The Thriving Artist

Unfortunately, there will always be some truth behind the starving artist stereotype. There are a lot of unhappy artists out there. Then there’s the surviving artist - not starving, but not quite thriving either. In actuality, this is where the majority of artists probably reside.

Today I thought it would be interesting to unpack the starving artist stereotype and talk about what it takes to break the cycle and thrive.

When I think about starving artist, a distinct image comes to mind. It’s a tired, lonely creative working all hours of the night in a messy studio, existing off coffee and booze. It seems they’re putting everything into their work, yet they can’t seem to make a decent living. They are miserable, unhealthy, and unfulfilled. They are constantly ripping up their art, because it doesn’t look a certain way. They’re in a dark space, but won’t admit it. They refuse to do anything differently, because deep down they believe being miserable comes with the territory of making art. Aren’t artists supposed to be broody?

The surviving artist is basically the starving artist with slightly better habits, and a little more income. They may not be miserable, but they certainly aren’t happy.

When I think of the thriving artist, a new image comes to mind. It’s a glowing, energetic creative working regular 9-5 hours in a bright, clean studio, fueled by nourishing foods that keep them strong. They have no qualms about meeting a friend for lunch or ending work early because, when they do work, they’re focused on all the right things. Their art supports their life and not the other way around. They work slow and steady, focusing on the habit and not the work they’re outputting.

These are pretty contrasting pictures, yet any of us could fall into either cycle. I have lived out all of these artist stereotypes at some point in my life. Right now, I’m happy to say that I’ve finally formed a healthy relationship with my art and am thriving. So what is the difference between these two artists? I believe it comes down to mindset.

The starving artist thinks like this…

Art is an elite club only a few can join. My art needs to be better in order for me to be admitted.

I refuse to show my art until it improves. I should be better by now.

If I don’t sacrifice everything for my art, people won’t take me seriously. My health and sanity are a small price to pay for fame.

Art is everything. Without my artistic talents, I have no value. If my art isn’t paying my bills, I’m a failure.

Nobody likes my work. Therefore, I’m no good.

Once I’m a success, I’ll start cleaning up after myself and working regular hours.

One day, I’ll be discovered. Until then, there’s nothing I can do to get my work seen. My destiny is out of my hands.

The thriving artist thinks like this…

Art is a practice, not a destination. I am never the expert, always the student. As long as I continue growing and practicing, I’m a success.

I’m happy to share my art at any stage. Where I’m at right now will always be good enough. It’s important for other artists to witness my growth.

Life comes first, and then my art. My art habit enriches my life, because it keeps me happy and fulfilled.

My art isn’t everything. It’s merely something I love to do. I can make money from it, but it’s not a necessity.

I don’t need external validation to believe my work is good. I know right now is the best my work has ever been.

In order to make my best art, I need to beware of burnout. I need to clean up after myself and work regular hours. It’s the only way I can be in this for the long haul.

Sharing my work is just as important as making my art. No one is going to discover me. I need to make myself findable.

These mindsets are pretty different. However, I’m sure you’ve heard bits and pieces from each repeated in your own mind. It’s okay to have bad days and think negatively once in a while. It’s human. The important thing is to never let the starving artist win. Thinking like this long term is toxic. It will literally starve you of creativity, making it impossible to make your best art. When these thoughts come to mind, we need recognize it for what it is. It’s the starving artist rearing its ugly head.