Carlos Miceli - Blogger, Argentinian, Lover of Hats
Blogger Carlos Miceli of OwlSparks offered to lend his thoughts to the question and problem of why artists are poor. Carlos describes himself as an Argentinian, Questioner of Things, and Hat Lover, which I think is kind of fun. Anyone who loves hats is onto something in my opinion. Carlos took my original questions, which you can see in previous posts, Take 1, Take 2, and Take 3, and did his own spin on the topic.
“Why Artists Are Having Trouble Making Money” by Carlos Miceli
I see five reasons why artists are having trouble making money nowadays. In increasing order of importance:
1) We like our ideas. People don’t know how to be objective with them, just as they don’t know how to be objective with their children. We breed them, and there is pride involved. There’s a lot of breeding and idea loving in the art industry.
2) Going from idea to reality is as easy as it gets. Execution is everything in this business, and so most ideas get to be products. There’s a much less strict filter compared to the corporate world for example (where the filter is too strict). The problem is too much mediocrity gets out (as opposed to the corporate world where more ideas should see the light even if they fail). Artists consider money too lightly, business people too seriously.
3) Inherent subjectivity. Art is subjective by definition. Nothing is plain good or bad, the popular society’s concept of something’s value depending on who’s watching hits the extreme when it comes to art. The result is a very segmented industry. With so many segments with little audience, it’s hard to make enough money.
The greatest artists in history can claim that title either because they were appreciated by masses in their own time, or because they started trends and were appreciated by masses who lived after they were gone. To make money, enough people need to be willing to pay for what you do. Being edgy may make you money too late.
4) Lack of business concepts. Although this is changing, it’s not changing fast enough. Artists need to stop believing that being good and original is all that matters. If they are selling what they do, they need to think like salesmen. They need to understand the market and play by its rules, or even better, break its rules.
5) Shifting of art preferences. Depending on which field of art you focus on, you will have more or less chances of thriving. Music, movies and literature are the leading arts right now. You will probably do better in these fields that in architecture, sculpture, painting, etc. Accepting this market reality is absolutely important to know what to expect, and the risk-reward ratio of each different choice.
Artists should embrace what they can’t change and focus on what they can. There’s a lot of potential to make money in the art industry, but it takes time and will to learn how to do it.
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I agree with each reason Carlos.
I’ve been reevaluating my goals lately. I wanted to go the theatre route. But only because I want to be a great actor.But of course, film pays more.
I define a great actor as being versatile, being able to bring justice to a role, but much more. Most of all, I think people should see the character and not the actor up there. I was told to become a great actor you have to play the great parts, Shakespeare and all that.
I think theater is more challenging, it stretches you, but until I do a film, I can’t say. I know they each have their demands.
….in addition, sometimes I get caught up in the art of the whole thing and forget the business matters. It helps to keep your goals in front of you and the end in mind.
Robert, I strongly believe that seeing the business aspect of your work can only have positive effects. Once you start being able to make a living out of it, you will enjoy it and improve more.
So the central question becomes: Do I stay true to my own artisitic vision, or do I create art that sells?
@jrandom42 – I think your question is a good one, and one that all artists need to answer.
Every working artists I know is more of a businessperson, and they rarely get to spend their lives doing exactly what they want artistically. For example, a Broadway or opera star will have to sing the same role over and over, 8 shows a week for years at a time. This is not artistic freedom, but it is getting paid for their art.
There is a tradeoff, just like in every profession.