Why the myth of the starving artist should be toppled.

Aug 02, 2020


The myth of the “starving artist” is a uncompromising one especially for parents who have a creative child. I grew up in a working class family in Latrobe, PA. Latrobe, PA is famous for three thing, Rolling Rock Beer,  Arnold Palmer, and Fred McFeely Rogers also known as Mister Rogers. My brother and I spent countless happy hours watching Mister Rogers. Mister Rogers was a successful creative figure.

From a very early age I had a deep knowing that my  purpose was to make art. My career path was anything but linear. I knew that I had to leave Latrobe, PA so that meant getting accepted into a out of state college. By nature I was goal oriented, disciplined, fairly smart, and with a GPA that allowed for membership in the national honor society. I was the first person in my family to attend college and I  am happy to say that I paid back all of my student loans. I grew up in working in small business. I was taught a strong work ethic.

Money buys an artist another season to create. Cash flow gives an artist time, which gives one options. It’s a challenge, of course, to be both marketer and artist, but one worth embracing especially with so many brick and mortar art galleries closing now.

This is truly the best time for an artist to take control of their business. Artist now have access to tools and technology and online selling platforms that were not available years ago. I started exhibiting with a Chicago gallery when slides in plastic covers with white labels were the norm. Art is no different than any other profession driven by a market. Income is what separates the amateurs from the professionals.