was trying to express.
If he were to elaborate I’m sure he would have come around to “What I mean is, an artist shouldn’t make things for a paycheck. An artist should pay the bills by some other means so that their art does not end up becoming corporatized and placating the masses.”
That would actually be good advice. Depending on the sort of artist you’re looking to become.
I’ve heard people, mostly non-artists, make this argument. That somehow selling your art is “Selling out” or “selling your soul.” Of course, this is idiotic. Art is about expression, but there is also talent and technical skill involved. Talent will only get you so far. You need to practice every day, intently, to improve your skill. It takes years, decades even, of working at your craft to achieve mastery. If you’re just doing it on the weekends as a hobby, your letting your skills decline.
So what this means is that you may have to produce commercial art to hone your skills and pay for a roof over your head. Back in the Renaissance era, there wasn’t much advertising, so painting for the church was the way to get cash.
These days, you want to make money as an artist, you might have to make graphic work for car company or beer company to pay your bills. Its not as fulfilling as making the art you want to make, but its better than just doing customer service or waiting tables and trying to do art in your spare time. Why? Because, those skills are staying sharp and getting better.
The trouble is, only a tiny percentage of creative workers get to make a living selling the art they actually want to be producing.
yeah, i’m an artist and i don’t make anything off of my art
but hey not everybody can do the job they love, who’s gonna treat the sewage?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PortraitsByMegan/
This is my page. I loved your article! I am disabled and getting paid for my art makes all the difference in the world! At the very least it helped me buy more art supplies. At it’s most helpful, it has helped me purchase medicine and food. Thanks for writing this!!!
Megan Gertler
Guys, I may not an artist, I just love to draw.. My skill only drawing.. But sometimes I cant get any idea to draw, only copy things.. I didnt get much money from doing that anyway.. Doing what I love is kind of happiness, but sometime kinda…
Should I work in retail as shopkeeper (or any easy job) for increase money for life also art supplies, and when I back to my home, Im doing drawing like crazy, is that good choice?
Here are some of the the type of people who say these kinds of things:
1) assholes trying to rip off artists by not paying them
2) entitled silver spoons types who look down at everyone
3) science and engineering nerdy elitists who are bitter about the artsy girl from high school who wouldn’t sleep with them
4) people incredibly bitter about the job they hate and want everyone to as miserable as them
5) people who are just incredibly stupid.
I couldn’t agree more. Not getting paid for an ARTISTIC creation is insane. People use some form of Art EVERYDAY. If you drive a car,someone designed the concept,if you live in a home,again,someone designed the blueprint..bridges..highways..Parks..I can go on. When you watch television your visually looking at what someone created. Art is a product that should be HIGHLY compensated. If you have children..they absorb what they see and enhance their imagination to CREATE the next best thing. There wouldn’t be any video games, movies, TV shows, plays, cartoons etc. It’s appalling how someone could say ,”do art as a recreation and get another job”..when it took someone to create a Logo, Advertise the company Promote the Brand..so that YOU (the future employee ) would recognize a company to even have a job. Who ever makes a comment like that..is one thing.”Just Born” completely naked! They don’t have a stich of clothes..not a hair on their head..in fact…they don’t know what they look like or have an idea of a mirror, Because God is the greatest Artist and we as people need to recognize that. Because everyday some form of inspiration is given to us. An art is in everything from Visual to Financial, Athletic,Physical, Musical..I have to say When someone makes uneducated comments like that…consider the source.
Pretty boy is an idiot with no understanding of or appreciation for art. His comment reflects a level of ignorance and arrogance beyond stupid. He obviously has no appreciation for art in the first place — so he’s not the kind of person to waste time on. Those with an appreciation of art understand the value of what they see and are willing to pay for it.
Although I feel for this entire article and support the arts more than most. A plumber literally removes “shi*” from your house and provides the convenience and sanitation people struggled without since the beginning of time. A service that contributes to the overall health of the population and prevents sickness and diesease. To provide this service the plumber literally has to work in your shit, pull your hairballs out of rotting stinking sludgy pipes ect. Although living without art wouldnt be a great living, we cant live in poop and pee. And this is why plumbers should make more than most artists……..
Hello and thank you for this article. I’m a composer and musician, but my income is earned mainly through teaching. Problem is, I compose Jazz/Classical/Orchestral/Renaissance music because those are the genres I have passion for, but the music that sells well in modern times is electronic pop music. I agree with your frustration that artists don’t seem to be valued in modern society, or at least the value is so subtle that society often times underpays artists.
May I point out a musician who had the complete opposite viewpoint we share, and yet became a successful artist? Charles Ives, from the early 20th century, composed music far ahead of his time, orchestral pieces with intense dissonances that provoked listeners to love or hate. These were tough pieces that challenged listeners and peers alike, and influenced composers of future generations. However, he famously said something (not verbatim) like “I cannot feed my family with dissonance.” So he became an insurance salesman! Lol, it worked for him, but perhaps it’s not the right formula for everyone.
Brilliant article Maria, thank you
Great article! btw pretty boy is exactly the type of person I enjoy crushing into a pile of loser by reminding him of the ignorance that permeates his whole being….ha..
I’m an artist and if something takes energy, skill, intense concentration, attention to detail, and lots and lots of time (sometimes my back gets sore and my brain gets mushy from concentrating so long) then it should be paid for like any other job. I only give art away for free if it’s a gift, for example a birthday or wedding present.
Therefore, that is why it is always a good idea to keep a daily log of how many hours you painted and breaks you took so that when it comes time to price your art you are not selling yourself short and it demonstrates that you are a professional who recognizes the value of their WORK.(work? hint hint)
Moreover, those assholes that don’t want to pay for artwork are those who do not understand or appreciate art in the first place.
Besides, those that really love my work are actually quite eager and willing to give me their money :). It is only money after all and people spend it on tattoos, coffees, takeout, cinema, alcohol, etc…
With this in mind, is art less valuable than those other things we buy for our pleasure? The answer is Absolutely not!!!
Conclusively, I always say it’s called artwork because you had to WORK to create it.
One thing only…..art is something you have in your soul and you present it in the world..How much your soul costs?What i want to say is how you put a price in your soul,isn’t that degrading?And i thnk what pretty boy wants to say is that if you after money you will do art for the masses/popular which usualy sucks,,still art but bad art….one last thing you can not study art..a fellow artist(sorry for my english, not my native language)(always friendly)
Art is not some mysterious thing you “have in your soul”. We don’t wave our hands at a canvas like some wad of dandelion fluff and a picture just appears out of cosmic rays and bunny butts (and if I’m wrong and it does work that way, someone better clue me in ’cause I’m doing it all wrong.) It’s a skill, honed the way any other skill is – with hours and hours of mind/hand-numbing practice. The difference between an artist and a non-artist is the same as the difference between a doctor and a non-doctor – the artist/doctor put in the time, effort, and schooling to learn their craft. That’s it.
Amandah, you are VERY right about comparing artists as doctors vs non-doctors but here is the difference – and this applies to doctors as well, is that ‘true’ artists and even doctors and everyone from A-Z the difference is the ‘passion’ I come from a huge family and there are a variety of ‘passions’ in my family, we are born with a gift inside us that will come out, for me, and maybe you if you’re an artist, there is a drive inside me that just wants to create and paint anything I can.
I was born with the passion but the passion can also die or go dormant if it is not used or trained. Even Michelangelo, Rembrandt, etc. They were not born with a paint brush in hand, but they were born with a passion to create. As the years go by and we learn from each other, as Picasso learned from the African’s art — his art is an extention of what he learned his passion took it to a whole new level.
I hope that makes sense and before I close there are bad doctors and bad artists, and though they have a medical degree – doesn’t mean they are good and that holds true to some self-proclaimed artist want-to-be’s.. so the whole career thing applies to all.
Just keep your mind open and explore and learn everyday!
oh! and for the above article YES !! Artists should be Paid! We don’t live in the freaking dark ages!! NOBODY can live on nothing!
If popular, paid art sucks, how is it popular? It’s probably good, and you’re just one of those people who wanna feel special and trash anything popular with the mainstream. All the makers of great movies have been paid. Radiohead are paid. Nirvana were paid. Scorsese is paid.
Dear IAN, the immense majority of people have a random job, expecting that SOMEDAY (after 40 years working in something they hate) they will have plenty of time to do what they really like. They didn’t followed their dream because they wanted the security of a -/+3000$ monthly wage.
Don’t you think that is way worst this tendency of putting a price on leaving your dreams than being payed for pursuing them?
All these statements like ”art is your soul”, ”creativity needs starving”, ”do art at your spare time”, etc., are made mostly by non-artists; by frustrated people who prefer to live in the illusion that if they haven’t become artists (”yet”, according to many of them) avoiding financial risks, well it’s not that bad as they will have the chance at 70 years old, after retiring from their jobs. You cannot be a serious artist if you cannot concentrate properly at your projects. If you believe that you can concentrate at your projects during just 2 or 3 hours per day, between 19:00 and 22:00, p.ex., during your whole life hopping that you have real chances of becoming an important painter, a good screenwriter or a prestigious author, go ahead! But in my job, related to the arts, I’ve met several hundreds of artists of diverse disciplines and just about 10 of them have achieved the highest level in their art while working in unrelated jobs 8h/day – 6 days/week. You must be a prodigy to do that and even then you have to struggle everyday against people who really think that your projects are ”hobbies” that shouldn’t be taken seriously.
You should understand that if some people have the right to put a price at your appetite, others also have the right to put a price at your entertainment. The price doesn’t represent the real value of the work, but the amount you consider fair to offer your work to churlish people who want everything for free.
sis how do you expect someone to spend 5+ hours doing THEIR job for free smfh the entitlment these days
you can’t study art? wow thats a stupid statement. YES YOU CAN. otherwise art galleries and museums wouldnt exist -.- or art school. and my debt load says THAT exists.
I agree with you and I’m only playing Devils advocate here… I think part of the reason people have this view is because the type of art you’re talking about is considered a luxury whereas having running water isnt. (Wheye you ask why should a plumber be paid more than a painter or whatnot.)
Rubbish. Having holidays are a luxury but they cost money. That’s the start of a list I won’t bother writing down. I wish people would shut their mouth or think before they speak.
Well said.
Exactly because art is a luxury nobody truly needs, you should pay for it. Since the artist’s work isn’t needed, but his time is invested in its creation no less, the artist deserves to be paid.
also do you know how much money it costs to buy art supplies? it’s like working 5+ hours not only for free but at your own expense, for a total stranger.
And I agree with what ESL person said too: If an artist still creates despite being paid for it, that shows art is in their soul. There are so many so-called “artists” nowadays who do do it only for the money, and because we “enable” this (via paying ppl for art), a) it’s hard to distinguish between true artists and people who don’t have art in their “soul”. B) it allows for a lot of bad art. Pretty Boy agreed had some bad delivery but maybe this is a less mean version of it.
And sorry for my typing too–I’m writing this on my phone and I suck at it.
Just because it’s their “soul” doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to eat and feed their families doing what they love as a job.
And like the article says: If you are at a “real job” for 40-50 hours a week, doing what you hate, and then you have to come home and be a parent, and mow the lawn, and feed your kids, when will you create art?
Too bad pretty boy wasn’t speaking with Pablo Picasso! Picasso more than likely would have picked up a board and wacked him over the head to give him thst “finishing touch.”
Anybody who critisizes what they dont understand reminds me of a symbolic thought I always get when I meet them, imagine a goat trying to direct a quantum physics project! A pig reverse engineering an advanced alien species ship, a donkey trying some Gymkhana or is it an elephant trying ballet? It’s really confusing when those that can’t do what you do get so quick at attaining a “gift” of making you look as non-talented, but you know darkness reminds us of daylight.
I almost punched pretty boy in the face when he said to me, “Artists are better off working a job they hate and then painting in their spare time.”
I think that’s a super dumb philosophy!! the problem in our society is the excuse not to pay artists so the big corporate machine can continue to take money from their creations and people can keep downloading their music for free! All art can contribute great things to this world, as can plumbers and brick layers, but to say that art deserves to be in the realm of irrelevancy is not fair to those who work long, hard hours to share their gifts!
Great article thanks. I needed to read this as my husband is the pretty boy. It’s hard to hear him say “why don’t you just give her the picture” or “it’s only your hobby.” Or They Can’t afford it.” …. When I’m only charging for supplies not the 8 hours I put into the painting anyway. It makes me mad. He devalues me by not acknowledging my work as important because I dont make a living at it. He tells me to get a real job. Ahhhh!!!!!!!
I would leave him. He doesn’t understand you and he’s not trying to. That would make me feel even more trapped for being who I am. Nope.
Therefore, that is why it is always a good idea to keep a daily log of how many hours you painted and breaks you took so that when it comes time to price your art you are not selling yourself short and it demonstrates that you are a professional who recognizes the value of their WORK.(work? hint hint)
Getting paid is fair. However I have tried to sell my art in the past and people start asking for specific stuff and dont feel connected with. Most of the time I have given my art away to people who are importatnt to me or they just touched and feel connected to an specific painting. It would be so nice to just dedicate most of my time to art. I like and do art in many ways, music, dance, painting… But there is this other thing that happens to me (and I dont know if someone else feels the same) I love it when someone likes and wants my paintings in their house and at the same time it hurts to see them go . I see them (my work) like my own children. I dont see a product where i feel comfortable talking about a price. Sometimes I feel like im selling my child away . Im very connected to my work, I dont do it because I know who to do it and impress people with it. It is more of an emotional need . I work a lot and when i have sometime off I paint for placer, just like going on a cruise during my vacation, it feels the same. And then seeing this source of happiness going away …. Real mixed feelings. Do you know how to work this issue? I think I need serious help.
And off course getting paid is necessary, supplies are so damn expensive. X
I can’t believe how naive it is to say artists shouldn’t be compensated for their work. I’ve put 30+ years in to hone a skill that IS in my soul and always has been. If the client wants the artist’s soul then perhaps they should give the artist more creative freedom when they commission their work. Remember, before there were cameras, artists were paid very well to capture a king’s portrait or spend a lifetime on the Sisteen Chapel. Just because you may have a faulty opinion that states real artists don’t do good work when they’re paid doesn’t make you right. There are several types of art and design and some of the very best get paid top dollar. No it’s not fair to starve an artist and render any person struggling to keep a roof when they’ve paid their dues and deserve compensation for something you want them to do for you. If you’re not interested in an artist’s work fine but don’t run around instilling in other people’s heads that art isn’t worth much if it’s paid for. That is degrading my years of skill, of trial and error, and dedication. And if you deserve to get paid for your years of skill, trial and error, and dedication then so do I. Stick with your cheap Ikea cityscapes and shut your mouth. You really do NOT have a clue what you’re talking about or what it’s like to be STARVING and made to feel worthless for having a practiced, polished, and difficult craft to hone. How anyone could be so entitled to think they are any different is beyond me. How dare you insist that you’re any different and deserve to be paid more for your skill? How would you feel if a large part of the population mocked what you do by telling you you shouldn’t be paid for your work, that your work suffers its integrity when money is involved, and that your soul is being compromised if you’re allowed to eat and live under a roof? It’s not different. Artists are not different than you for having a skill and we do not deserve to be thought of as incapable of bearing our souls when money is involved as though we are not intelligent enough to remain creative when we lack struggle. You’re wrong and it’s insulting as hell, not to mention rude, and insensitive. Get off your high horse. If anyone gives you any part of their hard-earned skill, you should expect to pay for their time. Everyone needs to eat, breathe, and survive including artists.
Musicians get shafted too, big time.
Just found this article. Loved it! Makes me wonder if pretty boy is the same type of blogger that enhances his blog with stolen artwork images. LOL That’s what happened to me! I also dislike the rare people who dicker for a lower price like we artists are used car salespeople. They totally disregard the time, passion and effort involved in creating a beautiful and unique piece. Anyway, great article. I shared it on Facebook.
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I am so grateful that someone finally said what so many of us artists have been thinking for several years now. In my years, I have found that people love to view art, they just don’t want to pay for it.
I mainly do landscape photography. People do not seem to understand the many many hours I hike and trek through forests, mountain passes and wilderness meadows in order to find those perfect shots.
It’s frustrating, but I am addicted to what I do for a living.
as an artist who cant take a photograph to save his life, I UNDERSTAND(I pay a buddy of mine to photograph my work, cuz i make beautiful things, then take shitty photos of them XD). its a special, learned and developed skill, like painting, sculpting, or any other form of art, its not just pointing and shooting, its the ability to find and frame those prefect shots, a well developed sense of lighting, and a myriad of factors beyond that. anyone can take a picture, but only a skilled photographer can take a Photograph that moves you, a picture that is more than just a “snap shot” hell, when a person with your experience takes a snap shot, because of the skill behind it, its 1000x better than anything some unexperience normie could do, and is thus, worth more.
I am so grateful that someone finally said what so many of us artists have been thinking for several years now. In my years, I have found that people love to view art, they just don’t want to pay for it.
I mainly do landscape photography. People do not seem to understand the many many hours I hike and trek through forests, mountain passes and wilderness meadows in order to find those perfect shots.
It’s frustrating, but I am addicted to what I do for a living.
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Actor here. This article was just shared with me on Facebook, and I wanted to say thanks! It’s nice to know that my particular art form isn’t the only one getting shafted. Well ok, not NICE at all, but solidarity and all that…
Most artists are shit at business and management, and I don’t give a shit if they get paid or not. I don’t care if anyone gets paid. Nobody ‘deserves’ anything. If you can make millions selling shitty paintings, good for you. If you spend all day working and you can’t make a red cent out of it – so what? The same is true of all sorts of entrepreneurs. Why the fuck should you have a ‘right’ to wank off to your shitty hobbies all day and expect to make bank off of it?
Please. Most artists are basically fucking hobos and their work isn’t nearly as original as they think. As long as their doing it on their own dime I don’t care. But what most artists need is an editor and a manager to kick their ass into producing something people actually want, instead of wasting time and smelling their own farts all day.
Endowments for the art encourage the latter. Patronage encourages the former.
Thank you
Beautiful article!
This is stupid, as an artist, I would appreciate being paid for my hard work as well as the supplies I used making such a piece.That’s like not paying for an authors book yet they spend their hard earned money to get it printed, not just one book but multiple, that’s pricey stuff. If people liked my work they’d help by giving us money to produce more art. I don’t know who thought of this philosophy and said it was a good idea but you sir are in the wrong. I feel as a young artist you are burying my future career before it even starts by giving others the idea My! hard work isn’t worth buying but to give out freely when I! used my money to get the paper ink’s, paints and markers I used I’m supposedly gonna give out for free. I don’t think so, art supplies aren’t cheap so pretty boy get your facts right because I sure as hell am not gonna waste my life away in some deadbeat job that I’m not gonna enjoy!
Thankyou so much for this and for appreciating the hard work we put in every day to make that path come true. People devalue the talent and effort people put into art unless they are a well renown name out there already established. I am happy to hear you see the truth behind it all. We need more people like you in this world. Aloha!
The pretty boy had a good point – “Getting paid prevents them from creating really good stuff.” Let’s take current pop music as an example. It’s terrible. Composers, singers and all other involved people don’t create anything new, they just take something people have heard for so many times and change it a little bit so no one would notice. The reason behind is the money. If an artist is motivated by money, he makes himself a sellout. He does not express himself or contributes to the society, he just makes money. And the money is not just bad motivator, but also demotivator. Artists may feel pressure if they must create something “sufficient” in strictly specified time and sell it just to have food and shelter. That’s creativity killer. Nothing great or breakthrough has ever been created with “help” of fear and poverty. I understand artists need to eat too. In this world there are just two bad alternatives – to sell yourself or do a shit job.
Without art, our civilization would be very ugly, boring and maybe wouldn’t even exist. Good artists are as much valuable as doctors, scientists or engineers. Their work is just not appreciated enough and is seen only as commodity.
The society should secure the artists. That’s the solution, not just dealing with one of those two bad alternatives. The society is not some alien rigid colossus that we must obey and subordinate. We people created this society and we are able to change it the way we want, to make it more human and to make it work for human, not the opposite.
To say artists shouldn’t get paid because they don’t work long hard hours is ignorant. It does take long hard mental and skillful hours to complete something unique.
Brain power consumption throughout the day is the cause of tiredness, sleepiness wise and you use brain power on any and every job….creating art is no exception.
Physical work may exhaust you physically but not necessarily mentally. Your brain will shut your body down after mental exhaustion.
So yeah, an artist is working when they devote brain power while creating art….it’s a job and if an artist can’t get paid then all artist should let the world go artless.
Thank you
kys artists need to eat too
I recall a girl who once asked me to draw her portrait but when I told her the price, she said incredulously: “What? You mean you charge for your art?” I replied, of course. Don’t you get paid for your work? She said, “But I don’t like my work. You shouldn’t get paid because you enjoy your work.” I said, “But I don’t get much joy creating what YOU want. I mostly only get joy from doing the art that I want.” So if I’m going to create art for free, it will be art for ME, not someone else.
Hear me out I think you and pretty boy are both correct. So, you gotta look at both sides of the coin. I’m actually an artist myself. I once had my own caricature biz too. I think what “pretty boy” was trying to say is that artists can put out some of their best work when they aren’t stressed out about artwork they have to create for a client or patron for money. I’ve done artwork for myself and for paying customers. There is a slight difference. Now that’s not to say an artist can’t put out his greatest work when he’s getting paid a good chunk of change either. That tends to be great motivation to churn out amazing work. I feel it isn’t just one way or the other, though. There are many grey areas in life. Also, suffering can enhance a song or artwork, such as, working at a job you hate. And I have worked at jobs I hated before. Some of the greatest songs I’ve heard were written out of real pain. Some of the best artwork can come from joy. It just depends on the artist. And if you have a handle on promoting yourself on social media then it’s easier to blow up as an artist these days. That surf board artist figured out an art hack. He realized the art world was rigged. So, he dove head first into the surfers world. The surfboards were merely a way to make a name for himself in the surfing niche market. It’s brilliant.
While I understand the question of cost and time put into making art, I would also say that creating art isn’t something unique
We’ve all grown up hearing and being taught songs or riddles or stories – none of which we (nor the people sharing with us these things) paid for. If you were charged for a nursery rhyme then I’m sorry you live in a horrible society.
All of that is art too.
Yet nobody charged or paid for it because art is not something rare and people have created art and will continue to do so without pay because trying to profit from art is like trying to profit from air
I’m 35. I’ve hardly been able to draw or paint since I moved almost five years ago.
I’ve had horrible jobs and I’ve made one friend since I moved, and I have had to deal with my demons on my own. I’ve also had to put up with my uncle telling me, “You can’t be an artist, you have to work”, or “Have you SOLD anything yet?”
He doesn’t get the process of time and energy it takes to draw. Energy I am wasting on jobs where I repeatedly get dumped on. It’s made me reclusive, unwilling to be around anyone, and angry whenever my uncle rides me for BS. I also have to bike to and from work.
I’ve debated just going on unemployment/welfare so I can draw and be left alone.
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