Creativity Thursday: 9 Ways to Survive as a Starving Artists

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Some people may enjoy being a starving artists, but most people don’t.

Talent and a dream is a great motivator, but there are times when it’s not enough.  Even some of the great artists of our day struggled for years before being discovered or reaching the pinnacle of their success.

In the meantime, the rent must be paid and food must be put on the table.

So what are some ways to provide for oneself while reaching that dream?

  1. Ask yourself is this a legitimate dream that can be reached? Are you being realistic?
  2. Do you have the drive and determination to reach the dream through all of the negativity or criticism?Starving Artists
  3. Find a job that is flexible with your dreams
  4. Do you need additional training, education or mentoring?
  5. How can you continue to polish your skills and talent?
  6. How can you use your talent to help others in your area?  Can you play for a nursing home or church?  Teach art at a local school?  Direct community theatre?  Write for your church?
  7. Find a group of other starving artists—you’ll be amazed at what you can learn from one another, provide a critique and offer encouragement to one another.
  8. Do you have other skills and talents to lean on?  How can you use these to gain experience and bring in extra income?
  9. Step out of the box—find innovative ways that are out of the box and out of your comfort zone to let others notice your gift and talent.

What other ways have you moved from starving artists to professional artists?