We all know the concept of the starving artist right? I recently was exposed to it. Let me Tell ya a story…
WOW! the starving artist mindset is alive and well in some artist communities. This past week I joined an art community for a free 5 day training. There were thousands of people attending this international painting event.
The instructor was really great at offering a program in 5 days that truly offered what to me felt like a ton of value in art education. He taught some foundational art concepts that I felt even a seasoned artist could learn from this refresher and his perspective on these basic ideas.
However, I was surprised to see some in the community get negative in the first day complaining about how this training was too basic and not good for an experienced artist. Now I can only speak for myself… I thought the first day was great! Although I have been selling design and art through marketing and business for 30+ years I approached my fine art differently.
I still use all my color skills and life time of drawing skills but I wasn’t consciously thinking about design as I was more about unleashing emotions than intentional design of my paintings.
Anyhow what I noticed was there were several in the community complaining which really surprised me as I hang out with other artists and art communities that tend to be very positive and supportive. What was instantly recognizable in day one and two was this odd mindset the part of the community had. They had a negative attitude and it truly stood out to me.
Then after day 5 the complaints changed. You see the instructor moved from teaching to selling his annual program to continue growing your practice. Being in business for 26 years at this point I knew this was coming and I had no issue with it. This is how businesses survive in a capitalistic society.
The price was $2500 for 14 weeks of very engaged training and 12 months of access to a solid community and all the trainings.
This is a very common price point for online education and I saw the value and actually kicked it around as a way to stretch myself and explore different ways of looking at things. I have several things on my plate so I decided against it but I am not opposed of doing something like this in the future.
But I was very surprised to hear how many people balked at the price and felt this was outlandish and exclusionary for artist and the idea that artists don’t have that kind of money. This blew me away.
Look my own painting practice is roughly 2 years old so I am not a seasoned painter by any means but I have been in business for a long time and have always been of the mindset that you have to invest in yourself if you want to grow and reach higher levels of success. I feared trying painting because of cost of starting a new hobby and wasted supplies if I hated things and sucked. Ha! So I kind of get it and I have no idea what stage the complainers were at.
What I know is I got into art to serve me and NOT to sell paintings. It was more of a spiritual things for me. Then people started asking if they could buy my paintings so I started exploring that.
Last year was the first year I sold any paintings but I sold 4 paintings and gave 4 away as gifts. I didn’t make a lot but out of those 8 paintings in might have been a few thousand dollars in work. What this tells me is ART can make money and it does have value even from a nobody just getting started.
This year I am looking to sell $5K to $10K. Is that possible? Yes, I think it is. However to do this I have to get in a mindset to both create and sell my work. That is what I am working on building now. Granted this is not a get rich quick scheme but a getting started and see where it goes plan.
In these weird times, I think the world needs art and beauty to feel alive, to have hope, to inspire and fuel passion. I am here for that more than for financial rewards but why not try to get my art out to inspire and or comfort others instead of stacking up in my studio (which is totally happening right now but I love being surrounded by beautiful art).
Anyhow, this leads me to see how all the financial complainers and probably even the topic complainers have one thing in common… a fixed mindset.
The folks complaining about the price of things were focused on how ridiculous this instructor was because THEY couldn’t afford this kind of price.
Granted, I am very conscious of classism and wealth inequality and I am not saying $2500 is an easy price point for all but what I am saying is getting hung up on “how expensive” this is instead of what will this bring me or change me in a year is looking at things from the wrong perspective.
If you are an artist it is fine doing art for yourself. Art is healing by all means do it and do it often and if it feels best to NEVER sell your art, by all means don’t do it. However if you join an art community focused on professional art lessons that rival higher education and talking about art sales and getting hung in galleries… don’t get upset when futher trainings cost money.
In my mind here’s how I think…
If I invest $3K in myself and in my training what kind of return can I get? Will I generate $3K in sales over the next year? Will these ideas help me generate $30K in the next few years? If the answer is yes… than find the money and make the investment. I have enough faith in myself and my skills that I totally believe this is possible.
I have however spent $3K in the past for business trainings that have not always paid off so it is a risk BUT I always learn something and even the failed programs help me learn more about myself and refine my needs. That is a worthwhile investment to me.
I also know in 2010 I started a huge investment of $30K. What I do now is different but these skills and knowledge are not lost. They are apart of me. Some of the stuff I learned in 2017 didn’t pan out as quickly as I had hoped but I still work these ideas around looking for how to apply them 8 years later.
So am I privileged and or wealthy and out of touch? Well, I probably am privileged in some ways, but I also have experienced times of struggled and had to make my own way in the world in may ways being self employed for so long.
What I know though is I have to do the work and practice my craft. I want to have fun and continually get better and if I want to sell products then I need to look at things from a business standpoint. I run my business with no debt and no credit cards or loans so I do have to spend, or better terminology might be, INVEST wisely.
This brings me to these artists and watching them share their thoughts and their expectations for their art training and life. This got me thinking… why do these folks think like this and the STARVING ARTIST mentality or starving artists syndrom just smacked me across the head. Then I ask why.
So now let me move from telling my story and my assumptions of their story to why I think STARVING ARTIST SYNDROME happens.
How Does One Catch STARVING ARTIST SYNDROM? What is behind it?
The starving artist mentality or STARVING ARTIST SYNDROME comes from a mix of societal conditioning, personal beliefs, and practical challenges that make artists hesitant to invest in themselves. In my eyes it is a poverty mindset built on selfdoubts, lack, and scarcity.
Here are some key causes of STARVING ARTIST SYNDROME:
Deep-Rooted Societal Beliefs about Art and Art Making
The “Suffering for Art” Myth – Many artists grow up with the idea that true art comes from struggle and that financial success somehow “taints” artistic integrity.
I know in my punk rock world selling out was and is a big deal and that may certainly be true in other areas of art but do we lose ourselves if/when we sell our work? Can we find a healthy way to do it and keep our integrity?
The “Starving Artist” Trope – Culture romanticizes the image of the broke but passionate artist, reinforcing the belief that financial instability is the norm.
I am not going to lie… in my twenties I dated a girl that was getting a fine arts degree and I questioned “what will you do to make your living?” I didn’t see the value of art back then but today I see art as valid as any other career choice if you want it bad enough.
Fear of Financial Risk
Uncertain Returns – Art doesn’t always have a clear path to financial success, so spending money on courses, tools, or marketing can feel like gambling and it is. BUT our best investment is in ourselves. The returns may be hard to calculate but our personal growth is powerful, valid, and worthwhile. Do it!
Lack of Business Education – Many artists aren’t taught financial literacy or marketing, making it hard to see how investing in themselves can lead to sustainable income. This may be a huge one.
Lord knows I made lots of financial follies over the years. I have studied business for a decade and finances for maybe the same. It takes time to learn this stuff but anyone CAN get better with this stuff with a little time and effort.
Want some low risk places to start investing in yourself? Start reading. Here are a few books I recommend…
Psychological Barriers
Imposter Syndrome – Artists often doubt their worth, thinking, “Who am I to invest in myself when I’m not ‘good enough’ yet?”. Here’s the thing… you only get better by investing in yourself and your practice.
Fear of Failure – If they invest money and don’t see results, it can feel like confirmation that they aren’t cut out for success. Failure is part of the journey but we only FAIL if we quit.
Art and creativity can be learned. Business can be learned. Sales can be learned. We must learn to take what is often considered a failure and learn from it. If we do that we never fail.
Perfectionism – Waiting until they “master” their craft before promoting themselves leads to paralysis. I see some artists fearing sharing their art. I say… put it out there. Put yourself out there. There is someone who will love your art no matter how great or poor it is.
I often put paintings out with the thought it might not be done yet but ask what people think. The feed back is great. Sometimes people give advice on how to make it better (which you take with a grain of salt but trust your heart) and other times ones you think suck people rave about. Putting it out there helps you learn what people like.
I am under the firm belief of PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION. Just do something and put it out there. See what people think.
Negative Experiences & External Influence
Family & Social Conditioning – Parents and peers might discourage artistic pursuits, reinforcing the idea that spending money on art is wasteful. This is where you need to start building more positive influences to help reprogram old beliefs that no longer serve you. Anyone can do art. ANYONE!
Past Failures – If an artist has invested in something before (a course, an ad, a gallery showing) and didn’t see immediate success, they may hesitate to try again.
Above I shared some “failures” but also some learning lessons because it ain’t over yet. I keep going and will keep going until my last day. Please join me on that path of doing it forever as it will truly serve you.
Limited Exposure to Successful Models
Many artists don’t see examples of creatives who make a great living while staying true to their vision, so they assume it’s impossible. This is where I say search out an artist friend that seems to be doing it well and learn from them.
I feel lucky in some ways because I found a local artist who I feel has been an amazing artist for decades and I bought her art but through social media have been able to slowly build a friendship with long before I got into painting.
Jo Dufo is just one of the local art heroes I have that have been a real inspiration that one could live a life of art. I have no idea her income from her art but I do know she LIVES art and has made amazing art for at least the last 20 years I have known her. She is consistent and does what she does and truly embodies a living artist. She’s proof to me that I too could live art if I wanted. So I do.
The thing is you do not need to know Jo but find an artist like Jo that inspires you. Or find an artist group or community that lives art and practices often. This is SO IMPORTANT for reprogramming the societal conditioning.
How to Overcome STARVING ARTISTS SYNDROME and scarcity mindset?
Shift Your Mindset
See investing in art as investing in a business. Successful artists treat their careers like entrepreneurs. Above I shared many tips and a few books to help with this but let me share one more book – MINDSET. This is a powerful book and where the idea of Fixed Mindset and Growth Mindset was first born to my understanding.
Mindset is everything. Changing your thoughts and beliefs totally can change your life and your artists journey.
Learn Business & Marketing
Understanding how to monetize creativity can break the cycle of financial fear. I shared a few business and financial books above. Pick one or two and start reading them.
If you want to sell your art you do need to start thinking like a business person even if you only sell art as a side hustle. Understanding business basics will really help you when trying to sell your art or get in a gallery or doing shows.
Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded Artists
Being around artists who invest in themselves can shift perspectives. Find one good artist friend or find a community where professional artists hang out and start connecting with them.
If you think from a mindset of scarcity growth can be really hindered. But if you see people out there and doing things – creating lots of art, selling art, getting hung in places, and/or doing shows then surround yourself with these people. This will change your life.
Start Small & Track ROI
Investing doesn’t have to mean huge risks—start with affordable steps and measure results. Shoot for ROI (Return On Investment). This means seek out wins for your investments.
I mentioned being hesitant to buy painting materials but I said screw it. I bought some $9 brushes, $15 paints, $20 canvas boards and got started. My first painting was felt worth several hundred dollars to me personally. It felt good and looked good (to me) so it felt like a good return for my money and time investment. So I did another one. Then another and another.
Then I kept buying more supplies and canvases and in 6 months I was hanging in a small show. I didn’t sell anything (or want to honestly) but that felt like a great return.
Then I taught a art camp for kids and this was the first time I got paid for art (or teaching art). This wasn’t big money, but it was proof that what I brought to the world related to art was valid and worthwhile and the kids loved it even though I struggled.
Then a bit later I sold my first painting for $50. Again, I was not making it rich but this was proof that my efforts were worthwhile in a capitalistic society. So I continued on and continue to do more.
My point here is not to brag but show little things are BIG. Focus on one small things and find the RETURN from your investment of time and money. The return doesn’t have to be money at first but inspiration to keep it up. It could be friends on social media liking your post or sharing how much they like you art. That is HUGE early on.
This is where the books I mentioned above, The Lean Start UP or Start From Zero, might help. Start small do little things but do them consistently and keep it up.
Conclusion…
I know this article got very long very quickly but this topic seems very important. I do not want artists or wanna-be artists to fall into the STARVING ARTISTS trap because that is a mindset that we can accept or deny. You have the power to BE and artist and even a THRIVING ARTIST if you so desire but it will take owning these ideas. It will take work and it will take using “failure” to move you forward.
TRUST ME you can do this.
You can be an artist and even a thriving artist so get out there and start painting (or drawing or doing whatever art you do). Commitment and openness to learning is all ya need. Good luck, my friends. You Got This!!!!
First of all I have found that all practices, especially when one is a master of said practice, goes back to the fundamentals and practicing them over and over. When people start complaining, especially about free things, they are projecting their own sense of inadequacy on it. Our culture has a shadow about money that it is bad and scarcity mindsets and artists too buy into this unconscious trap.
I’ve made small amounts of money at a time on my art, but my Jungian analyst said to me a few months ago, “When are you going to trust your art to make a living for you?”
Dang. She was dead on there. I was told as a kid that art wasn’t a real job and don’t go to an art school because you’ll be weird. I am still shedding those limiting belief!
I really appreciate the book recommendations. I would add
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert,
Art Matters by Neil Gaiman (however I’m not sure about recommending him anymore),
and Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon.
They all trust their muse. They make the art because they need to. I also like the book The Gift by Lewis Hyde about the difference between the capitalist marketplace and the archetype of art-making.
I like how you point out a problem without shaming anyone and provide practical solutions to the real aspects of the issue that are attainable. You aren’t complaining. you are helping. I appreciate you putting yourself out there and your attitude. It feels real and refreshing. Thank you!
Maggi, Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here. WOW! It’s a great addition to the article, and it explores things even deeper. Thank you for the additional book recommendations. I have had a few of these on my list to read so I’ll have to move them further up my list of reads. Thank you for that.
You know, I appreciate your kind words or notice of a non-shaming attitude. Shaming is not something I want to participate in as I hate feeling shamed. I think we are all at different developmental stages and anyone can bump up to a new stage, skill, or awareness with just a little practice. I guess this goes back to my Buddhist practice on some level seeing us as part of one bigger molecule. I also think that I am hear to raise people up and not put them down.
Obviously, pointing out a fixed mindset is shining light on a limiting belief system but these things are so common in our society. If we become aware of it we can overcome it.
Anyhow, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I have a lot of respect for you, your art journey, and even painting with you from time to time. Thank you for your presence in my circle. I appreciate you!