The Starving Artist Dilemna – The Performer's Guide

The starving artist dilemma refers to the idea that artists, particularly those in the fine arts, often struggle financially because they are unable to earn a sufficient income from their art. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the low demand for their work, lack of access to opportunities to sell their work, or the high cost of materials. As a result, many artists are forced to take on part-time or low-paying jobs in order to make ends meet, which can be a challenge because it leaves them with less time and energy to devote to their art.

Symptoms of a Starving Artist::

⚠️ Financial difficulties: Struggling to make ends meet and often living from paycheck to paycheck or relying on financial support from others.
⚠️ Lack of time and energy: Having to work part-time or low-paying jobs in order to make a living, which can leave little time or energy for artistic pursuits.
⚠️ Limited opportunities: Struggling to find opportunities to sell or exhibit one’s work, or having to accept low pay or little recognition for one’s art.
⚠️ Emotional challenges: Dealing with feelings of frustration, disappointment, and insecurity due to the lack of financial stability and recognition in one’s artistic career.
⚠️ Physical challenges: Struggling to afford materials or equipment necessary for one’s art, or being unable to invest in one’s artistic development due to financial constraints

There have been many historic artists who struggled financially throughout their careers. Here are a few examples:

🎨 Vincent van Gogh: Despite being one of the most famous artists in history, van Gogh struggled financially throughout his career and sold only a few paintings during his lifetime. He was often supported financially by his brother Theo, and died in poverty at the age of 37.
🎨 Frida Kahlo: Kahlo was a Mexican painter known for her self-portraits and Surrealist style. Despite her talent, she struggled financially throughout her life and often had to rely on the support of her husband, Diego Rivera, and other patrons.
🎨 Rembrandt: Rembrandt was a Dutch painter and etcher who is considered one of the greatest artists in European art history. Despite his success, he faced financial difficulties later in life and was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1656.
🎨 Edgar Allan Poe: Poe was an American writer, poet, and critic who is best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre. Despite his literary achievements, he struggled financially throughout his life and was often supported by friends and patrons.
🎨 Mary Cassatt: Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker who was a member of the Impressionist movement. Despite her talent, she struggled to find success and financial stability early in her career and was often supported by her family

Steps artists can take to overcome the starving artist dilemma:

✅ Diversify income streams: Instead of relying solely on the sale of their art, artists can try to find multiple sources of income, such as teaching art classes, working as a freelancer, or offering art-related services.
✅ Build a professional network: Connecting with other artists, galleries, and potential clients can help artists find opportunities to sell their work and build their reputation.
✅ Create and maintain an online presence: Having an online presence, such as a website or social media accounts, can help artists showcase their work and reach a wider audience.
✅ Learn business skills: Understanding basic business concepts, such as pricing, marketing, and financial management, can help artists make more informed decisions about their careers.
✅ Seek out opportunities for grants and funding: There are many organizations and foundations that provide financial support for artists, and seeking out these opportunities can help provide financial stability and allow artists to focus on their work.
✅ Consider alternative career paths: While being an artist is a rewarding career, it can be financially unstable. Artists may want to consider alternative career paths that allow them to use their artistic skills and interests while also providing financial stability

There are a few measurable ways to know that someone has overcome the starving artist dilemma:

👍 Increased income: One of the most obvious signs that someone has overcome the starving artist dilemma is an increase in income. This could be due to a higher demand for their art or the development of additional sources of income.
👍 Increased recognition: Another sign that someone has overcome the starving artist dilemma is increased recognition for their work. This could include things like awards, exhibitions, or media attention.
👍 Greater financial stability: Someone who has overcome the starving artist dilemma is likely to have greater financial stability, meaning they are able to pay their bills and meet their financial obligations consistently.
👍 More time and energy for art: Overcoming the starving artist dilemma can also allow someone to have more time and energy to devote to their art, rather than having to work multiple jobs or take on other responsibilities that take time away from their art.
👍 Increased access to resources: Finally, overcoming the starving artist dilemma may also allow someone to have increased access to resources such as materials, equipment, and training, which can help them improve their art and advance their career