We get a lot of questions about how to juggle work life and art, whether to take the plunge or not, and at what potential cost...
[Spoiler Alert #1] The question is always the same: Will I be able to pay the price of being an artist?
And everyone's scared shitless, like it's some kind of mortgage.
Alright then.
Do you really want to be an artist? Then forget about "balancing" your life. Because the key isn't in your circumstances, but in your obsession.
An obsession is an asymmetry of priorities -nothing to do with external circumstances.
But the real question isn't whether you can pay the price of being an artist, but whether you want it badly enough. When you do, 100%, you'll find endless ways to balance it with life -if you even still crave balance.
[Spoiler Alert #2] Nah, you won’t want it.
Today we've got four questions that hit us right in the heart, covering these topics:
- The essentials to start as a full-time artist
- The dilemma of pursuing an artistic career
- Exhibiting without paying and the reality of galleries
- Art and family obligations
Eve, USA
The Essentials to Start as a Full-Time Artist
What do you really need to get started as a full-time working artist? Is it true that the only options are to marry rich or have inherited wealth? I can't seem to escape the cycle of working to live and not finding significant hours in my week to make art, let alone learn how to make art a business.
Miss Blake
Let's cut to the chase: stop searching for comfy shortcuts outside your own responsibility. No one's coming to rescue you -not your imaginary rich spouse nor a gallery willing to risk their business for you. You need to become the person capable of shouldering the cost of being an artist.
If you dodge the price, you also dodge the prize. You don't need money or anyone's permission. You need responsibility and obsession. Tend to your talent and forget about how you're going to cash in on it; that part takes care of itself, don’t pursue it as your end.
Clairebear, UK
The Dilemma of Pursuing an Artistic Career
Should I pursue an art career if painting and drawing is the only thing I'm naturally 'good' at? Normal 9-5 jobs make me want to run into traffic, but the few art commissions I've had have given me major anxiety.
Miss Blake
Who are you kidding? There's no choice here between art and stability; you need to decide what kind of anxiety you'd rather deal with: the one from not creating or the one from diving headfirst into what you love.
Ask yourself this: can you live without art? If the answer is "no," then pick your poison. One is pure venom; the other is venom with an antidote. If art gives you life, pay the price with delight.
Mr. Puck
Balance is a myth; courage to face imbalance is what counts. Stop overthinking, start realizing, and act on what makes you feel alive -even if it scares you to death.
Pr!nce
If the 9-5 is crushing your soul, the message is clear. Anxiety is the price for creating something sincere; embrace the fear and persevere. Remember, as Robert Henri said, "The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable."
Alessandra, Italy
Exhibiting Without Paying and the Reality of Galleries
How can I showcase my artwork without paying to do it? Are art galleries really interested in unknown artists, or do they just want to make a profit?
Miss Blake
Galleries aren't the goal; they're the inevitable result of art that stirs the soul.
Galleries aren't temples; they're businesses. If your art doesn't sell, you're invisible to them.
Galleries are compasses: when they don't point your way, take heed of what they say.
Don't pay to expose, seriously. Artistic maturity isn't bought; it's earned, and maybe you're not ready yet. You need to create something so powerful it's impossible to ignore.
If they aren't knocking on your door yet, it's not time to obsess over galleries. It's time to level up your art -make it more powerful, impactful, authentic. When you do, believe me, galleries will see the value in you.
Eva, Serbia
Art and Family Obligations
Isn't it awfully frivolous and selfish to insist on studying and creating art when one has a bunch of kids, and a bunch of other adult responsibilities, and there's never enough of you to go around? Should I continue trying to fit my art aspirations into my already full schedule? Should I press pause and concentrate on what matters?
Pr!nce
Assuming creating art makes you happy:
- No, don't give it up.
- Yes, keep creating.
By following your dreams, you teach your kids to follow theirs.
Mr. Puck
You know why you should keep going? Because if you're not right with yourself, you won't be right with anyone else. Fill your cup with what you love, and everything else will rise above. Don't stifle your creativity; it's the best gift you can give to those around you.
Fiery Joan
Heroes aren't those who make sacrifice for great causes, but those who keep small fires burning amidst the storm.
Miss Blake
Your question assumes art isn't for adults, and that's where the problem starts. Art is as important as any responsibility. Art doesn't compete with your duties; it enriches them.
Adjust your pace, accept imperfection, be generous, and follow your passion. That's a valuable lesson you can pass on to your family.
END OF MESSAGE.
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