“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?
394 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