Artist clients often are working from a "starving artist" mentality. They think it's required to suffer for their art. They consider it virtuous to struggle along, just scraping by, barely able to pay the bills. They find it challenging to get the resources to perfect their art and realize it fully. They live a Bohemian lifestyle in lofts and slum style buildings to satisfy the expression of their art. What could be the problem in this?
The main problem is the artist's dread, fear, or hatred for the "grubby" nature of business. You, the artist (every kind of artist), must learn to love business. This is an heretical concept to most artists.
Think about this though:how many biographical sketches of artists have you read that ended in someone else making money from stealing the artist's work? How frequently do you hear about an artist living in poverty and someone else getting rich off their work after they die? How many writers, musicians and performing artists have you known about who got screwed in business dealings because they chose not to educate themselves? How many creative people are you familiar with who spent their lives on their art and died virtually penniless? It's a rare artist whose life is different from this.
So what is the difference between starving in a garret and thriving and profiting from your art? Learning to love business, reveling in mastery of business, enjoying the "game" of having your art support you is the difference.
"Yuck!" Are you saying, "Yuck"? Consider this then. Can you see the power in having full access to both sides of your brain, creative and logical, and being able to flip back and forth from one side to the other at will? This is really where life as an artist gets interesting. This is where you can start to command more than a pittance for your work. If you are not supporting yourself with your art, it's just a "hobby", something you do on the side when you finish your day job. Calling the artist's work a hobby is the way that society trivializes those who create the culture. Every artist knows the sting of the "hobby" insult.
What's the difference between a hobby and making a living? Mastering the business of your industry (whether it is fine art, commercial art, music, or performing arts) is the difference.
The artist needs to learn and study how to succeed in the business of their art. Note: Have you noticed how some artists with work inferior to yours are making lots of money? Again the difference is business mastery.
Think for a moment about being able to fully use both sides of your brain at will. You don't give up any creativity. In fact, developing this skill enhances your creativity. Do not fear that developing business sense will lessen your creativity or hamper your creative skills. Do not worry that developing the "logical" side will "eat up" your ability to produce your art. Surprisingly, the ability to flip from one side of the brain to the other in an instant at will actually makes your creativity even more accessible. It's almost as if you put your brain on an "exercise program" and it gets stronger.
No, learning business does not taint your soul...unless you choose that, but it surely will protect you from having your business naivete' being taken advantage of. Choose to be among the "non-starving" artists...master business and thrive.
Related Articles
Recognizing Inner Guidance
By: Suzi Elton | 21/01/2008 | Self Improvement
Do you have intuitions or believe that you can feel something before it happens? This article describes some simple ways to get clarity on inner guidance and how to distinguish inner guidance from "mind chatter".
When Everybody Else is Getting Crazy, Get Quiet!
By: Suzi Elton | 28/01/2008 | Self Improvement
When you are in crisis, do you spiral downward, out of control of your feelings, full of fear and desperation? Do you worry, running around frantically indulging in the generalized frenzy of feelings? Here is an answer.
What is a Strategy?
By: Suzi Elton | 28/01/2008 | Self Improvement
Do you often hear others talking about strategies, or strategic planning and not have a clue as to what they mean? Does is seem like you might be missing out on something, but you don't even have an idea how to figure out the meaning of strategies? Here is a simple, comprehensible, and practical explanation.
Slow Death by a Thousand to Do’s: an Answer, the "rotating" to Do List
By: Suzi Elton | 28/01/2008 | Self Improvement
Do you live your life being "run" by your To Do list? Does it seem like your To Do list is CONSTANTLY overwhelming? Do you feel miserable because you think your To Do list will never be complete and never could be complete? Here's an answer to accomplishing more and accomplishing the right things.
It’s Ok to Put it on the Back Burner!
By: Suzi Elton | 28/01/2008 | Self Improvement
Are you overwhelmed by the number of activities and projects you have committed to? Have you ever found yourself being a "human doing" rather than a human being? Do you feel like there is no way to stop doing so many of the things you are doing? Here is an idea that could help you with this problem.
Being Overwhelmed: are you Letting Someone or Something Else Control your Time?
By: Suzi Elton | 28/01/2008 | Self Improvement
Clients often talk about feeling overwhelmed. What does it mean to feel overwhelmed? What are some things you can do to avoid getting into the feeling of overwhelm?
Are You The Winner In A Suffering Competition? A Seven Step Solution
By: Suzi Elton | 10/02/2008 | Self Help
Have you ever known someone (or does it describe you?) who seems to believe that they suffer more than any others have ever suffered...to the point where it becomes their identity? There is an element of, "My suffering has been greater than yours...or anyone else's!" They actually seem to have...
How Did I Make That Ok? An Answer To Self Defeating Relationship Patterns
By: Suzi Elton | 10/02/2008 | Self Help
Have you ever found yourself in a repetitive and negative pattern of behavior in relationships? Have you consistently gotten unhappy results, but felt clueless as to how you got them? Have you believed that "they" were tricking or deceiving you? Have you suffered and been unhappy every time you've repeated...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Self Help Articles
Go for African American Speakers
By: Kassia Macy | 05/09/2008
The results of a survey on the most popular phobias concluded that most of the people are not that afraid of death or of accidents, but they are afraid of speaking in front an audience. Besides, the survey’s statistics say that African American speakers are the best in this area. Black speakers are not afraid to express their opinions in public. They are always fit and when they enter a room, everybody can feel their energy.
Beat Your Travel Alarm Clocks to the Draw!
By: Bradlley Mckoy | 04/09/2008
You have many of those infernal inventions man created to absolutely wreak havoc on your age-old biological patterns and decades-old psychological stability. And no, this is not the institution of marriage. These are travel alarm clocks - the types that scream like hellish banshees, explode like nuclear bombs, and buzz...
Top 3 Ways to Stay Connected to the Outdoor
By: Don Jacobson | 04/09/2008
Love the great outdoors? If you're the type who would rather be hiking up a mountain or rafting down a river that controlling the remote, you know exactly what I mean. I'm always amazed when someone tells me their ideal vacation requires a hotel room with 100 channels on the...
How to Read Body Language: Interpreting Body Language Signs for Better Communication
By: Michael Lee | 04/09/2008
Reading and interpreting body language can help you break down barriers of communication. It gives you an idea on the best way to approach someone and provides an insight into another person’s thoughts or future actions.
Take This First Step to Overcoming Shyness and Gaining Poise!
By: Dr. O. Akin-Ogundeji | 03/09/2008
Understanding the real meaning of poise is your first step towards gaining poise! Do you really know what poise is? What do you think are three of the characteristics of a well-poised person? Believe it, not many people understand what poise is. There are many misconceptions about what poise is. Such misconceptions have hampered many shy people. Don’t let this happen to you! Understanding what poise is, is an important step to overcoming shyness or gaining poise.
How to Detect Deception: Reliable Tools to Detect Deception and Lies
By: Michael Lee | 02/09/2008
Professional liars have trained themselves to tell lies with a straight face; and they can do it with ease after long hours of practice. Relying on nonverbal cues alone can lead to misinterpretation.
The Asteroid Goddesses
By: Maya White | 01/09/2008
Astrology has been used as a navigation tool throughout the ages by royalty, clergy, politicians, celebrities, and people just like you and me. The mysteries of planetary influences and archetypes provide us with a blueprint for existence. Conscious understanding of these mysteries gives you control and mastery of your own life.
The Power of Prayer 3
By: Steve Morgan | 01/09/2008
I wish to share what happened after the near death experience so you can strengthen your own faith.
More from Suzi Elton
"Bump In The Road" Theory: Do You Give Up Too Easily? Six Steps To Take
By: Suzi Elton | 10/02/2008 | Self Help
It seems there are two main types of coaching clients: Those who are defeated by nothing and those who give up at the first "bump in the road". The operative word is "bump", not "hill", not "mountain", not "mountain range" but "bump".
What does this mean? This refers to the type...
Stuck... What Does It Mean? A Nine Step Plan To Get Unstuck
By: Suzi Elton | 10/02/2008 | Self Help
Frequently clients state that they feel "stuck". What does it mean when someone expresses that they are stuck or feel stuck?
Some of the things feeling "stuck" can mean:
- They have a wide range of potential options and are unclear as to how to narrow down their choices and focus on...
How Did I Make That Ok? An Answer To Self Defeating Relationship Patterns
By: Suzi Elton | 10/02/2008 | Self Help
Have you ever found yourself in a repetitive and negative pattern of behavior in relationships? Have you consistently gotten unhappy results, but felt clueless as to how you got them? Have you believed that "they" were tricking or deceiving you? Have you suffered and been unhappy every time you've repeated...
Are You The Winner In A Suffering Competition? A Seven Step Solution
By: Suzi Elton | 10/02/2008 | Self Help
Have you ever known someone (or does it describe you?) who seems to believe that they suffer more than any others have ever suffered...to the point where it becomes their identity? There is an element of, "My suffering has been greater than yours...or anyone else's!" They actually seem to have...
Being Overwhelmed: are you Letting Someone or Something Else Control your Time?
By: Suzi Elton | 28/01/2008 | Self Improvement
Clients often talk about feeling overwhelmed. What does it mean to feel overwhelmed? What are some things you can do to avoid getting into the feeling of overwhelm?
It’s Ok to Put it on the Back Burner!
By: Suzi Elton | 28/01/2008 | Self Improvement
Are you overwhelmed by the number of activities and projects you have committed to? Have you ever found yourself being a "human doing" rather than a human being? Do you feel like there is no way to stop doing so many of the things you are doing? Here is an idea that could help you with this problem.
Slow Death by a Thousand to Do’s: an Answer, the "rotating" to Do List
By: Suzi Elton | 28/01/2008 | Self Improvement
Do you live your life being "run" by your To Do list? Does it seem like your To Do list is CONSTANTLY overwhelming? Do you feel miserable because you think your To Do list will never be complete and never could be complete? Here's an answer to accomplishing more and accomplishing the right things.
What is a Strategy?
By: Suzi Elton | 28/01/2008 | Self Improvement
Do you often hear others talking about strategies, or strategic planning and not have a clue as to what they mean? Does is seem like you might be missing out on something, but you don't even have an idea how to figure out the meaning of strategies? Here is a simple, comprehensible, and practical explanation.
Self Improvement 
