Hat tip to Jason Kottke for bringing attention to this sobering and insightful essay by contemporary artist fnnch on How to Make a Living as an Artist.
The number one mistake I see artists make is not accepting that they run a business. If you cannot accept and even embrace this simple fact, you are totally hosed. It is hard to start a business; it is way harder to do it by accident.
The author makes so many notable points on the realities that come with working as a full-time artist. As someone who freelances part-time, it’s not just about creating, it’s also about managing a business as an ongoing concern. As a creative freelancer, one must embrace marketing, promotion, and accounting.
There is so much wisdom in this essay, particularly on finding one’s style, and the image-market fit that keeps many artists from achieving success.
If you enjoy making art, ask yourself why that is not enough? Why do you need to make money from this activity? Why do you need to do it with more of your time? Can it not perhaps give you more joy remaining a hobby?
I used to struggle between making work that I like and having to make work to please others. But with each passing year, I’m coming closer to the conclusion that maybe what I create for myself is all I need.
-Krishna