Why Don't Artists Make Any Money?
One of the most powerful parts of being in New York City for the past two months was the sheer amount of time I had to actually spend talking with artists every day.
Over the course of six weeks I had the chance to talk with painters, photographers, sculptors, video and performance artists, designers, web designers, jewelry designers, and even a few people working in the fashion industry.
I’ll be honest with you here. I left each and every one of those conversations very, very, very ALARMED!
We as Artists are in BAD shape.
Some of the things I’ve been hearing a lot of lately:
“I just don’t have enough time.”
“I’m totally overwhelmed by all this marketing stuff.”
“I don’t get the whole social media thing.”
“I hate networking!”
It seems that many of us know what we need to do, have most of the information we need, and for sure, we have the ideas and the creativity, but some THING is in the way of us putting all those puzzle pieces together.
So let’s get down to brass tacks here, art people:
#1 What fears, problems, obstacles are holding you back from reaching your goals?
#2 What do you need to get over those hurdles?
#3 What pieces of the puzzle are you missing?
Leave your thoughts in comments.
Let’s get to work!
BIG Love,
-Kesha★
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...But you already know that.
Stumbled on to this blog via a twitter retweet. I'm not sure about other art disciplines, but in the performing arts world, specifically that of experimental theatre in New York City, there is simply no model or path to achieve a living wage, no matter how much you "get" social media, network your tail off, and innovate.
ReplyDeleteI think the conversation needs to turn from "Why don't artists make money?" to "How can we persuade the country that art is as critical to citizenship as education and a free press and needs to be defended/supported accordingly?" Of course that conversation is nigh impossible in a climate in which those fundamental rights, along with a whole host of others, are being regularly chipped away.
Stumbled on to this blog via a twitter retweet. I'm not sure about other art disciplines, but in the performing arts world, specifically that of experimental theatre in New York City, there is simply no model or path to achieve a living wage, no matter how much you "get" social media, network your tail off, and innovate.
ReplyDeleteI think the conversation needs to turn from "Why don't artists make money?" to "How can we persuade the country that art is as critical to citizenship as education and a free press and needs to be defended/supported accordingly?" Of course that conversation is nigh impossible in a climate in which those fundamental rights, along with a whole host of others, are being regularly chipped away.
I'm currently in the process of overcoming this very thing! So far it's working, and I'm kicking myself for not simply having the guts or sense of self-worth to pursue my dreams years ago. I knew the term "starving artist" had its legitimacy, so I held back and was always afraid to take the risk. Here's my 2 cents...
ReplyDelete#1 My biggest obstacle has always been (and sometimes continues to be) simply ALLOWING myself to sit down and create. As a single mom, I've always felt this sense of urgency, leading me to chase the orders/sales, that pulled me away from actually making the things I wanted, even if others indicated that they would buy those not-yet-created pieces. Once I could "find" studio time, I'd have a hard time concentrating and focusing. Seems some sort of mental roadblock said, "No! You want to do this, and it's way too much fun to be something you're supposed to do!" <-That feeling is nonsense. The sooner we overcome it, the better off we are.
#2 In my experience, it has taken the encouragement of people who share my vision, and some serious self-taught business skills, to ease that burden. Now (as of only recent) I know that I am not only allowed to create, but that I am actually REQUIRED to do so. Know that you, as an artist, ARE valuable and there are things that no one else will ever do the way you can. So make those things happen! A positive attitude is key. And getting organized is also a great idea--so that you can afford yourself the space/time/money/whatever to work out your feelings artistically during darker times, when otherwise art therapy may be the answer (and you may be likely to create your very best work) but you're too overwhelmed to deal with all the practical parts of that.
#3 The organization part is what I'm still working on. Once you've got a great network of supportive, knowledgeable, helpful friends and colleagues, call upon them to help you with things like your blog, email newsletter, website, admin stuff. I've got the marketing part down, but if you don't, FIND HELP! Then get to creating! This is where I currently am in the process. Finally beginning to allow myself the luxury of spewing my soul into my work again. <3
For me, the main fear is believing that my art is worthy to ever be shown next to all the other art out there, the fear of total and utter rejection. I absolutely love my work when it's in my own studio or website, but not compared to many other artists' work.
ReplyDeleteOf course, then there's finding my audience... Even when I'm feeling (or pretending to feel) confident and promoting my work, the responses only trickle in. When I've tried to involve myself in artist groups or online forums, I end up feeling completely ignored. There's just a lot of crap to wade through to find the people to connect with who aren't pretentious and shooting each other down. This is actually leading me to try the gallery scene again to supplement the online exposure.
And then ****UGGGHHHH***** there's pricing! I've read and reread multiple blogs and articles on this subject, but when I try to put it into play, I'm always left feeling like I've failed. Am I pricing too high or too low? Is the price what's stopping me from getting more sales, or is it that my work sucks? Are the people who like my work always going to be the ones who happen to be broke? Or is my audience just composed of people with icky taste?
And yes, I hate networking- at least on LinkedIn (no positive responses there, and we're back to my statement about wading through crappy groups of pretentious people...), and Twitter is a nighmare for me! I'm able to find famous people or established artists, but it's soooo hard to find people who are just peeps on twitter... I know it's good to have other creatives as friends, but I rarely feel accepted in the art community, I almost always get the impression that others are humouring me or laughing at me.
So...sounds like most of my problem is self-doubt, or kidding myself, just not sure which.
I agree with you Kesha. Unfortunately it is not the responsibility of any larger organization to provide for artists.
ReplyDeleteAs a dancer, who knows the heartache that artists go through trying to 'make it' in the NYC performing arts scene, I've decided that if i have enough creative energy in me than I also have the power to create revenue to support my work.
I've been using every ounce myself in the same way i would in the studio to form my own framework/model/lifestyle to free myself from the need of relying on others and produce the life I desire.
the true creatives have done this all along. We can't expect others to support our vision if we are unwilling to pour in the blood, sweat, and tears ourselves.
Visual Artist. Been at this little over two years - took a long hiatus (25 years). I DON'T KNOW NOTHING! So fears, let's start there: is my work the type that causes folks to swoon and if so are they willing to support my family and I - can I get paid?! Another fear and one I haven't explored much: am I gallery-ready? I've entered a local contest 3x,made it once and waiting to hear about the third attempt. Yeah, I should check otehr venues, but...yeah, you guessed it fear.
ReplyDeleteWhat do I need to get over these hurdles? HELP! Like emergency room, first in line HELP. Take a look at my 'body of work,' is it something that art careers are made of? If it is or isn't, now what? Advise me, please. Where are the communities of artists and friends of the arts?
What pieces of the puzzle am I missing? HELP! I have a note hanging from my desk hutch: Someone to guide me and get my work in front of the right buyers and collectors.
Really advice seems like the missing link.
Great questions Kesha! For me:
ReplyDelete#1 What fears, problems, obstacles are holding you back from reaching your goals?
Fortunately I think I have the skill set and resources to accomplish goals. Through various books and blogs, there is a TON of information out there so the question of "How do I do that?" shouldn't hold anyone back. It's the execution that, for me, will hold me back.
Though logically nothing happens in the blink of an eye, seeing results from ones efforts may not happen fast enough.
Persistence and scheduling is key. Creating a marketing schedule (tweet about x,y,z on these days, update facebook page on these days, every other day check for comments to reply to etc) will help keep the mind less cluttered. It'll feel less overwhelming and you will certainly see steady results overtime. (see response to #3 below)
I can use the excuse that having a stressful day job can be draiiiiiiiiiiiiiing. Well it is but if you're not going to get yourself out there, if you want to take a break or day off, accept that no one will pick up the slack or maintain momentum for you. Talk about motivation to stop using excuses.
#2 What do you need to get over those hurdles?
As assistant ;) Really just a schedule and sticking to it along with patience.
#3 What pieces of the puzzle are you missing?
An assistant haha. I have the pieces I need, I think. It feels like a 500 piece puzzle but I think I have the pieces. It takes time to put each piece together and whether a combination of things are actually correct. It's trial and error but damn won't I feel good when the puzzle picture is complete!!!
One piece at a time.
Michelle Hunter
http://www.hunterart.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/hunterart
http://www.twitter.com/artcoholic
Admittedly there are some days I woke up and feel lack of motivation of going to my studio to paint. I often found myself talking into myself with stupid excuses. It is sad that I am aware of this yet lacking the motivation. It scares me a bit. I AM AN ARTIST!! I thought...Next time, no matter what, no matter how wet it was out, no matter how tired I am etc, I am still painting, although it may be for only ten mins!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post. Makes me think.
By the way, I am hosting an amazing giveaway and I thought you'd be interested. Feel free to check in and see if you don't mind. Thanks in advance- http://theyoungbridgetjones.blogspot.com/2011/11/giveaway-my-memories-suite.html
xo
Good comments so far, very interesting. I can relate to all of what's been said about pricing and fear of failure and comparison etc. but I'd like to add one more...the need for breathing room to create.
ReplyDeleteI have to maintain a job and a social life and finish an MA(in a non-art related discipline) in addition to create, and then promote and share those creations...and honestly, I just can't sometimes. It's too much. When it comes down to it, I am sometimes too tired to design at the end of the day although I am constantly thinking about doing so. My struggle then, becomes not pricing my creations but having enough creations to price. I can't create enough quality work to make my art lucrative, but I can't get the breathing space I need to create the quality work either. I'm currently reassessing my entire life in order to change this.
For the longest time, taking the time was my greatest obstacle. I had also put being an artist on the back burner and focused on work and school. I treated art like something I did when I had 'downtime.' To make matters worse, I never thought about making money as an artist although I knew people sold their stuff. I just gave my work away, maybe charging something nominal. !No mas!
ReplyDeleteThis year has been about becoming a working artist. I've exhibited some photos, developed and shown my portfolio, and I'm preparing for upcoming exhibits and publications. I even started a a few projects, set price points. Ironically, I'm stalling on launching my website. (There's a tiny version of Kesha and Charlie sitting on my shoulder now telling me to get it done.) It's a combination of fear, laziness, and the feeling of being overwhelmed after the site is up. I've given myself a deadline of November 15, 2011 to do a soft launch. Five days!!!
I need to work through the problems I created in my head and get it done.
JRS- I agree there is no “one” model or path. But the flip side of that is as creative people doesn’t that mean we have MORE options rather than less?
ReplyDeleteAs far as persuading the country that art is necessary---BIG task. Would it be more productive to focus on what IS within our immediate control NOW?
Jen- "finding" studio time. A big obstacle indeed. Care to elaborate on how you overcame this hurdle?
Erika- “So...sounds like most of my problem is self-doubt, or kidding myself, just not sure which.” Insider secret: No matter what stage of your career you’re in, you will almost always have these same fears. So how can we push through them so we can get on with becoming even better at what we do?
Jesslynnenewell- “I've decided that if i have enough creative energy in me than I also have the power to create revenue to support my work.” I couldn’t possibly agree more. I think we creative people forget how to use that very creativity when it comes to promoting our work.
Eddie- “Really advice seems like the missing link.” Other artists are your greatest resource! Maybe my next post needs to be about how to build a community on-line & off. It can be done! I’m doing it right now. Welcome!
While I appreciate your enthusiasm and optimism, I worry that you misunderstood my argument. Of course our creativity allows experimental theatre artists to find innovative new opportunities to create, preset, and distribute our work. My own company, scrappy ragtag outfit that we are, was profiled in Chronicle of Philanthropy and American Theatre for such efforts. The problem is, even after such success, we still don't have enough revenue to pay any of our artists a living wage for their work. The problem is simply that not all art forms can flourish in a traditional free market, and implying that artists just need to work harder/smarter reminds me of Herman Cain telling the occupy protesters that they just need to go home and get jobs.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that you offer some very vital counsel getting artists to trust their work and themselves, and to navigate the difficult terrain of social media. But I think it's time to start advocating for real change on the national level or just accepting, like Lewis Hyde suggests in THE GIFT, that art needs to be imagined outside of the constructs of a traditional economy.
No, no. I get what you're saying, but we all need to EAT now. Sure, in a perfect world 100 years from now arts would play a larger part in everyday life, but WHILE we're working to make that happen---What do we do to survive NOW?
ReplyDelete"art needs to be imagined outside of the constructs of a traditional economy."
OOH! I actually kinda like the sound of that! What would that look like?
#1 time for art vs time for marketing; lack of self esteem
ReplyDelete#2 need help getting over the lack of self esteem...and advice to implement in order to start selling work despite any self esteem issues...
#3 missing piece? how to make my marketing feel real and not forced, what do I do to make myself be noticed without drastically changing who I am?
We just need to DO IT. Pull up the bootstraps, grow a pair, and give it a shot. And the discussion with ourselves and/or a friend or partner- "What if it fails?"
ReplyDeleteAnd what if it does? Oh well, if it does or if I do. As long as I try, and try, and try, and try... and then try something different =oP Just gotta go for it! There are so many ways to speak up about our art that are FREEEEEE, so money shouldn't stop us.
(RE: Erika- “So...sounds like most of my problem is self-doubt, or kidding myself, just not sure which.” Insider secret: No matter what stage of your career you’re in, you will almost always have these same fears. So how can we push through them so we can get on with becoming even better at what we do?)
This is such a huge issue. For me, I think my art might be too mundane. Shots like mine are a dime a dozen - or they scare people, depending on the genre.
ReplyDeleteI read a lot on how to do this stuff but I still have a struggle figuring out how to apply it to me.
One thing that's really frustrating is that there's so much I love to do and it seems like everyone is saying to just pick one thing. I don't know if I can even DO that.
witness the power of social networking. Found this wonderful blog on Twitter I think... But to answer the questions:
ReplyDelete#1 What fears, problems, obstacles are holding you back from reaching your goals?
I think self esteem is a big thing for artists. We are by nature an insecure group of people, and truthfully if we didn't have some of the discomfort, and mental anguish that comes along with it our art would suffer, IMO.
Time? this just comes down to dedication. Too many of us want the most sales and shows with as little effort as possible. You'll be hard pressed to find a rich/famous artist that didn't put in the time. So if you want it bad enough, you'll make the sacrifices, put the time in, and do great work. If you don't, then you can't really complain about not making money or getting noticed. there are no excuses and the art world simply doesn't care. Either your work was there to be seen or it wasn't.
When it's a question of money the answer is strictly marketing. Marketing is a fundamental prerequisite assuming you intend to sell your work. accept this fact and understand that if all you can do is the art itself you are incomplete and will not be able to compete in the marketplace. I'm not one of those people who grew up painting. I literally picked up a paint brush at the age of 25, and within a year I had hosted 3 solo shows and a large scale group show and sold thousands of dollars worth of art... because I wasn't scared to put myself out there and show what I had done (whether it was good or not).
I was pretty crazy at the time, but I just didn't care what people thought. I was only afraid of having to eat another PBJ sandwich and getting evicted. I showed work to everyone everywhere. I put up pieces that I hated on my blog an wrote about how much I hated them. then I'd paint over them. I posted rejection letters. i gave work away for free for no reason at all. I talked about being jobless and tired, and all of that.. publicly on a blog. Though I didn't plan it that way, I was able to somehow get people to buy into me, my story and my work...
Things are different now, and the world has changed, and so must I. So I'm always trying to think of the next thing I can do to get my work seen and sold. It's sporadic, but I'm optimistic about the whole process and I'm committed to taking the time, however long it takes.
#2 What do you need to get over those hurdles?
Action. simply do the work. Try relentlessly to find the right market for your work. make sacrifices and realize that it's not going to be comfortable. Assume the risk involved, and be mentally tough. I cut the umbilical cord long ago and hadn't had a "day job" in 4 years. I purposely made myself unemployable, so this is it, it has to work.
#3 What pieces of the puzzle are you missing?
That mythical and elusive 3rd dimension of super rich collectors that just happen to be huge fans of my work. j/k... I'm missing time served. I'm on my journey and just hadn't arrived yet. In time I'll get there.
Great post, Kesha! Thanks for inviting me to comment on it.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your questions--
#1. Sometimes I do feel like I'm holding back, but I am unsure for the reasoning. Maybe I'm afraid of making my self a legitimate business because I'm afraid of failing? Maybe if I never give myself a "real chance" then I can't mess up. But I am going for it anyway. I am trying to push through.
#2. Getting over those hurdles is really just about DOING it. Doing something. Trying anyway. I think it's about getting organized, seeing your goals and where you want to be, and just taking it one step at a time.
#3. As far as missing puzzle pieces, the only pieces I feel like I am missing are things in the future that have not happened--like people I will meet, paintings I will create, opportunities I will have. Right now, I don't feel like I'm lacking in pieces, really just figuring out how they all fit.
Thanks again for your post! I enjoyed reading what others had to say and thank everyone for showing their insights and opinions.
(@AllisonBrattArt)
Love the question and love the responses. Many artists (all forms) consider quitting at one time or another (or many times) - but...we cannot imagine the hole it would leave in our souls. I continue to create (paint) by focusing on the act of creating and the marketing is then a secondary necessity. I do not like the uphill struggle of marketing, paying to submit images, constant social marketing, art fair fees, set-up, tear-down, gallery rejections but...in the end I know many will not do any of this and this makes me the one who "shows up" in life. Showing up, creating and living is full life is all I ask of myself.
ReplyDeleteWhat holds me back is being able to make a living from producing art. You see how important it is in everyday life, yet finding an audience that is willing to pay what it is worth is a huge challenge. Especially when you have so much quick, commercial, cheap art being produced and sold for a fraction of what you would pay for a one of a kind piece.
ReplyDeleteIt is not all about money as much as it is about the value of the work. Artists still seem to struggle and give in because they are allowing others to dictate their worth. But, what do you do when you need to put food on the table? You compromise. I am not sure what we can do as a community to support each other. But, I sure would love to see things change.
Great discussion going on here. This is probably a question that hits many creatives. It seems like this field requires you to have multiple streams of income, because one won't necessarily cut it - usually anyway. It's a challenge for every artist to find out how they can sustain themselves and NOT be starving - horrible stereotype.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me wonder why artists can be so undervalued and overvalued...at the same time. I certainly don't understand it. No one questions the fact that a hard day's work should be paid for - whatever the work (sweeping floors, packing groceries, doctor, lawyer, secretary...) but for artists, it's hard to find the audience I suppose...your audience that will help you sustain a living!
TIME - to PAINT, enter contests, post to my website and online galleries, blog, send out my newsletter, comment on blogs and forums, network, facebook, twitter,
ReplyDeleteattend openings, follow up with collectors and contacts, practice, research, come up with ideas ... spend time with my family ... and exercise.
Now, what the heck is rhum?
I. M. AWESOME
http://www.fasiarts.com
Natalya- I’d like to hear what part of marketing feels forced for you?
ReplyDeleteEducated Savage- How can you really push yourself to make your work LESS "mundane"? Also—Picking just ONE thing is a good exercise in focus---something professional artists definitely need.
“Too many of us want the most sales and shows with as little effort as possible. You'll be hard pressed to find a rich/famous artist that didn't put in the time.”
EXCELLENT point! I work 60 hours a week, yet I encounter younger artists just starting out that expect a solo show at a NYC gallery when they only work on their art when they feel “inspired”. Newsflash---you probably won’t have a career as a professional artist if you only work on your art 10 hours a week.
Tortagialla- I’m a big supporter of multiple income streams.
FasiArts- Everyone has the same amount of hours in the day. It’s just a question of how you organize and spent those 24 hours.
Also…Rhum is type of rum that’s made in French speaking areas—Martinique, Guadeloupe etc. It enhanced art-making abilities. (not really)
For me the biggest problem is having to work away from art in order to pay the mortgage etc and so my creative/marketing/networking time is limited. I can do one of those things well but not all 3 at the same time.
ReplyDelete#3 What pieces of the puzzle are you missing?
Someone to do the FB/twitter/blog/website & other marketing for me, leaving me the time to draw.
As a new artist, I think I am still a little shy about proclaiming myself as such. So when it comes to networking for this, in spite of all my networking experience, I become a wallflower!
ReplyDeleteI also haven't felt really connected to my local art community, so that is also rough. I guess that if I felt more confident about the artist aspect, that would all come together.
"I’d like to hear what part of marketing feels forced for you?" - ALL OF IT! I guess I was raised to think that tooting your own horn is selfish....I'm working on it!
ReplyDeleteI'm fortunate to be able to work on my art full time. I submit to juried exhibits, do art fairs and currently have work being sold in two galleries. I've lowered my prices, which has contributed to increase in sales. I'm barely bringing in enough to cover my costs. I do enjoy what I do and have a passion for creating that I can't stop.
ReplyDeleteI do all the social media; facebook, twitter, blog, website. I truly haven't seen it's impact. All my gallery and exhibition contacts have been found through the active participation in local and national arts organizations.
I'm willing to invest the time to do more marketing, just not sure what to do...