Is it possible to make a living as an artist today?
I am seeing all these surveys coming out about artists in the recession, including one I conducted a few months back that revealed that on average Asian American artists in New York were making less than $10,000 a year from their art, and that many were going into debt of up to $5,000 to support their art making.
Is it possible to live solely from making your art today? What's your story? Do you have day jobs, side jobs, have you moved to a place that's less expensive, or are you in fact thriving and getting gigs left and right? How have things changed for you in the past couple of years? What are you doing differently and is it working?
Tags: living as an artist, living from your art, making a living as an artist, professional artist
Replies to This Post
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Permalink Reply by Doug Banner on -
I don't know if it is possible for everyone to make a living solely from their art. I do know some artists in my community who are doing okay, but they are production artists. They have found a popular product and they cater to a specific audience. I sometimes wonder what that does to one's creative soul. I myself have diversified. I carve , paint, produce music, perform storytelling concerts, and run workshops. All this keeps the wolves from the door but there is no extra cash. I have to admit though that my creative life is alive and well in spite of the slow down in cash flow.
The art community in my home of Bellingham, WA, is struggling and many of my friends have other jobs outside of art so as to be able to continue to create their art. That's not really a new situation here but we are all selling less art. I think a bigger question might be:
If our society valued artists for what they offer rather than only for what they produce would we find ourselves struggling financially?
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Permalink Reply by Nico Daswani on -
probably not, Doug! I see this for teachers too, if only they were paid for what they bring to society, they would probably be earning more than investment bankers!
How have workshops worked out for you? Do they represent a good source of interaction, promotion and income?
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Permalink Reply by Cassandra Shore on -
I think some artists in all forms will always be able to eke out a living. One has to care less about living conditions than "straight" society.
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Permalink Reply by Nico Daswani on
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By "straight" do you mean the desk jobs?
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Permalink Reply by Julia Chacon on -
Wow, what questions!!! I think the very fortunate are living solely from their art. Everyone seems to be in the same boat and is tightening their belt. Personally, I'm still living from my art. The last 2 years have been wonderful as a touring performer, however many of those jobs were scheduled way in advance. As the economy continues to stink I'm worried that the coming years will not be so lucrative.
One thing I've done is scale back on unnecessary expenses and entertainment. I'm marketing classes to more serious, reliable students rather than to the general public, and am relying on word of mouth rather than taking out ads or printing posters/flyers. It seems to be working, but the future is uncertain.
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Permalink Reply by Nico Daswani on
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Glad to know thingsd have been good for you Julia, and I can understand your concerns about future bookings. Do you come to APAP in NYC? And scaling back on certain expenses seems both a necessity and an excellent strategy these days!
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Permalink Reply by Julia Chacon on
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I've never been to APAP. I've checked out their website, but it doesn't seem to offer much about what they do unless you're already a member. Any advice or tips regarding that organization? What do you think of them?
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Permalink Reply by Nico Daswani on
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Hi Julia, I have been to APAP a couple of times, and found it very interesting. I suppose it depends what you are looking for. If you want to get booked, it's a good meeting place as all the presenters in the country are there. I will most likely be there this winter, as we plan some offline projects for Create Culture--
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Permalink Reply by Alaine Handa on -
I'll see you at APAP Nico!
Ugh. APAP is a necessary evil I think... to show everyone that you are very serious about your work. Marketing is such an interesting thing especially in a NYC - where everyone is looking for the next superstar.
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Permalink Reply by Fran Atopos Conte on -
I was just sent this, in order to help reply to your question.. : http://tomreeder.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/day-jobs-of-the-famous/
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Permalink Reply by Nico Daswani on
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how cool, thanks for sharing Fran! Rousseau was a toll collector, wow!
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Permalink Reply by Danielle Lamar Vilson on -
I don't believe that you can make a living as an artist, of any kind. I am a dancer and I wish I could live my passion for a living but I am a teacher. I get a chance to teach dance as well as instruct in a regular class but it's not enough. The people I know who are considered full-time artist are always hustling to try to keep themselves afloat. They have moments, especially visual artists, when the money is flowing and then there are dry spells. This happens more frequently with dancers (I think) Most dancers are willing to travel whereever the work is whether it is here or aboard. But you can't settle down and have roots anywhere and close connections are dificult. Most full-time artists have diffucult times sustaining close relationships and familes. At some point in time many artists would like to have both, but is it possible?
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