i too have felt the discouragement of not making enough money from art!! despite having an etsy business and a steady(ish) flow of ig followers, it just simply doesnt pay my bills like people always say it could do someday. working at a coffee shop has helped me immensely, but even then, it doesnt feel like a forever thing. its hard to see what the future will hold when even the day by day finances seem like a daily uphill battle. thanks for writing this piece allowing some space for collective artist venting <3
Your work is really, really beautiful. I absolutely love it and I am in awe of it. Please continue to create it and share where your work will be shown and for sale.
I feel you in so many ways. I have oscillated between prioritizing my art and prioritizing stability for a few years now. Hopefully someday in the future we will not have to choose.
This topic makes me think of how as artists we also need to be the promoter of our work-- to make videos and reels, add patreon/etc. accounts at the end of each newsletter, advertise our next offering as often as we can. It's tiring. However, it can be really cool when those things actually pick up a little steam-- which they do!!
I'm of the mindset that as artists we should not be afraid of marketing. Marketing can genuinely be fun, and feel aligned to your creativity. It feels antithetical when we are down about ourselves, but it's true--- People WANT to have the chance to support you and your work. I know this because I feel that way about others, and I have had the experience of people telling me so.
I think in this day and age, what doesn't adapt and change will die. So I am learning how to SHARE, share my work, perhaps a bit more than I feel like, but share often and share freely. Don't share what isn't ready, but share what is and share it way more often (repetition is key) than you think you should.
This is SO relatable. It's been the hardest year. Maybe the most broke year!
I'm a Toronto based self employed artist. I quit my retail job in 2021 feeling the same sense of possibility...only to have the money dry up. Had to get a job gardening as I was in a very similar situation.
Much respect - I love your work and will be thrilled to see it in Hamilton this fall!
I have been thinking about this since you wrote it. I own several prints of yours, and grew an affection for your work during the height of COVID when I was organizing with my union and my friend introduced me to your work. I wish for a world where people like you could make a living from your work...this newsletter's offerings about the process have been a gem and something I look forward to receiving, whenever you find the time to write.
i too have felt the discouragement of not making enough money from art!! despite having an etsy business and a steady(ish) flow of ig followers, it just simply doesnt pay my bills like people always say it could do someday. working at a coffee shop has helped me immensely, but even then, it doesnt feel like a forever thing. its hard to see what the future will hold when even the day by day finances seem like a daily uphill battle. thanks for writing this piece allowing some space for collective artist venting <3
Your work is really, really beautiful. I absolutely love it and I am in awe of it. Please continue to create it and share where your work will be shown and for sale.
I feel you in so many ways. I have oscillated between prioritizing my art and prioritizing stability for a few years now. Hopefully someday in the future we will not have to choose.
This topic makes me think of how as artists we also need to be the promoter of our work-- to make videos and reels, add patreon/etc. accounts at the end of each newsletter, advertise our next offering as often as we can. It's tiring. However, it can be really cool when those things actually pick up a little steam-- which they do!!
I'm of the mindset that as artists we should not be afraid of marketing. Marketing can genuinely be fun, and feel aligned to your creativity. It feels antithetical when we are down about ourselves, but it's true--- People WANT to have the chance to support you and your work. I know this because I feel that way about others, and I have had the experience of people telling me so.
I think in this day and age, what doesn't adapt and change will die. So I am learning how to SHARE, share my work, perhaps a bit more than I feel like, but share often and share freely. Don't share what isn't ready, but share what is and share it way more often (repetition is key) than you think you should.
Take heart dear artists-- our work matters.
This is SO relatable. It's been the hardest year. Maybe the most broke year!
I'm a Toronto based self employed artist. I quit my retail job in 2021 feeling the same sense of possibility...only to have the money dry up. Had to get a job gardening as I was in a very similar situation.
Much respect - I love your work and will be thrilled to see it in Hamilton this fall!
solidarity & admiration
I have been thinking about this since you wrote it. I own several prints of yours, and grew an affection for your work during the height of COVID when I was organizing with my union and my friend introduced me to your work. I wish for a world where people like you could make a living from your work...this newsletter's offerings about the process have been a gem and something I look forward to receiving, whenever you find the time to write.