| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/26/2006 10:12:39 PM | | oh my Gosh. You ARE the perfect man. I went into sciences because I didn't think I could really make a living off of art. I did design and sold hand made frames I made one summer and practically lived off of the income... It helped buy me a trip anyway! And it made me realize I could have... but now I'm in Environmental studies and I care very much about it- but I'm so happy to hear this is a profession people can do and not only survive but thrive off of it!!! | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/26/2006 10:38:31 PM | Hey, I can commission you to make me a custom frame sometime! Neat.
Don't compliment me too much. I might cut off my ear, and I have plenty of handy sharp things to do it with. I'm actually building a fireplace and stone vaneer walls right now, so I haven't been flintknapping as much in the last few months. Doing good stone masonry work is much like art though. One helps the other, and I'm either putting pieces up, or taking them down. I think I'm obsessed with proportion.
I do thrive, but the money is modest considering the time invested compared to more lucrative pursuits. I do better than get by though, and I'm happy as a clam. That's worth it to me. | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/26/2006 10:43:35 PM | Stone work is art... and from your picture it looks beautiful- how each piece has to precisely fit another - like a giant puzzle.
As long as you are happy. I know that gig.
You could follow in the steps of the great and cut off your own ear- but I'm pretty sure lots of the craziness and great art that has come out of our society has historically had something to do with syphillis... so as long as this is not an issue we would get along great- ear or no ear... | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/26/2006 11:00:10 PM | ha! Well, knowing that I'd hate to cut off my ear for the wrong reasons. Thanks for the heads up. Wouldn't do much good for posterity either as the syphillic ear snipper didn't sell his work. I'll take the compliment, agree, and keep my ear then. We're set.
The rock work sample in that picture is arkansas sandstone and limestone that I collected on site for the client. A variety of color and texture makes for an interesting pattern to me. Projecting stones, as well as balance of texture are noticed differently from different angles.
There are rules to follow, as in any process, but the idea is to see pattern but not be dominated by repitition, uniformity or the confinements of geometry; which in this case are the lines of of the column. | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/27/2006 1:49:55 AM | *raises hand* YUP!!!!!
I'm a cutting edge hair extensionist. I've been doign that for 7 years. I do more extreme "runway" and "alternative" type stuff that you wouldn't see on "regular" people.
I'm also a tattoo artist in training. I have a few more months left before I'm inking skin.
I also airbrush and paint and I really want to get into airbrushing vehicles in the next couple years.
I also make resin pendants, bracelets, door knobs, gear shifters and all kindsa things out of resins and things inplanted in them. I use everything from bugs and mouse fetuses to jems and plant and sea life in the resin.
I also work for my brothers, they design and create skateboards, long boards and skimboards from start to finish. I help by designing graphics, their webpage, and helping out in the shop with whatever needs doing.
I've managed to do pretty good for myself by not having a quote "real" job with a boss and stuff for a long time now. I can't see myself ever going back to a life like that. | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/27/2006 8:09:35 AM | Spade: As you may know, my ears come off at night but are put back in after I've had my coffee.  Vincent Van Goghdeafie.
My degree is in painting and I incorporate my photographs in my works. I worked as a documentary photographer early in my career, and taught in photo labs at the college and university when I attended. My paintings have been on national tour and I've sold several; one just recently after I met a woman who had seen my work (in 1999) in Miami, and recognized them when she visited my house. We were friends for 2 years and she had no idea of the connection as my last name is different from my "artist name". But since I've had kids I started writing instead of painting.
My grandpop was a composer, and he certainly made a very good living doing that and teaching at major college/universities didnt hurt either. Being deaf, I can't compose music but kind of emulated his work through my paintings.
I do believe I could make a living somewhat from my artwork, because it seems to be sought after and well received. But as you mentioned, it takes a great deal of time and dedication, and I'm a single mom of two young kids. So, not just yet....
I'm very impressed with your work and you are very lucky to be able to suceed in doing something you love. And you could not be an artist if you didnt love doing it. | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/28/2006 1:21:51 AM | Good post, great questions!
As an artist who is a musician, I never stop the wonder of learning and of growth. No matter the ability or education and I possess some of the best, as one grows and changes as a human being, so does one's art.
Selling and art are of course opposites, but how ironic that without this paradox the end result are countless tragedies like Van Gough and Schubert to name a few. The key is to remember that when life is unjust and ungrateful it is the people that are unjust and not life - to be honored being in the company of such beings as these who inspire us without having had rewards themselves from society, that is the key.
Beethoven started to burn the score of his only Opera when he felt that the world did not deserve it, but he also wrote that it is he who expects consequences from the process of creation that will be miserable and unsatisfied. We create because we must. Unfortunately, the "philistines" have long figured that out so my wish for all the artists and poets at heart is justice and peace. As a good quote from a movie says: "Don't let the **stards grind you down" and help others like yourself.
Do not be taken advantage of and never stop to feel even if it means being hurt. Never shot yourself off as who we are as people are what we create as artists. Besides, ...you only need an audience of one! :-) | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/28/2006 2:54:46 PM | I did not know that about Beethoven.
Thank you all for your contribution.
Ambition is never eliminated with skill, but they endure a cooporative, and sophisticated relationship. All skill follows rules, but the beauty breaks through them all. There is something in process of all art that is universal.
The philistines were right about justice and peace. Those words reminded me of the scene in "the mission" when the missionary went into the jungle and sat and played his oboe without fear. Thinking of that sound gives me chills. My father told me once that the oboe was "an ill wind that no one blows well" and my mind was changed in that movie.
I'm learning the violin. I can definitely say that any of my secondary pursuits such as this have been benefited by my primary talents. Manipulation, dedication, dexterity, patience, staging, humility, timing... I don't need to be any better on the violin than I already am. I enjoy the process of learning and structure my development on a nice road that isn't hurried. I know enough about me because of my development, to know what I can feel like. I also know what it takes to lower my own ego to part with my impatient motivations and experience something broader, even if it does sacrifice something initially. Gosh, I'm going to have to listen to some Bach now. Audience of one? my dog loves bach!
Thanks everyone for all of the wisdom and encouragement. | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/28/2006 4:14:05 PM | You are very welcome indeed. Thank you for the thread. Just wanted to clarify that the "philistines" I was referring to are a quote from Schumann in the Davidsbundler or the Band of David. There, the philistines are the symbol for all who are unfeeling and uncaring about the artist and for these that are afraid of the power they can not understand nor ever have. Therefore, my point was that these people will always exploit the artist's need and duty to create even without compensation that they can understand. Being a good businessperson does not make one a philistine at all. Beethoven was the first to stand up to them in a way that was marked in history of music. Bach could not, although he did his best with his superior intellect and talent to write between the lines and as in his Goldberg Variations, to stand up to the commission with humor and resolve.
Good luck and many good wishes to you in your adventure with the violin. It is a dear instrument to me as it is the instrument of my mother and my grandfather as well. You can never go wrong listening to Bach. It is the universal antidote and my cat loves music as well. However... I was referring to a different specie as you might have guessed! :-)
As to Ambition, if it is the ambition to grow and improve, I would agree. Otherwise, not always. So, we may have a slight difference in opinion there depending on what you mean by ambition. It is true for some and not for others. I make a living with my music and I wish to keep a comfortable and free environment full of time and space in which to create and share my creation with as many others as possible. Mostly, I wish to reach these that can truly benefit and learn or be inspired to do the same within their lives be it now or a 100 years in the future. However, I have no ambition for fame and fortune. Only for freedom and time. These are the true treasures. | |
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kaliel
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Joined: 11/24/2006
Msg: 36 | |
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musi5
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Joined: 9/14/2004
Msg: 37 | |
| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/28/2006 5:26:02 PM | | I got a hefty science degree, worked in the field for 5 years then one day decided that id do what i should have done to start with, make a living from my music...so thats what i do...i teach multiple instruments, play gigs, and do studio work...i have the greatest "job" in the world :) | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/28/2006 5:39:19 PM | Good for you musi5. I'm glad you are happy with your choice, takes some gumption to kick convention, especially after investment in a different career. Good for you.
flamesoflove-ambition to me is growing, learning...taking more from experience. Is there any other kind? haha Thanks for the correction on the philistines, and I share my musical talents with those who can appreciate them, namely different species! I'll give you a concert when I have better critics than my critters. Where can I listen to your work? Send me a message if you have something developed that I could listen to. Thanks | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 11/30/2006 4:50:50 AM | i wish i could make a living dancing....but my hips went bad years ago, and so did that plan.
choreography fascinates me and i'm good at it. i spend hours studying works by fosse, graham and limon. choreographers have to rent the studio and performance space and pay the dancers. the graham company actually lost their studio and had to rehearse at the y.
serious dance is a tough way to make a living. most dancers have second income sources.
of course, it's different in europe. | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 12/3/2006 1:02:46 PM | | I've been trying and trying to make a living from my art (music) for almost 20 years but haven't had any luck yet. I'll try 'til I die!!!! Support unsigned bands like mine Kindness of Strangers (www.kindnessofstrangers.com) | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 12/15/2006 11:46:01 AM | I have been working as a full time musician for about 20 years. First learn to read and comp all styles. then you have to change your attitude the first change is u must look for gigs on at least a national level. forget about getting signed (Keep trying but view that part as a hobby) Union states can pay better. next change is when people ask me what kind of music i play i say " whatever pays the most money" You know I work my music jobs for money I play jazz for my self for fun. some people work at jack in the box and say i will not play commercial music. we both do what we want in our time off musically i just get to play and practise more than them because while they are working their day gig I'm working on my music. | |
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DJJenX
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Joined: 1/12/2006
Msg: 43 | |
| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 12/15/2006 3:50:45 PM | Haha, I wish!
I graduated Magna Cum Laude with my BFA in graphic design back in December 1999. I'm STILL LOOKING for that full time job in graphic design.
I worked part time in a museum for two years, where I did graphics amongst other things. Unfortunately I had to quit that job because it only paid $6/hour and offered 20 hours a week. I've had some freelance gigs, but not in awhile. It seems like everyone and their brother is doing graphics these days.
Since then I've been doing clerical work. I bust my tail applying for graphic/web design jobs, only to be let down every single time.
If someone knows the secret to getting a job in graphic design, let me know!!!
JenX | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 12/15/2006 10:04:39 PM | I do. I got the mortgage for my house based on my music business. For six years the only thing I did to earn money to support myself was to sing and perform. At that time I did about 400 shows a year of which about 350 were paid. That's how I got the mortgage for my house so I tell people I got my house for a song and it's mostly true.
In my experience I meet lot's of other musicians who wish they could play music full time but think it's impossible. I've inspired a few to give it a try. The big thing is that most musicians just want to play their own compositions and don't give a damn about what the audience would like to hear. Guys, get a clue! Just because you like your own music doesn't mean your audience might like it. Every audience is different. Your job as an entertainer is to figure out what they might like. If you can figure out how to slip in one or two of your own compositions and still keep them entertained then great.
I've seen many audiences cringe when they heard someone was going to sing something original. That's because they are so used to hearing the same old self obsessed singer/songwriter trash. But if you have something they might actually like, that can emotionally connect with them then they will like it and you will be successful. Otherwise go back to your day job. Just spewing your own stuff is unlikely to win any friends or fans, especially if it's meaningless to the audience.
And don't waste your time and money going to open mikes. That's not how you get paying gigs. You might get a little experience but it's hardly worth it.
Tune up, tune in, and learn to play along.
Warren | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 12/18/2006 11:02:55 PM | | I would definitely make a living out of my art, but at the moment I'm kinda inexperienced with my camera. I jumped headlong right into SLR photography without so much as a book. It's been fun so far, but also very trying as I hate using the "point n' shoot" settings it has. But definitely, I would definitely make art my living if given the chance. | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 12/20/2006 11:13:13 AM | | Any attempt I made to make a career from my art failed as I couldnt "create" on command. In some cases, I no longer do some of those artistic things because I had to force myself to produce. Its been 10-15 years now and I still cant go back to it. On the other hand, I found new artistic areas to branch into as a replacement. | |
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| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 12/29/2006 1:20:05 PM | | a lot of my friends are artists of various means and have managed to have very successful, fulfilling lives from it. I have used my passions in life to direct me in regards to earning a living as a homeopath which isn't an art in your definition but it is definately out of the box and is a healing art. I have friends who are dancers, musicians, paper-makers, etc. and they have no regrets and are truly happy with what they are doing and how they are doing it...they have a lot of faith in themself and their journey and i think that is what keeps them going. I know that is what keeps me going even when I am constantly challenged. | |
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eyesea
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Joined: 12/26/2006
Msg: 48 | |
| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 12/30/2006 4:56:19 AM | I've been struggling with the art thing for many years. I guess you could say I have sacrificed in life to continue doing art. I started out doing music - failed miserably and gave up. I got terribly depressed and was doing some writing gigs, but suffering from writers block, hated everything I wrote. I decided to try visual arts. The day my first show was hung I noticed the depression was gone.
Doing art has been a real pain in the ass, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Things that have helped me out with creativity are teaching, particularly kids in recreational settings, travelling, hanging out with other artists and yes, occasionally taking a break. The great thing about art is that you can always get better, you can always reinvent yourself. Plus a lot of art people are very interesting. | |
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Scene2
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Joined: 11/23/2006
Msg: 49 | |
| Anyone make a living from their art, or wish they could?
Posted: 1/1/2007 9:31:13 PM | Hey spade 63,
Man o man I like the flint work. I've been researching making my own bow. Which also means arrows aaaaaaaaaand........
Tempest fuget. Time time time. I like to many things to get at it all.
Making a living?????? Yes but not with my art!!!!!!!
Wishing I could.........not any more..........
After several years of wishing I just started slowly developing some ideas and getting to know some other artists in the area. My struggle has always been a balancing act of having to pay the bills and getting some really good time to creat what I saw in my heart. I think it was mostly a conceptual conflict. My "concept" in my thinking was that I had to have so much done in a certain time..............too much pressure. I decided to change my thinking. Started out with some test pieces and finishes and eventually made ONE piece. .
What a load off my shoulders.
One other aspect of struggle has been managing everything on my own. A friend and artist has 2 people helping with book-keeping, events, sales, website, etc. Giving her all the time she needs to create quality work that sells. I'm not sure how they divide the sales, but they have been working together for years. I have an open invitation to show with her in the fall. I guess I'll get the details here in a week or two. She does watercolor and oil and I turn wood and stone on the lathe and make furniture.
Having less pressure and more time has cleared my mind quite a bit and enhanced my abilities. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all live for free somewhere.....????????? LOL
Happy New Year | |
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