Ready To Answer A Serious Question For Serious Artists?

Question

Say you realize you’re pretty damn good, but you’ve hit many roadblocks. And sometimes you get discouraged by the not so little things like: Like not having the money to buy the materials you need or not getting the recognition you deserve or not having a supportive mate or perhaps pondering it you should set it aside your art and concentrate on having financial security instead?

So, why do you create?

Think about it and be honest. I’ll add my answer later.

Dr.Quiggles, many artists have become famous and well off during their lifetime, like Picasso, Dali, Pollack, etc.

My reply: It just seems like I'm denying who I was ment to be, who I am when I've tried to distance nyself from the art.

And I want to thank many of you for some very honest and enlightening replies.

Answer 1

I guess I would create because that is who I am, that is what makes me happy and I know that it also makes some people happy to see my creations. As for not having the money to buy my materials, I'm sure if we can buy unnecessary things like soda, cigs, we can save to buy what we need. If your young and not married go for that dream. If your older and married take care of the family but try to follow your dream also.

Answer 2

You know, it's a sad reality that there are so many truly gifted "starving artists" out there. Art is so subjective that it can be really difficult to make a living through your work.

For me personally, I create because it's in me. I feel like it's a God-given gift, and one that brings me joy... it would be wrong to ignore that part of me. Gifts are here so that we can use them.

I am fortunate enough to be able to support myself teaching art to private students. However, I don't think I'll ever "be discovered" or "get myself out there" or anything like that. Part of it is because I'm not really all that great at self-promotion, and part of it is because I don't think my style really fits the mold for what's valued today in modern art. (Think we don't have a mold? Visit 5 art museums in one day and compare the contemporary art sections in each, and you'll see the same thing in different colors.) But my art isn't about what other people think of it, and I couldn't care less about being famous someday or all that. If I were ever able to sell my work on a bigger scale, I would absolutely love it... but I'm not holding my breath. I paint because I need to paint. And I paint because there is so much beauty in the world... I just can't help myself.

My advice to you would be to keep creating no matter what. If you have to buy cheap supplies, do... something is better than nothing. Use computer paper and a #2 pencil if you have to, but just don't stop. I know what you mean about not having a supportive spouse... I don't have a supportive anybody. But is the creative part of art about what other people think? For me it's not.

Anyway, if you think teaching privately might be something you're interested in, email me and I can tell you how I got started, and give you some ideas. :) It's a great alternative when selling your work isn't panning out, and you need to pay the bills. And for me, teaching has turned out to be an added joy as I get to watch the creative process that I love so much unfold in my students.

Anyway, don't deny your creative spirit. :) Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Making art is the most important thing in my life. Ok, I like being loved too, but if I had to choose between the two....

So.. ahem... on to making money. If you don't love your job, you're not gonna be able to make art. Working in an art-related field sure is a good compromise. But as for being rich and having to maintain it? I'd rather downsize my wants than sacrifice my needs. (art=need)

Non-supportive mates often have other roles in our lives. You may have to dig for that one, but it's likely there. Look for that and nurture it, then continue to do your thing. Unless they're the art-saboteur type (but they would sabotage anything you did, not just art... think hard on that.) Seek out other artists & art groups for support. It's always been that way.

Lack of recognition may always be there... doesn't matter how successful we become, there's always someone else who out-sells us. But making art isn't about that, it's about translating our passions into something tangible, and we do that because we have to, not because we are applauded when we do.

Everyone has a different way of expressing themselves. Artists have their way, teachers another, accountants... well, we need accountants too. But to deny that form of expression is to silence your soul, and that's just not healthy. It's not why you are who you are.

So work for the man to keep the roof mended over your head, but never stop making art. Keep saying what you need to say and people will hear.

Answer 4

I don't know how to say this. I've always wanted to play piano. I've never had enough money to buy one and I wasn't able to take lessons, cause I needed something to practice on. So the woman said. Anyway when I think about playing, I imagine losing myself in the music. Like I become a part of the sounds my fingers are creating. Maybe it isn't the end results so much as it is the connection you lose yourself in while creating. Make any sense? I'm not even stoned.....

Answer 5

I've been creatively blocked many times... but at last the need to create wins... I create because I feel that I need to. It's not for recognition but more the need to release some energy which is pent up inside of me. I create because all of these wonderful ideas and visions and fears would go unexpressed and I often have trouble doing so with words. It is a sort of therapy for me, and those who do see my work have a chance to see who I am... my personal struggles, demons, joys and dreams.

Answer 6

I used to create in my spare time and day dreamed about doing it for a living someday. I finally got serious and got into a program for 3d graphics and web development (just before the dot com bust). I was working in the art field before I even finished the program.

I've been working ever since. So I used to do it just for me but now I do it for money and myself.

But to tell the truth if I could afford it I would still do it even if I didn't get paid.

Answer 7

You can be creative and have financial security too. I live in an artist town and we all have jobs and do our art too. So if you work you will be able to buy what you need to be creative. Now that makes sense. Ya think. Oh yes if the people around do not support you with your are just forget them I do it because it makes me happy I do not do it for them i do it for myself.

Answer 8

Most famous artists dont become famous until they are dead...most famous artists lived in poverty.

If i were you, i'd focus on financial security and stability. YOu could still create artwork in your spare time! Leave your mark on the world, but dont suffer like most artists do! Become successful in LIFE not after DEATH!

GOod LUck Gangsta

Answer 9

I think many times you can have both. Like maybe designing shirts or logos, computer or graphic art, or making portraits. Pays the bills, creative, and in your off times you can afford to buy materials and make what you want.

Answer 10

Freedom even in reality.. A reset button to your emotions, feelings, frustrations.. Satisfication. A feeling.