For Artists, the Picture is Bleak

I thought, in theory, brilliant creative types were supposed to be able to adapt and reinvent themselves as necessary to survive if not thrive no matter what?

WTF?

The good news is that there are more channels for distributing your art yourself than ever before.

So you can be "free to experiment, do what YOU want" and also get your work out to be seen and bought.

Even if it is true that "Artists have to suffer to create great art" it doesn't make any difference if you don't get exposure since art at its root is a communication and something the artist has a need to express.

Places like http://www.createspace.com/ http://www.lulu.com https://www.cafepress.com/ and http://www.zazzle.com/ allow artists to get that exposure on their own terms.

andy was always most interested in amateurs anyway - had little or no regard for the 'cohesive body of work' of professionals - they just seem to do the same idea over and over again - see richard serra - he hasn't had a really original thought since 1969.

amateurs are always more exciting - because they are free to experiment, do what THEY want - not depending upon pleasing an audience or patron for the god-almighty-dollar.

nothing against professionals mind you - i am one myself. but keep your eyes open for some new art forms in the immediate future. the recession of the late seventies gave us punk rock. and that was certainly a good thing. these later good economic times gave us things like britney spears and lindsay lohan. oh - sorry - got off track with those two didn't i - i was talking about artists - sorry.

no matter how you slice it, art is an elitist, luxury industry. think about it - when the cave-persons had enough time to do art, it was only after they had procured enough food, clothing, shelter, cave-bear repellent etc...

it is only natural that the professional artists will be the first to go. but look on the bright side - in hard times, the amateurs have room to grow - 'professional' art is sometimes/always tainted by marketing influences. the real avant guarde (sp?) is always underground.

I got laid off, and i took that as a good thing for me, I was misserable in my job anyway, plus i would have more time for my projects and school. Money ran out, couldnt pay for school, projects? all went to hell, bills piling up and I think I've never stressed this bad looking for a damn job. Looking for anything, even retail. Artists need money, the market. There's nothing out there. I got people who depend on me so i have no choice but to go and try to get a real job. And i know quiet a few people in the same fuckin situation. This shit so fucking real. We really have to move to Canada, or up and coming Brazil. Oh yeah Brazil....

I was an artist, I had to quit because I could not sell anything. My website HonuSurf.com went bankrupt quick. Then the Internet hackers and viruses went down! The only thing I can do is click a mouse. I'm just waiting for things to change.

sorry deliatheartist, but just because you make better work dosnt mean you "thrive", art + economic down fall = little to no income. I wish it wasn't true, hell because of the situation at hand I can't even go to college for what I've spent the last 3 years working my ass off at, art. Why is it that art schools i.e RIT, RISDI, PRATT and so many other cost so much fucking money? but thats besides the point. as artist we need to help each other, but as of the moment I don't have and genius idea of how to do so realistically....

Someone else brought something up on another post that I thought was very true; if any group of people thrive in bad conditions, it's artists. Artists turn their suffering and pain into creation, in some cases artists actually produce better work in those circumstances!

it'll all be ok.

As once said before, I have never minded working a part-time job along side doing my art for a living. In fact, I had an interview today for a retail job. If anything, it helps me do my art better because everyday I'm put around everyday people doing ordinary things. It's sort of my own "American Splendor" I guess.

Also, concerning this article, these people all live out in LA. A haven for the arts in many fields. Many times I have considered moving out to LA, SF, NY, or Chicago to do my photography and zines but it made me consider, do I want to be a small fish in a big pond or big fish in a small pond? Maybe I should stay in a city (I live in San Antonio) where my art can flourish because of the scene we have here. We have a great art scene but it's not like other cities or larger cities. It's easier for me to get noticed here.

Times are hard for lots of people but I think there are many things to consider. What your city can do for you and what it has to offer. The kind of connections you can make. The competition. And how easily you can pick up and find another job, perhaps part-time, to support what you love.

I have a lot of faith that what I'm doing can continue. I'm still out there buying film and frames. Spending hours at Kinkos. Participating in First Fridays and other art events. Selling my work...or trying to sell it. Determination can definitely outdo this recession.

"Some friends are selling out" If by selling out you mean getting a damn day job like the rest of us poor, starving artists, then SELL OUT, I say!

@St_Alia, I do love all of your interesting art posts! I haven't been in the "art world" for too long but I can tell ya that I came into it knowing she was a fickle bitch who makes love to you one night and then claims she lost your number. What can artists expect out of a recession? My only goal right now is exposure, and I so far I've had an art show every month (I'm trying to continue that trend!) though I haven't sold a single piece!

What type of work do you do? Are you a "fine artist" looking to sell pieces or a graphic designer looking for a steady job? I say unto all artists, "CRAIGSLIST!"

I kind of want to resent these people and their "Boohoo I had to fire my maid!" complaints. But the fact is that they have what I want from my career, and they're losing it. So how the fuck am I supposed to get it now?