Do Artists Really Have to Starve?

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.