YouTube Series: Artist Life 101

 

 

 

 

How Can I Survive As a Starving Artist?

 

The Truth About Why Artists Are Starving By Monique Ascending

 

 

 

TIME & ENERGY

Artists generally starve because they are being spread too thin. They are working more than one job, usually occupations that have little to do with their creativity and input, causing the drain game. Working these jobs and trying to maintain regular demands kills their creative energy because these activities are going against their natural flow. Many are left with little to no time to work on their art. Successful artists know, however, that time and energy are two very important priorities. Without enough “juice,” the quality of work gets compromised and the creative path gets foggy. Thoughts like, “I’m struggling and don’t know what to do…maybe I should just focus on getting a regular job like my Dad said,” or “This is just way too hard, I mean, yeah I love working on my art, but I hate being poor!” Truth is…starting out on any artistic path usually doesn’t include a company car, mini bar with the deluxe suite, and pre-ordered hot coffee ready on your desk at 9am. It starts out with the artist ready to rely on his/her creativity and hardcore survival. Artists have to think of themselves as a business. The goal is grow from the ground up.

 

PLANNING

To become successful (definition of success is up to the person), a plan is needed. Successful artists have master plans. Even if the plan seems scattered or lacking direction, they have vision and they imagine flourishing in their field. They take the time to day dream. Many keep their vision written or drawn in a journal, on their laptop, or somewhere they can easily go back to it. Many Law-of-Attraction enthusiasts make vision boards-a poster or wall covered with pictures cut of magazines and/or words that reflect their goals and desire. This can be a useful tool for artists since they typically need visual stimulation. Example: Imagine sitting at a Barnes & Noble holding a discussion about your line of children books. Find a smiling photo, a magazine cut out of a small audience and some books, and the Barnes & Noble logo. Glue them close to each other on the poster or corkboard.

 

KEEPIN' IT REAL

Sometimes, people who sign up for the artist life don't take into account all of the possibily realities that may await them on their path. It takes a real and honest look into the path of the desire to determine the true path. Artists must ask:  Am I  excited every time I read something related to my field?. Am I dreading the amount of work it’ll take to learn and grow in this field? Asking questions like, “What would I do if I couldn’t do this?” If this can be answered easily, he/she might want to explore other options. It's best not to waste your time on something that can be lived without. Another question: “Why am I into this?” If this can be easily answered  with passion, feeling alive, life purpose…then he/she should go for it and go hard. Nothing should be an obstacle. Sacrifice is inevitable on this journey. All hard work and sacrifice is worth it if the artist feels alive doing it. The world benefits when the artist is living his/her dreams.

 

BUDGET

Though math may not be the preferred subject for many artists, know that being frugal and realistic goes a long way.  Instead of assuming that eating top ramen and drinking Capri-suns daily is the only option, carefully calculating before spending serving tips on going out to eat. Cooking at home and meal prepping can help reduce unneccessary spending. No doubt artists are busy creatures! Planning out meals to avoid last minute spending can cut down cost tremendously. It's incredibly easy to blow fifty to a hundred bucks in one week alone. Many forget to pay his/herself first. Direct deposting10% in a separate account can go a long way.