With the economy in the toilet like a roach slowly trying to crawl its way out, artist need more than ever to know what they are doing in the profession. Understanding the nature of what you are is a good way of stay true to yourself, while understanding the sacrifices or changes you are ok with. I sat down and thought of three questions that (when answered honestly) will give a good idea of where you stand and how to approach future events in your career. (Or whether art is the right field at all!)
The lifestyle has its perks, but if art is just a means to that lifestyle, be something else. You can just as easily attend the same parties and go to the same galleries.
1. Are you attracted to the art you make, or just the lifestyle being an artist provides? Easy question, but be honest with yourself. There really is no shame in enjoying the life of an artist, but enjoying it more than the art you make (in my generation) makes you a hipster.
Being a full time studio artist has its perks.
2. Would you sacrifice your creative freedom for money? This is a question that you can answer in degrees, and may show where you fit in the art world, if at all. Those who say “not at all” are studio artists who will do their thing, collectors be damned! However, those who say “on occassion” tend to be best served looking for commission opportunities. A “somewhat” or other 50/50 type answer often describes someone who would be a good corporate Graphic or Industrial Designer. A full on “YES!”… you may want to be something else.
3. Can you justify your existence as an artist, based on what you make? This is harder than it sounds. Can you seriously say why the art world needs you, based on the work you do? An answer takes an understanding of what it is you provide that the art world lacks. Finding this is actually a sure fire way of understanding what your art is, and what you need to make it function better.
I would love to hear from you guys, about how you answered the three questions, and maybe other questions where artists should know where they stand. Leave ‘em in the comments and I’ll make a post with the best ones later!
One Comment
1. Are you attracted to the art you make, or just the lifestyle being an artist provides – I am very attracted to the art I make. I have my ups and downs though, when I start disliking my art I know it's time for change (see my latest post on martinepieck.blogspot.com). The lifestyle is not the reason why I am an artist, although I have to say that even though it can be lonely at times I wouldn't want to swap with anyone!
2. Would you sacrifice your creative freedom for money? No, but I sometimes have to… I can't live from my art alone… yet… unfortunately.
3. Can you justify your existence as an artist, based on what you make? Interesting question.. What are the criteria for justification? And to who should it be justified? And why do I need to justify my existence as an artist in the first place? The best answer I can think of: I can justify my existence as an artist based on what I make, not because I am valued so much by others or because I earn a good living with it (both are not the case at this moment, but hey – many famous artists weren't valued or famous until after they died) but just because I am happy to be alive and I love to be creative.