The Creative Catalyst

Lynn & Jim PowersToday, I want to shine the spotlight on The Creative Catalyst  – one of the original sources for art instruction videos and DVDs include lessons in drawing, painting, design and special techniques. Jim Powers and I met many years ago at The Learning & Product Expo Art in Pasadena. Recently, they asked me to contribute guest posts to their Blog:

A Quick History on Artist Support
The modern artist still has galleries but the system has changed dramatically yet again and much of the security of yesterday no longer exists for artists today.

Artist Myth #1: You Must Starve To Be An Artist
There is a romantic notion perpetuated by operas like “La Boheme” that artists must be poor. People who believe that the “true” artist is a “starving” artist think that this lifestyle keeps them “in touch” with creativity. They wrongly equate making money with commercialism and “selling out.” Whoever gave you similar advice probably meant to save you from hardship. They probably gathered their reasons for this well-meaning advice from common myths and misconceptions about making a living making art. These myths are so common that they sometimes even creep in the back door of our own thinking.

Artist Myth #2: Society Owes Artists a Living
Some artists feel that their contributions to society and culture merit more financial support. I share their dismay that funding and grants are fewer and harder to get and that the IRS favors collectors over artists. Collectors may take a tax deduction the full price they paid for donations of art. The artist can deduct only the cost of materials.

Artist Myth #3: Artists Are Not Business People, My Dealer Will Handle Everything
I often hear artists say that they are too right-brained to do left-brained business tasks. They imagine that getting a gallery means that they will be able to wash their hands of the filthy business side of art. They assume that the gallery will handle every aspect of marketing and selling their work.

Artist Myth #4: A True Artist Lives Life Free and Without Structure

Some artists mistakenly believe that their chosen vocation entitles them to be “free spirits.” Normal rules and schedules do not apply in their world. They do whatever they want, when they want and how they want. They push the boundaries of outlandishness and rebel against normal business constraints. These artists often feel “misunderstood” and knocked about for their individuality. They believe that others should make allowances for them simply because they are . . . “Artistes”! With respect, no one is that entitled.

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P.P.S. If you need an accountability partner for your art business or someone to roll up sleeves to produce art marketing materials or work on your web site, just let us know. We have a whole team to help you. Start with a complimentary 15-minute conversation. Sign up here: http://www.artistcareertraining.com/request-a-conversation