Can You Afford to Make Bad Art?

To craft compelling art, you need more than just talent; you need resources. Money, time, and headspace are the trifecta that fuels artistic excellence. Yet, success in the art world isn’t solely about skill; it’s often intertwined with privilege – particularly financial support and familial background.

The assistance successful artists receive – whether it’s funding for courses, parental support, or the luxury of not working gruelling hours – is rarely acknowledged in mainstream discussions. This lack of acknowledgement can mislead aspiring artists from less privileged backgrounds into believing that they can sustain themselves solely through their art. When they find this isn’t the case, it can inflict a deep wound on their confidence, leaving them feeling that their art isn’t good enough.

One major aspect that is overlooked, is being able to afford to make bad art. I was fortunate to have grown up in a family that not only valued art but also provided the means to support my artistic pursuits, even during periods of producing less-than-stellar work. However, such privileges are rare and can create significant barriers for many aspiring creatives, leading to a strained relationship with their artistic passions.

As Louise Benson points out in the article “Success in the Creative Arts Doesn’t Come Cheap, and Most of Us Can’t Afford It ,” success in the creative arts often hinges on the amount of time dedicated to practice. By the time I had to choose a career, I was confident that for me to be able to support my artistic pursuits, I would require a lucrative job, so I decided to pursue a non-art field. However, even as a full-time branding professional, I find myself struggling to have the mental space needed for creative expression. This underscores the importance of having the financial means to afford a lifestyle conducive to artistic practice beyond just an hour a day.

Even for those who manage to sustain themselves as artists, achieving recognition often requires access to affluent networks, this is also why the art market is resilient. Amid economic crises like the 2008 crash and COVID-19, rapid recoveries were seen, largely due to control by those least affected by the turmoil. This reality challenges the romanticized notion that talent alone is enough to thrive in the art world.

But what does this mean for people like you and me, who have a full-time job, or do not have/ want support from anyone? Well, one thing that comes out of this is that success as a creative is dependent not just on your talent, so don’t drop those side projects just yet. Seek employment that affords you the time, headspace, and financial stability to pursue your craft.

Instead of harbouring resentment towards those born into privilege, channel that energy into creating your own opportunities. In embracing this perspective, I’ve come to a view to cultivate multiple income sources, especially passive not just as a means to sustain my own art but as a platform to uplift others. It’s time to redefine success in the arts – not merely as a reflection of talent, but as a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and a commitment to fostering creativity in all its forms

To read more, visit Sugar Words