Real Artists Don't Starve

1. Redefine Success: Real Artists Don't Starve

The Starving Artist believes you must be born an artist. The Thriving Artist knows you must become one.

Myth vs. Reality: The starving artist myth is pervasive but false. Successful artists throughout history, like Michelangelo, have thrived financially while creating remarkable work. The New Renaissance challenges the notion that artists must suffer for their craft.

Thriving Artist Mindset: Adopting a thriving artist mindset involves:

• Valuing your work and charging appropriately
• Seeking opportunities for growth and collaboration
• Balancing creativity with business acumen
• Embracing the idea that financial success and artistic integrity can coexist

2. Embrace Your Identity as an Artist

We are never done becoming who we are.

Continuous Growth: Embracing your identity as an artist is an ongoing process. It involves:

• Recognizing and developing your unique talents
• Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome
• Continuously refining your skills and expanding your horizons

Reinvention: Artists must be willing to reinvent themselves throughout their careers. This might mean:

• Exploring new mediums or techniques
• Adapting to changing markets or technologies
• Evolving your artistic vision over time

3. Learn from Masters, but Create Your Own Style

Good artists copy. Great artists steal.

Apprenticeship: Learning from masters is crucial for artistic development. This involves:

• Studying the techniques and approaches of successful artists
• Seeking mentorship or formal training opportunities
• Practicing diligently to master fundamental skills

Creative Theft: Great artists "steal" by:

• Drawing inspiration from diverse sources
• Combining influences in unique ways
• Transforming borrowed elements into something original and personal

4. Cultivate a Network of Patrons and Collaborators

Before you reach an audience of many, you must first reach an audience of one.

Patrons: Cultivating patrons is essential for artistic success. This includes:

• Identifying potential supporters of your work
• Building relationships with collectors, gallerists, or sponsors
• Demonstrating the value of your art to secure financial backing

Collaboration: Working with others can enhance your art and career:

• Partnering with complementary artists or professionals
• Participating in group shows or collaborative projects
• Leveraging collective resources and networks

5. Practice in Public and Share Your Work

In order to be found, you have to be findable.

Visibility: Practicing in public helps artists gain exposure and improve their craft:

• Sharing works-in-progress on social media
• Participating in live demonstrations or open studios
• Seeking feedback from audiences and peers

Building an Audience: Consistently sharing your work helps:

• Attract potential buyers or commissioners
• Build a loyal following
• Create opportunities for recognition and growth

6. Diversify Your Skills and Income Streams

The Starving Artist masters one craft. The Thriving Artist masters many.

Multiple Skills: Developing a diverse skill set enhances an artist's career prospects:

• Learning complementary techniques or disciplines
• Acquiring business and marketing skills
• Exploring digital tools and technologies

Income Diversification: Thriving artists often have multiple income streams:

• Selling original works
• Teaching or conducting workshops
• Creating merchandise or licensed products
• Offering services (e.g., commissions, consulting)

7. Make Money to Make More Art

We don't make art for the money. We make money so that we can make more art.

Financial Sustainability: Earning money from art enables continued creation:

• Covering basic living expenses and art supplies
• Investing in equipment or studio space
• Funding new projects or experiments

Balancing Act: Thriving artists find ways to:

• Maintain artistic integrity while meeting market demands
• Allocate time between commercial work and personal projects
• Reinvest profits into artistic growth and development

8. Own Your Work and Negotiate for Control

If you don't own your masters, your master owns you.

Intellectual Property: Retaining ownership of your work is crucial:

• Understanding copyright and licensing agreements
• Negotiating favorable terms with galleries, publishers, or clients
• Protecting your creative assets for long-term benefit

Creative Control: Maintaining control over your art allows you to:

• Make decisions about how your work is presented or used
• Benefit from future opportunities or increased value
• Preserve your artistic vision and legacy

9. Join a Creative Scene and Build a Community

Genius is a place, not a person.

Creative Environments: Thriving artists often gravitate to vibrant creative scenes:

• Moving to cities or neighborhoods with active artistic communities
• Participating in local events, exhibitions, or meetups
• Seeking out shared studio spaces or artist residencies

Community Building: Engaging with other creatives provides:

• Mutual support and inspiration
• Opportunities for collaboration and networking
• A sense of belonging and shared purpose

10. Use Stubbornness Strategically to Overcome Challenges

We are stubborn on vision. We are flexible on details.

Persistence: Strategic stubbornness can help artists overcome obstacles:

• Staying committed to long-term goals despite setbacks
• Pushing through periods of self-doubt or creative blocks
• Pursuing unconventional ideas or approaches

Adaptability: While maintaining vision, successful artists remain flexible:

• Adjusting strategies based on feedback or market changes
• Embracing new technologies or techniques
• Finding creative solutions to practical challenges

Last updated: September 29, 2024