The Myth of the Starving Artist and Other Misconceptions about Creativity

Creative artists, in dance, art or music are often commercialized to the hilt. Some argue that the purity of creations is tainted if the end goal is to amass many followers or to earn lots of money. Art, according to them, should just be for art’s sake.

The truth is somewhere in the middle, and one can take note of the myths about being creative, to avoid being a ‘starving artist’ for life.

“The artist has a duty to find an adequate expression to convey it to as many souls as possible.”

In the book ‘Real Artists Don’t Starve’, the author (Jeff Goins) states that art does not have to be obscure and hidden to be beautiful.

Artists who are ‘starving’ but really good are mostly caricatures and have little do do with the real world, where they come from all kinds of income groups and backgrounds.

True artists try to shun any self-promotion, which looks sleazy to them, and because they see bad artists exploiting it. One has to understand that marketing is an important tool, and is not inherently evil.

A good piece of art needs the desired audience, which becomes the artist's responsibility.

One does not have to be sleazy to succeed. One can have class, character and produce great art, while still be able to make decent money out of the endeavour.

Money buys us time and space to create another beautiful piece of art.

1. Let go of the unhelpful ‘starving genius’ stereotype.
2. Beautiful art can come from anywhere.
3. Make the art do the work for you by gaining the attention of the audience.
4. Make money to make more art.
5. Focus on the art and building an audience, and not on the money that will flow to you.