#theres risks as an artist of course abd so many obstacles | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

brella-boi · 1 year

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Thinking about doing art as a life thing. Like in a general sense. Theres this stigma that if you do art as a living youre going to be a starving artist. It isnt that far from the truth but I also dont think its like that entirely either. Of course current economic atmosphere is playing a big part, but thats affecting EVERY family not just artists.

Im thinking how so many families try to drive out the idea of being an artist out of peoples heads as a career when they dont understand how vast the choices are. Is designing this lamp on your desk not art? Is building that dinner table not art? Are all the graphics online and UI and icons not art? All the childrens books, and childrens TV, all the special effects in marvel and costume making and prop design and building in real life and 3D. Is that not art?

Families have this immediate train of thought of traditional paintings set up in galleries selling for millions once the artist dies. When in reality thats not really the case. Most fine arts artists set their prices as fairly affordable. They dont want art to be a rich people thing. They want you to enjoy the piece and not break your back while still being paid for their labor.

Its crazy to me. An artist I used to be taught by did childrens workshops and earned a living that way. Almost every member of the museum I know has a main job (whether it relates to art or not is up to them.)

If you want to take up art as your primary source of living then of course you need a backup. But theres isnt any unmarried/unpartnered person that works and can afford their own home. Hell, I got a job that pays pretty average and I wouldnt afford living alone. People who know the risk, still do it, and have no extra funds or savings under their belt have a hard time when they DO move out suddenly realise it wasnt a wise choice. But not because the career is art. Its because any starting job doesnt allow for living alone. Not in this economy.

Which goes back to that stereotype of a failing artist.

Listen when you put your mind to something you WILL achieve it. It will be hard there will be hurdles but if you have the determination and perseverance you. will. achieve. your goals. With help or without. Whether its in your 20s, or your 30s, maybe even 50s. Life doesnt end at 20.

But theres still this one thing that nags me. Because growing up (and im sure others can relate) all the negativity from family only spurred me on. I was going to be successful in one way or another. And you know what? Im proud of where i am. I have a job in the industry with 3 years under my belt now. I have an online shop and can table at cons. Im part of a local group where we sell our art. And, I am part of a gallery now. Im pretty stable, and I am happy. I havent moved out but Im building my savings until I can.

And you know what my family tells me?

"Why dont you become an accountant since this isnt working out?"

Its this paradox of wanting to prove yourself to someone who will never see you as equal, who is never going to see the world through the eyes of an artist and opportunist (because lets be honest, thats what we are) and watch you succeed and climb and do things they once told you were unachievable.... And then still hold your hand and gently ask you, with eyes filled with pity and worry for things which dont exist, if maybe you should consider an office job instead.

#went off on a tangent then #not having immediate direct connection with my distant relatives has realy opened my eyes on how they see me #i bet in 6 years time when i have 10 years experience and working on films ill still be told #hey why domt you work in an office #theres risks as an artist of course abd so many obstacles #one of the obstacles being the negativity from your family #ramble

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