The Artistic Crossroads: Navigating the Decision to Becoming a Full-Time Artist

Imagine standing before a canvas, brush in hand, at the cusp of a life-altering decision. This was where I found myself not long ago, teetering on the edge of a profound choice: to step into the world of becoming a full-time artist. This journey, filled with as much uncertainty as excitement, is not just a personal tale but a shared experience among many who dare to dream in color and shape. In this post, I unravel my contemplation of this significant decision, hoping to resonate with and inspire those who hear the same calling.

Contemplating Becoming A Full-Time Artist

Venturing into a career as a full-time artist is like standing at the edge of a creative precipice – it's exhilarating and unpredictable, with a vast ocean of possibilities and challenges lying ahead.

The image is a self portrait of the artist and author of this blog post. She's wearing a simple white shirt with jean overalls, holding a brush in hand with white paint smeared along her hands and arms. — An artistic self-portrait of me, The Human Amy. @imthehumanamy

ever wondered what it means to be a full-time artist?

As I considered that question for myself, I became increasingly overwhelmed and anxious. I had never chosen a specific career, and fears about my ability, skill, and talent to create art had me nervously asking my closest friends for their opinions. Together, we zeroed in on two pivotal factors: the financial aspect and the time commitment of being a full-time artist.

If you’ve ever stood at the crossroads of a major career decision, you might recognize the whirlwind of emotions that I was experiencing. Let's explore the two definitions I considered.

A financially-dependent definition of a full-time artist would mean that the person is earning a full-time income from their work as an artist. A full-time income for one artist might mean $35K a year, while it might mean $80K or higher for someone else. The financial factor here would depend on circumstances and specific lifestyles, but the focus is on money.
A time-dependent definition of a full-time artist would mean that the person is creating work as an artist full-time. One artist might consider "full-time" to mean she works on her artwork every day for four hours a day. Another artist's schedule might look more like a typical 9-5, five days a week with weekends off. Again, the time factor would be dependent on the individual. The focus is on time.

These definitions laid the groundwork for my decision-making process. I needed to understand the meaning behind what I was getting myself into. Talking it out gave me clarity, and the valued thoughts and assurances of my friends alleviated the anxiety. But, I still needed to make a decision. Was I going to attach the meaning of my career to what I was earning or how much time I was putting into it?

How would you define your success as a full-time artist?

As I weighed the significance of earnings against time, I realized this decision wasn't just about defining success, but also about understanding the sacrifices and commitments I was ready to make.

What sacrifices would you be ready to make for your art?

The Artist's Dilemma: Passion vs. Practicality

Embarking on a full-time artistic career is like navigating the delicate balance between passion and practicality. There's a constant tug-of-war going on in my brain between monetizing my creativity and just creating. This internal debate, I realized, was not unique to only me or my generation; it has been shared by many of the world’s greatest artists, some of whom gained recognition only after death.

Historical Echoes

My thoughts led to Vincent van Gogh, whose vibrant brushwork and emotional depth in his paintings only found acclaim after his death. During his lifetime, van Gogh struggled financially and was largely unappreciated, which ultimately didn't help his mental suffering.

Similarly, Claude Monet is only now celebrated as a father of Impressionism. Initially, he faced rejection and financial hardship as his early works were met with criticism and a lack of understanding.

Leonardo da Vinci, a polymath and visionary, also experienced his fair share of challenges. Despite his immense talent and revolutionary work, much of his recognition and success came after his death. Even the most extraordinary talents can be subject to the whims of time and recognition.

These stories resonate with me deeply as I ponder my path as a full-time artist. They remind me that artistic success does not always align with financial gain or immediate recognition. This realization led me to view my artistic journey through the lens of a time-dependent commitment, not as a financially dependent endeavor.

For me, choosing to see being a full-time artist as time-dependent means prioritizing the hours I dedicate to my craft over the immediate financial returns. It's about immersing myself in the creation process, honing my skills, and expressing my vision, regardless of immediate acclaim or financial success.

Balancing Act

However, this doesn't negate the practicalities of life. The balance between sustaining a livelihood and pursuing artistic passion is a tightrope walk. I often question: How do I honor my creative impulses while ensuring financial stability?

In this modern era, where the value of art is often quantified in terms of sales and popularity, choosing the path of passion over practicality can be daunting. Yet, the stories of Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci are powerful reminders that art's value transcends instant gratification and material success.

A woman wearing a comfy black sweatshirt with a cat-skull design is at work at a drawing table with a lamp illuminating her path. — At work in my at-home studio, wearing a cat-skull sweater I designed.

As I continue on my artistic journey, I must remind myself that true success may not always be measured in financial terms or contemporary acknowledgment but in the steadfast dedication to the craft and the legacy it leaves behind. This perspective shapes my decision to embrace a time-dependent definition of a full-time artist, prioritizing the quality and depth of my work over immediate rewards.

Beginning The Journey

As I continue to paint my path, brushstroke by brushstroke, in the vast and unpredictable landscape of artistic pursuit, I often reflect on the essence of this journey. It's less about reaching a predetermined destination and more about embracing the journey itself, with all its twists and turns. The stories of Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci, luminaries who navigated their unique paths, serve not just as historical anecdotes but as beacons in the often stormy seas of creative endeavor.

Their experiences remind us that the measure of true artistic success is not always mirrored in immediate recognition or financial gain. Instead, it lies in the enduring dedication to our craft and the legacy we leave behind. This realization underscores every stroke of my brush, each choice of color, and every project I bring to life.

To you, dear reader, as you stand at your creative crossroads, remember this: whether you define your artistry by the time you invest or the income you earn, the true essence of your journey lies in your commitment to your passion and the bravery to follow it, wherever it may lead.

I invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and inspirations in the comments below. Let's continue to weave our individual stories into the rich, ever-evolving tapestry of art. Together, we create not just art, but history – one brushstroke at a time.