Hi all,
For some unkown reason, or at least one I can't understand, there is a problem with making money from your art. At least this is the belief of many "Art for Art-Sake" individuals. I have read numerous blog posts, articles, books, etc. on the subject of selling one's art. Some praise those who can make money; and some believe it is "Selling Out." I have a difficult time with the whole sellout mentality. Is president elect Obama a sellout because he will be getting paid to be the president? Is Bill Gates a sellout because he doesn't give his products away? How about the other millions of people who sell something or do something for money? Are you a sellout because you have a job? After all, shouldn't you be happy about going to work - I mean it's not about the money, right?
When did making a profit from selling art become a bad thing? I am convinced that the only people who feel it is a bad thing are those who are simply jealous. Making a profit in and of itself simply means that one was able to produce the art, pay for the supplies used, and take care of other expenses related to running a buisiness. They actually made enough to start another piece of art, and they even got paid to paint, draw, whatever, the last one.
Does anyone really believe that I could walk into Blick Art Materials and say, "hey I plan to give the painting away as soon as I am finished. Because I plan to give it away, you need to give me the supplies so that I can create art." Really! I am sure the sales staff would just look at me in disbelief and ask me to leave.
Any artist who wishes to paint for fun is entitled to do so. The sellout argument is not intended to offend the thousands of artists out there who just enjoy it. However, for those of us that enjoy it, and expect to be paid when we sell it, I have to say why are we putting up with the small number of jealous people out there who call us sellouts?
This post is a bit of a rant. I admitt that. But it is a real concern among many in the art world. I for one think it is obsurd to expect someone to think of their talent as a gift that should be free to all. I mean really? The best career in the world is the one that we love. Many of you may be in a job you hate. You may not like the career path you picked. You may even dispise getting up in the morning to see your boss.
We all only live once. We should be happy making a living - and by happy I mean doing what we love. If you're selling your art, then good for you. If your making art because it is fun then good for you. If you are jealous that someone is selling art and you think they shouldn't make money at it then get a life! You should worry about yourself.
If you paint landscapes, still-lifes, portraits, whatever; your choice to make money or not make money is your choice. Your decision to paint a particular style does NOT make you a sellout. Your decision to sell your art does not make you a sellout. You chose to sell it because it makes you happy to make it - if it makes you happy, and you can pay your bills doing it; then that is what life is all about. Leave your mark on this world, and do what makes you happy. I for one believe this world would be a happier place if we all did what made us happy for a living.
- Michael
For some unkown reason, or at least one I can't understand, there is a problem with making money from your art. At least this is the belief of many "Art for Art-Sake" individuals. I have read numerous blog posts, articles, books, etc. on the subject of selling one's art. Some praise those who can make money; and some believe it is "Selling Out." I have a difficult time with the whole sellout mentality. Is president elect Obama a sellout because he will be getting paid to be the president? Is Bill Gates a sellout because he doesn't give his products away? How about the other millions of people who sell something or do something for money? Are you a sellout because you have a job? After all, shouldn't you be happy about going to work - I mean it's not about the money, right?
When did making a profit from selling art become a bad thing? I am convinced that the only people who feel it is a bad thing are those who are simply jealous. Making a profit in and of itself simply means that one was able to produce the art, pay for the supplies used, and take care of other expenses related to running a buisiness. They actually made enough to start another piece of art, and they even got paid to paint, draw, whatever, the last one.
Does anyone really believe that I could walk into Blick Art Materials and say, "hey I plan to give the painting away as soon as I am finished. Because I plan to give it away, you need to give me the supplies so that I can create art." Really! I am sure the sales staff would just look at me in disbelief and ask me to leave.
Any artist who wishes to paint for fun is entitled to do so. The sellout argument is not intended to offend the thousands of artists out there who just enjoy it. However, for those of us that enjoy it, and expect to be paid when we sell it, I have to say why are we putting up with the small number of jealous people out there who call us sellouts?
This post is a bit of a rant. I admitt that. But it is a real concern among many in the art world. I for one think it is obsurd to expect someone to think of their talent as a gift that should be free to all. I mean really? The best career in the world is the one that we love. Many of you may be in a job you hate. You may not like the career path you picked. You may even dispise getting up in the morning to see your boss.
We all only live once. We should be happy making a living - and by happy I mean doing what we love. If you're selling your art, then good for you. If your making art because it is fun then good for you. If you are jealous that someone is selling art and you think they shouldn't make money at it then get a life! You should worry about yourself.
If you paint landscapes, still-lifes, portraits, whatever; your choice to make money or not make money is your choice. Your decision to paint a particular style does NOT make you a sellout. Your decision to sell your art does not make you a sellout. You chose to sell it because it makes you happy to make it - if it makes you happy, and you can pay your bills doing it; then that is what life is all about. Leave your mark on this world, and do what makes you happy. I for one believe this world would be a happier place if we all did what made us happy for a living.
- Michael
2 comments:
Hi Michael...been awhile. Yes, I've found that the art supply people don't take "smiles" for payment, do they! Glad to see yer still in there paintin'! and you have a new plein aire easel too! I tend to get a bit depressed in winter. Don't paint much either. So, I've finally made my "lighthouse lamps"after dreaming about them for fifteen years(check out my site,www.thejoebush.com).Sales are flat here on the Oregon Coast during the winter, but I'm getting ready for spring!
Hi Joe, winter can be depressing. Ohio just got the standard 1/4" of ice and a few inches of snow over the last few days making travel difficult. The trees are pretty; as long as they don't knock out the power. I can't wait for spring as well. Sales are difficult everywhere right now...I wish I could come up with a magic bullet for artists but that is wishful thinking. I hope the art market turns around soon but until then we artists need to stay busy. As for staying busy...great job on the lighthouse lamps!
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