What It Takes, how to be a thriving artist in the 2020s

April 25, 2023 - Madison Zahorsky

It's no secret. The "arts" is a risky career choice. We are told stories of starving musicians living in their parent's basement, or slumming it with five roommates in NYC with five auditions a day and still no reliable income.

Or so we are told.

The truth is, being an artist in the modern age is not only possible, its accessible. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that singers and musicians make a median pay of over $30/hr and that projected job growth over the next decade is 4% (just under the national average of 5%)

So why is the concept of 'the starving artist' so pervasive?

It all comes down to how artist, creators, and musicians make money. The arts don't work like a 9-5 office job, or a construction contractor, or even like a free-lancer. To be an artist in this decade means doing ALL of those things. Most artists who make a living in their field work in a variety of ways. You have to create, record, teach, and perform, not just your favorite part.

If your dream is to sing on stage, that is totally achievable! Even profitable. But it isn't a straight shot. Just because you work a church job some weekends, and rent out your sound equipment on the side doesn't mean you are a failed artist, it means you're a smart one. And this can apply to traditional fields as well. IT technicians should totally consider branching out of their day job and into app development, and dog-walkers can be CEO's that just really want some extra puppy love in the afternoon.

Now this isn't to say that you should hustle yourself to the breaking point. You shouldn't have to work 18 hour days just to make a living, but there are unique ways of re-inventing your art that are necessary for the modern artist.

If you are an artist, or even better, and aspiring artist, take joy in all of the other stuff that comes with the lifestyle. Use that creativity in your field to take it in odd directions. My favorite example was a Shakespearian Actor who gave presentation tutoring to Lawyers so they could be convincing in court. Now that's art.

How do you use your talent as part of your income?

• Primary Source
• About 50/50
• Just a bit
• Not at all