Why do artists glorify the 'starving artist' ethic? Whatever happened to independent capitalism?

Question

I am not talking about selling your art through corporations but about self-promotion, hiring an agent, selling out of your own studio, taking on private commissions, selling at fairs, etc.

Does anyone really want to have 1000 canvasses at home, without a red cent paid to them in terms of profit to cover the costs and provide an income? It is like poetry editors who tell me that 'publication provides its own rewards.'

Of course, I can write poetry anytime for myself and for personal expression or for a cause or charity. I don't want to sell everything. Some would be better for a reading or a journal or charity to a magazine. However, does anyone want to wait tables the rest of his or her life?

Answer 1

I think it's because artists like to paint and don't like to think about selling. From the pleasantness to painting to the pain in the neck of selling, it is not a comfortable step and it probably feels like giant waste of time. It is much more pleasant to think that someone will pay good money for your painting one day then actually trying to sell it in reality.

Answer 2

Lets hit this point by point. Hire an agent. Great idea, if you can even get an agent to look at your work. Then the agent take 50% plus the gallery takes 50%, sounds like the artist is still starving. Sell out of the artist's studio. Great idea, to who. An artist's friends and neighbors are already sick of going to every opening of the artist. To the private commission question, an artist has to know someone that A. buys art, B. wants to risk money on a nobody, C. knows about the artist even existing. Finally, Art fairs are cliquish and cost a lot to enter, especially when the artist is rejected all the time.

Self-promotion is time consuming and very expensive. Artists like to spend there time, money, and energy making art. Maybe 1% of artists make a lot of money through making art, but the majority of artists make art because they need to make art. Most artists are content with a measured success. In other words, many artists usually just want enough money to do the next project.

Answer 3

In my opinion your perspective on artists is a bit outdated or brought about from movies. Sure many artists like to humor themselves and say they would starve rather than “sellout”. Most who actually go through with it are most likely not educated and or not very talented. Most artist are just fine with working for schools, universities, galleries, etc. in order to help pay for supplies, food and other living expenses. Many have families and do not hold on to the ridiculous idea that you must be broke or dead to be a successful artist. Personally none of my paintings are precious to me. My health and my family are much more important than my paintings and photographs. I have no problem parting with them. I sell work all the time and make great money for it and have no intention on stopping. Well I am off to get something out of my full refrigerator.

Answer 4

you sound like the kind of person that would tell an artist to go out and get a real job. but to be an artist it takes more than just hard work. you have to be honest, you have to follow your vision, you have to be willing to put the time into trusting where your art takes you without following a format for success. you must, as much as you are able, be true to the work of art first and foremost, without worrying about whether or not your boss or some agency or the pope is going to approve of what you are doing. art is recognized by consensus, but that is not the way it is made. this is the way of creativity. the glamor and romance of the starving artist that you are talking about is connected to having respect for somebody for being committed to his or her art against tremendous obstacles. agencies, bosses, critics, consumers, are all craving something new and original and unique, but mostly nobody is willing to invest in the time and dedication that are required to do this. since an artist is trying to make something new, there is no established path to follow to get there. that is the difference between an artist and a craftsperson. a craftsperson follows a specific method, an artist sets out to blaze a new trail. many artists become craftspeople once they have found something that works for them.
if a person is really and truly solid in his or her commitment to art, then if it takes waiting tables for years, maybe even decades on end, then that's what it takes. most people do not have that lifetimes worth of self-belief if there is no external recognition for the value of what he or she makes. that is why so many people give up on their artistic dreams. I personally think we would all be much better off and happier in general if we paid attention to the fact that creativity does have its own rewards.
don't listen to those publishers. they're just trying to make a living by feeding off poets. publish the stuff yourself. that way all your rewards don't go to the exhorbitant fees you pay them.

Answer 5

i hate selling..parting with the work you've put so much time into..sometimes ill put it in a show and have offers, its really just for pleasure.. i dont want the money.
Life isnt all about getting rich fast..slow down and enjoy it. Who cares if your job sucks its what helps you to express yourself in your work..

jamesi is right