honestly, I'd much rather be called a sellout than lose my sanity at some soul-sucking job. I think people throw the "sellout" out so much because they're jealous of the fact that someone isn't a part of the status quo of working a regular 9 to 5.
My "day job" has gone through a few rounds of layoffs and for awhile things have been looking very iffy as to whether or not the company has a future. When asked why I'm not applying for jobs I have said "because if this company goes under that's my sign to really give this whole full-time writer thing a go." I'm done climbing a corporate ladder.
I guess there aren't any universal answers for this paradox but I do feel intentionality, purpose and grace (for oneself) go a long way. I am settling into the role of an artist with a mission: that of amplifying the happiness quotient in this world, one little handmade token a a time. Amie, your words have a profound impact on so many, myself included. As I create connections, spread smiles and sit with some questions about my "career trajectory," I feel this odd sense of comfort and contentment thanks to your shares. I appreciate your articulating your passion for both sides.
Thank you Mansi, this substack was really soothing for me to write. Thank you for prompting me to write it. I needed to put both strong feelings side by side, to remind myself of the complexity of this conversation and to remind my self of what I believe. When I talk about monetizing art, I get a lot of artists feeling invalidated, and that breaks my heart. this essay allowed me to sit in my truth. Your mission is fucking profound. Honestly, the moment I read it my body errupted in tingles. You are doing something so needed.
Thank you, Amie, for your kind words about my undertaking and for making the time to write this post. Truly appreciated. Now, how can I mail you a tangible token of gratitude? 😍
I absolutely love that you have an endorsement from Martha Beck but not at all surprised as you share so much in common with her! Already got your book on pre order, and am about to order Martha's new one.
Amazing piece as ever. You are such an important voice, showing all sides to a creative life, and reminding us to look for the magic, and the holy, despite how much our culture is trying to grind us down and have us thinking small.
I think the turning point for me was when I asked myself honestly “if them, why not me?” Meaning if someone else can make a sustainable living as an artist, why not me? I discovered there were some legitimate reasons as to why not, and I worked my little booty off to close the gap. (I still am everyday by reading widely, expanding my poetic craft, taking workshops, etc)
Subconsciously, we cannot separate ourselves from the ones who have “made it”. We must view ourselves as capable and no different. (No matter how delulu this might feel at first) This has changed my life.
You have NOOO idea how much your perspectives resonates with me and my own personel artistic journey! You totally make me feel like rocking this old World and take an artistic stand….😎🤘 Following you from Denmark and already a huge fan 🥰🙏
About five minutes before I read your article I read this, from The Story of Art Without Men: “The man’s power is proactive, progressive, defensive. He is eminently the doer, creator, the discoverer. His intellect is for invention and speculation. But the women’s intellect is not for invention or creation.” That was art critic John Ruskin, 19th century.
Yikes. But I’m not surprised. I recently read a book on Lee Krasner and the attitudes she had to put up with in art school were appalling.
I’ve been painting for about ten years and have been toying (read: doing nothing) with the idea of trying to sell it. I’m not sure what’s holding me back. Fear, I suppose. Not sure why, since the worst thing that can happen is that nobody will buy any of it.
This is related a bit to your piece about not wanting to work. I didn’t feel like that when I was young (probably because I was too immature to know any better) but later on, oh boy, did I ever. A long career in software engineering and during the last 15 years or so I wanted out!! Using your words, it no longer lit me up. But it’s hard to do here in the states (small ’s’ because it’s truly an embarrassment at the moment) if you’ve got any sort of financial burdens. A couple of years ago I retired. More factually, I was layed off. That afternoon, I said “fuck it!” and decided I was done with it all. One of the best days of my supposed career.
So here I am, two years later with all of these paintings piled up in my studio. Nows, the time, I guess. And after reading the roadblocks put in front of women (STILL put in front of them) I should consider myself lucky. Or something.
Mark - fuck, I am so thankful for these words. I think of artists in the states a lot, especially with health care beign the way it is. A system literarily forcing people to be in "proper employment" lest they put their health at risk. Truly, so evil.
But I am so excited to here of your fuck it moment. I am here, in an english rural village, absolutely backing you. I want you to do the brave thing and sell your art, even if nothing happens for a while. We need your art. WE need your vulnerability. Please let yourself be seen.
Yep, I indeed spent a couple of hours today working on a pair of paintings while ruminating about selling. One thing I will absolutely _not_ do is using something like Instagram for promotion. A complete waste of time these days, thanks the the evil Mr. Z (there are some names that I refuse to type anymore…the other one starts with a ’T’).
I also pre-ordered your book a couple of minutes ago. It was a productive (eew…I hate that word) day, whatever that means!
I've been feeling this a lot lately and this was really validating to read. My start in self-publishing has been devastating, but I'd still rather do that than become corporate 9-5er
Oh my gosh Amie, this is my life in technicolor right now!! I’m desperately trying to stave off burnout, fighting the umpteenth round of influenza and keep my head above water. My soul is dying and I want out of the madness of this crazy society that attributes success directly to successful job/house/bank balance/career/relationship (s) + requisite perfect offspring obtained in a perfectly appropriate 21stC way, schmoozy social network with the correct amount of sparkle AND the to die for car. (Ok well I’m all for my Karmann Ghia one day, a girl can dream!!)
I just want to go live in a shack by the beach & wrote & teach women in their middle years that we truly do actually have the option to have it all - creatively and divinely.
I absolutely loved this article. I found myself shouting "Yes!" out loud so many times. I had always wanted to be an actor, but was told it was too risky and I should get a "proper job" so I had something to "fall back on". I ended up doing engineering at Uni (badly as I was doing too much student drama) and then, after working in the industry for 4 years, I moved into Pr (admitedly for engineers, but I enjoyed being able to use some acting skills) and then finally (although not until my mid 30s) I found my way back to theatre. I felt like I was home! I am now back at uni doing an MA in Arts and Cultural Leadership and one of my key interests in how and why art is so driven by economic metrics, despite no one denying that it is good for us in so many ways, and it's 'value' is assessed in monetry terms. The systems artists are forced to operate in were not designed for art, they were designed to work for those that built them. It needs to change and one way to do that would be to empower more artists to talk confidently about it. I can not wait to read your book but in the meantime I very much look forward to reading more of your writing on substack.
Amie, I have just read two of your posts and it is almost like my own voice speaking. The post about not wanting to work was the first one I read, Just yesterday I was airing my feelings about how I feel when someone says I should sell my art, I should approach galleries, I should share more on IG, have an on-line shop, promote myself....... and how all that makes me feel both unworthy and like I want to throw up. I have shown my work, sold my work, had very successful Studio sales but I dont want to HAVE to do any of it. It is truly wonderful and a shot in the arm when someone loves my work and actually purchases it , but that is not why I make art. I live within my means, and spend more than enough time pushing away feelings of guilt regarding the "I should be's", but it is where I want to be right now. And to be creative in all that I do.
So much of this resonates for me as a practising psychotherapist. Selling my "art" (for that is how I view the practice) often leaves me feeling like a prostitute. Selling it in the way the current medical industry forces us makes me feel like a fraud and sellout. You have beautifully given voice to the other side, which for me, simply stated goes "...and yet, and yet..."
Please know Rory, that I also view your practice an art. I see you. What you are doing is needed. It reminds me of how I must navigate Amazon as a writer. these systems want to capture or value and manipulate us, but our art is PURE. It cannot be tarnished.
Okay but then what are the actual steps? I'm with you on this, I am, but I'm 55 and have been a working professional writer for 30 of those years. There has ALWAYS been a side hustle except when I had movie gigs which paid... well. Even now, I teach writing to pay for my writing. I am SO EXCITED by the work you're doing, Amie, but I want to know... what are the answers to making it pay? Really truly asking. Your fan.
I respect your voice and passion here, and I also have the same desire to help creatives live their best lives, whether they create for fun, profit, or both. There is some great advice here.
The unfortunate reality though is most creatives who choose to make money from their craft will never make a sustainable or meaning income from it, for a lot of reasons that have nothing to do with our talents. Can we? YES! But it takes a special person with the drive and luck to do it. Therefore I think we also have to do a great job communicating (unlike many self-help/business type writers) to help others understand not everyone will be able to live the lives we experienced, if that is the main objective with their art.
As for your small analogy.
Do you not trust men who talk about masculinity without the caveat of giving credit to the feminist movement or men who talk about anything in general without giving women credit first?
I truly understand the need for men to acknowledge feminism and support women in ways we have not done in the past, and how men in general can do a LOT better going forward, yet I also can't draw the line between what you're saying here and what you write about regarding monetization of art -- unless the feeling is about how women have more challenges in profiting off their work thanks to the shitty system men put in place. This I would 100% agree with.
Just seeking clarity and whether you'd even trust me or my opinions because I didn't caveat it with some form of acknowledgement. Thanks!
When I listen to men talk about the issues men are facing today, I just want some sort of nod. I want to know that you don't hate women, or that you want a return to the patriarchy. Specifically with this nuanced and complex topic, I want to feel couched in the speakers context and over arching belief.
I think more men need to take a step back and examine why they believe the way the do, how their actions might impact others, and acknowledge we've fucked up a lot of shit on this planet, including how women have been abused and mistreated by our kind. We need to be more vocal on issues and work harder to ensure there is true equality (though sadly I don't think that will ever happen in our lifetime, thanks to the system).
However, I also don't believe men talking about men's issues should requires us to preface the discussion with an acknowledgement about women's rights or suffering in order for us to be trusted or valued, unless it specifically relates to that topic. Plus we all know people will say things to get the "vote" when they don't mean it, so by training men to do this, it becomes another cliche that's meaningless.
honestly, I'd much rather be called a sellout than lose my sanity at some soul-sucking job. I think people throw the "sellout" out so much because they're jealous of the fact that someone isn't a part of the status quo of working a regular 9 to 5.
ME TOO. more on this coming soon.
My "day job" has gone through a few rounds of layoffs and for awhile things have been looking very iffy as to whether or not the company has a future. When asked why I'm not applying for jobs I have said "because if this company goes under that's my sign to really give this whole full-time writer thing a go." I'm done climbing a corporate ladder.
Say it louder for the people in the back!!!!
This 100%.
I guess there aren't any universal answers for this paradox but I do feel intentionality, purpose and grace (for oneself) go a long way. I am settling into the role of an artist with a mission: that of amplifying the happiness quotient in this world, one little handmade token a a time. Amie, your words have a profound impact on so many, myself included. As I create connections, spread smiles and sit with some questions about my "career trajectory," I feel this odd sense of comfort and contentment thanks to your shares. I appreciate your articulating your passion for both sides.
Thank you Mansi, this substack was really soothing for me to write. Thank you for prompting me to write it. I needed to put both strong feelings side by side, to remind myself of the complexity of this conversation and to remind my self of what I believe. When I talk about monetizing art, I get a lot of artists feeling invalidated, and that breaks my heart. this essay allowed me to sit in my truth. Your mission is fucking profound. Honestly, the moment I read it my body errupted in tingles. You are doing something so needed.
Thank you, Amie, for your kind words about my undertaking and for making the time to write this post. Truly appreciated. Now, how can I mail you a tangible token of gratitude? 😍
This article spoke the words I needed to hear and gave the book suggestions I didn’t know I needed! Thank you for sharing!
I absolutely love that you have an endorsement from Martha Beck but not at all surprised as you share so much in common with her! Already got your book on pre order, and am about to order Martha's new one.
Amazing piece as ever. You are such an important voice, showing all sides to a creative life, and reminding us to look for the magic, and the holy, despite how much our culture is trying to grind us down and have us thinking small.
Nicola, thank you. I treasure your words. And I hope Martha's book and my book take extra special care of you this year.
☺️❤️
I think the turning point for me was when I asked myself honestly “if them, why not me?” Meaning if someone else can make a sustainable living as an artist, why not me? I discovered there were some legitimate reasons as to why not, and I worked my little booty off to close the gap. (I still am everyday by reading widely, expanding my poetic craft, taking workshops, etc)
Subconsciously, we cannot separate ourselves from the ones who have “made it”. We must view ourselves as capable and no different. (No matter how delulu this might feel at first) This has changed my life.
at this point if damnation is what would get me dinner money survival money without getting another soul sapping lame exhausting job then damn me up
I want you to have a life filled with art and money Stephen.
No shade to your magnificent editor, but I'm so glad you didn't cut the word. 🥰
You have NOOO idea how much your perspectives resonates with me and my own personel artistic journey! You totally make me feel like rocking this old World and take an artistic stand….😎🤘 Following you from Denmark and already a huge fan 🥰🙏
About five minutes before I read your article I read this, from The Story of Art Without Men: “The man’s power is proactive, progressive, defensive. He is eminently the doer, creator, the discoverer. His intellect is for invention and speculation. But the women’s intellect is not for invention or creation.” That was art critic John Ruskin, 19th century.
Yikes. But I’m not surprised. I recently read a book on Lee Krasner and the attitudes she had to put up with in art school were appalling.
I’ve been painting for about ten years and have been toying (read: doing nothing) with the idea of trying to sell it. I’m not sure what’s holding me back. Fear, I suppose. Not sure why, since the worst thing that can happen is that nobody will buy any of it.
This is related a bit to your piece about not wanting to work. I didn’t feel like that when I was young (probably because I was too immature to know any better) but later on, oh boy, did I ever. A long career in software engineering and during the last 15 years or so I wanted out!! Using your words, it no longer lit me up. But it’s hard to do here in the states (small ’s’ because it’s truly an embarrassment at the moment) if you’ve got any sort of financial burdens. A couple of years ago I retired. More factually, I was layed off. That afternoon, I said “fuck it!” and decided I was done with it all. One of the best days of my supposed career.
So here I am, two years later with all of these paintings piled up in my studio. Nows, the time, I guess. And after reading the roadblocks put in front of women (STILL put in front of them) I should consider myself lucky. Or something.
p.s. Looking forward to your book
Mark - fuck, I am so thankful for these words. I think of artists in the states a lot, especially with health care beign the way it is. A system literarily forcing people to be in "proper employment" lest they put their health at risk. Truly, so evil.
But I am so excited to here of your fuck it moment. I am here, in an english rural village, absolutely backing you. I want you to do the brave thing and sell your art, even if nothing happens for a while. We need your art. WE need your vulnerability. Please let yourself be seen.
Yep, I indeed spent a couple of hours today working on a pair of paintings while ruminating about selling. One thing I will absolutely _not_ do is using something like Instagram for promotion. A complete waste of time these days, thanks the the evil Mr. Z (there are some names that I refuse to type anymore…the other one starts with a ’T’).
I also pre-ordered your book a couple of minutes ago. It was a productive (eew…I hate that word) day, whatever that means!
I've been feeling this a lot lately and this was really validating to read. My start in self-publishing has been devastating, but I'd still rather do that than become corporate 9-5er
Oh my gosh Amie, this is my life in technicolor right now!! I’m desperately trying to stave off burnout, fighting the umpteenth round of influenza and keep my head above water. My soul is dying and I want out of the madness of this crazy society that attributes success directly to successful job/house/bank balance/career/relationship (s) + requisite perfect offspring obtained in a perfectly appropriate 21stC way, schmoozy social network with the correct amount of sparkle AND the to die for car. (Ok well I’m all for my Karmann Ghia one day, a girl can dream!!)
I just want to go live in a shack by the beach & wrote & teach women in their middle years that we truly do actually have the option to have it all - creatively and divinely.
I absolutely loved this article. I found myself shouting "Yes!" out loud so many times. I had always wanted to be an actor, but was told it was too risky and I should get a "proper job" so I had something to "fall back on". I ended up doing engineering at Uni (badly as I was doing too much student drama) and then, after working in the industry for 4 years, I moved into Pr (admitedly for engineers, but I enjoyed being able to use some acting skills) and then finally (although not until my mid 30s) I found my way back to theatre. I felt like I was home! I am now back at uni doing an MA in Arts and Cultural Leadership and one of my key interests in how and why art is so driven by economic metrics, despite no one denying that it is good for us in so many ways, and it's 'value' is assessed in monetry terms. The systems artists are forced to operate in were not designed for art, they were designed to work for those that built them. It needs to change and one way to do that would be to empower more artists to talk confidently about it. I can not wait to read your book but in the meantime I very much look forward to reading more of your writing on substack.
Amie, I have just read two of your posts and it is almost like my own voice speaking. The post about not wanting to work was the first one I read, Just yesterday I was airing my feelings about how I feel when someone says I should sell my art, I should approach galleries, I should share more on IG, have an on-line shop, promote myself....... and how all that makes me feel both unworthy and like I want to throw up. I have shown my work, sold my work, had very successful Studio sales but I dont want to HAVE to do any of it. It is truly wonderful and a shot in the arm when someone loves my work and actually purchases it , but that is not why I make art. I live within my means, and spend more than enough time pushing away feelings of guilt regarding the "I should be's", but it is where I want to be right now. And to be creative in all that I do.
So much of this resonates for me as a practising psychotherapist. Selling my "art" (for that is how I view the practice) often leaves me feeling like a prostitute. Selling it in the way the current medical industry forces us makes me feel like a fraud and sellout. You have beautifully given voice to the other side, which for me, simply stated goes "...and yet, and yet..."
Please know Rory, that I also view your practice an art. I see you. What you are doing is needed. It reminds me of how I must navigate Amazon as a writer. these systems want to capture or value and manipulate us, but our art is PURE. It cannot be tarnished.
Okay but then what are the actual steps? I'm with you on this, I am, but I'm 55 and have been a working professional writer for 30 of those years. There has ALWAYS been a side hustle except when I had movie gigs which paid... well. Even now, I teach writing to pay for my writing. I am SO EXCITED by the work you're doing, Amie, but I want to know... what are the answers to making it pay? Really truly asking. Your fan.
I respect your voice and passion here, and I also have the same desire to help creatives live their best lives, whether they create for fun, profit, or both. There is some great advice here.
The unfortunate reality though is most creatives who choose to make money from their craft will never make a sustainable or meaning income from it, for a lot of reasons that have nothing to do with our talents. Can we? YES! But it takes a special person with the drive and luck to do it. Therefore I think we also have to do a great job communicating (unlike many self-help/business type writers) to help others understand not everyone will be able to live the lives we experienced, if that is the main objective with their art.
As for your small analogy.
Do you not trust men who talk about masculinity without the caveat of giving credit to the feminist movement or men who talk about anything in general without giving women credit first?
I truly understand the need for men to acknowledge feminism and support women in ways we have not done in the past, and how men in general can do a LOT better going forward, yet I also can't draw the line between what you're saying here and what you write about regarding monetization of art -- unless the feeling is about how women have more challenges in profiting off their work thanks to the shitty system men put in place. This I would 100% agree with.
Just seeking clarity and whether you'd even trust me or my opinions because I didn't caveat it with some form of acknowledgement. Thanks!
When I listen to men talk about the issues men are facing today, I just want some sort of nod. I want to know that you don't hate women, or that you want a return to the patriarchy. Specifically with this nuanced and complex topic, I want to feel couched in the speakers context and over arching belief.
I think more men need to take a step back and examine why they believe the way the do, how their actions might impact others, and acknowledge we've fucked up a lot of shit on this planet, including how women have been abused and mistreated by our kind. We need to be more vocal on issues and work harder to ensure there is true equality (though sadly I don't think that will ever happen in our lifetime, thanks to the system).
However, I also don't believe men talking about men's issues should requires us to preface the discussion with an acknowledgement about women's rights or suffering in order for us to be trusted or valued, unless it specifically relates to that topic. Plus we all know people will say things to get the "vote" when they don't mean it, so by training men to do this, it becomes another cliche that's meaningless.
That being said, I hear your feelings and get it.