Artists are constantly striving to give the best of their
creative selves both to their craft and also to their supporters. Our art is how we expose ourselves to the
world and invite them in and take them along for the journey, one that is both
emotional and vulnerable, but at the same time very exciting. It can also be a constant struggle to balance
both worlds between managing one’s art and the business of the art. While there is no perfect storm for how to
create a balance between the two, many often give in to the belief that in
order to be a successful artist, one must sacrifice being a good
businessperson. In fact, many artists
maintain that to be faithful to their craft, they cannot allow money to be an important
factor or it somehow tarnishes the passion or love for the art.
Recently, I had a number of conversations with dancers
particularly, because that’s my passion and the world I live in and it seems while
some behave like they must take a vow of poverty in order to remain faithful to
their art, others who are more experienced in the field actually take a decidedly
more business minded approach. For
example, there are dancers who will dance for no or very low pay for a much
longer period than they should, while others set standard prices for their work
and adhere to them. By charging what
they believe their art is worth, they are able to continue creating, while
making a living. This made me wonder do
artists really need to be starving in order to be successful.
How many times have we heard reports of major, award winning
artists walking away from their record labels either bankrupt or very close to
it? After years of sold out tours, hit
records and acquiring many awards these artists did not take the time to mind
their own business. Most likely one of
the most tragic stories to date is that of super girl group TLC. Billboard
chronicles their epic rise and fall, ending in bankruptcy after hitting the
charts with incredible hits and sold out tours.
This is a classic example of great talent that has never been able to
experience a successful rebound. These
things don’t seem to happen due to lack of creativity or artistic capability,
as these ladies remain legendary in this space.
It appears to me that it is because they were never able to
step away from the belief that in order to be truly creative, to honor their craft,
they couldn’t take the time to become well versed in the matters of their own
business. And perhaps like many artists,
they were unable to comfortably determine the value of their talent and demand
that thing their affairs be handled a certain way and they be compensated in
alignment with their talent.
While this is the case for some, there are others who seem
to be very clear on what their talent and abilities are worth and have amassed
a significant amount of wealth. Each
year Forbes magazine publishes the The Forbes Five: Hip Hop’s Wealthiest Artists and the
new list for 2012 has been released.
With incomes reaching into the millions, these artists have been able to
maintain their creative integrity, fuel the fire for other artists and turn
their passion into an empire. So what
makes these artists different? Why do
some find it much easier than others to fire their passion while filling their
bank accounts? It seems to come down to the ability to see art as a business
and not as a hobby or a sacred calling that prevents the artist from being
fully engaged in the both the creative and business aspects. Also, when an artist can unashamedly place a
value on their work, this goes along way in helping them command when being
hired, booked or commissioned.
While this is not a road paved with gold or an easy path,
artists who are able to take matters into their own hands are also often able
to find a creative freedom only available when they also take control of their
business. Recently, R & B singer, K’Jon
discussed with Singersroom
his departure from his label in favor of becoming an independent artist for
this very reason. Often, when artists
are signed to a label or outside management that do not share their creative
vision, the artist can find themselves unable to produce the art their way and
must follow the requirements the label indicates. This can be detrimental both to the artist’s
creativity, but also to their business because the artist can lose their
passion and find themselves unable to create under such restrictions.
If artists can begin to look at their art with a safe
duality, where they can honor their passion, but also make a living, perhaps
they could begin to see their true value in the world and do away with the vow
of the starving artist.
Just my thoughts, I look forward to hearing yours. Until then, do you and creatively mind your
business.
