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Drawing by http://gapingvoid.com/
This post describes the process that an artist or creative person can use to make a living from creating what they love. I’ve seen many examples of it, so I know it works. It’s not easy, but it’s simple. Any one can do it, if they really want to.
If you’re an artist or creative person of any kind then ‘creating’ is a lot higher on your list of priorities than ’selling’.
One of the great joys of pursuing your creative passion is the sheer pleasure of writing, painting, making music, acting, taking pictures or whatever you do — without any ulterior motive, and without needing to show any kind of ‘return on investment’. You do it because you love to do it. Amen to that.
On the other hand, even if you don’t want to be a millionaire, I bet you wouldn’t mind a little fame. Not vulgar Hello! Magazine celebrity, but maybe the respect of your fellow artists, and some critical recognition. A few adoring fans probably wouldn’t hurt either.
You don’t have to be rich as well as famous, but all of us have bills to pay, so I’m guessing you wouldn’t mind earning a decent living from your creative work. Getting paid to do what you love has to be one of the greatest gigs on earth.
Read the entire article at:
http://www.wishfulthinking.co.uk/2010/06/07/artists-creatives-internet-marketing/
Great Post. Even read the entire MM article.
What did I like best about it:
What it is like to own Apple Products. That was classic. %$@&ing great products that %$@& you over at the same time. Sound bitter? That’s me.
Very interesting! ^_^
Thank you for your helpful advice!
The statement “it’s simple but not easy” is soooo true. Dividing time between creative work, computer work and other aspects of life is a bit of a discipline. Must admit the number of true fans required (1,000) to generate a living is daunting. Not there yet..but I’ll keep working at it because it’s and investment.
Fair Winds and Calm Seas,
Deborah Leon artist/collector of sea glass
http://www.mermaidspurseseaglass.com
Thanks for pointing out this article. It was really insightful I have never thought of Artists as having an “unfair advantage” but with Mark’s great examples – I get it!
Thanks for the shout-out, and glad to see it touched a chord with your readers.
@Deborah – If 1,000 fans sounds daunting, then start with whatever number you have, and focus on (a) treating them like VIPs (which of course they are) and (b) making it easy for them to spread the word about you. The key metric to track isn’t the number of fans you have right now, but whether that number is GROWING…