Making A Living In The Arts

(Getting The Most Out Of Your Future Artistic Career)

Remember the M. Scott Peck quote from The Road Less Traveled:  “Life Is Difficult” 

Know the challenges you are going to face with this amazing AND difficult career choice. This will give you the tools you need to help you achieve "success" - whatever that means to you. 

24 Tips For Making A Living In The Arts

• Keep Your Overhead Low
  The less bills you have, the less money you need to make at first. 
  
  
• Work As Flexibly As You Can
  Work a job that allows you time off to pursue your artistic career opportunities. 
  
  
• There Is No Career Path
  Don't expect a logical route to your career success like other careers have. It's a winding road.
  
  
• There Is No Backup Plan
  You will be unconsciously drawn to a more stable path. Focus ONLY on your artistic success. 
  
  
• You Are Your Best Promoter
  No one will be a better advocate for your career than YOU! Learn how to promote yourself.
  
  
• Don’t Believe Your Own Hype
  No matter what "accolades" you have, you aren't entitled to anything.
  
  
• Be Where The Action Is
  Success doesn't happen in a vacuum. Move to a city where the opportunities are.
  
  
• Many Poles…Many Fish
  Having many small gigs can lead to big money...and more chances for success. 
  
  
• A Marathon, Not A Sprint
  Success, like relationships, takes years to build. Be in it for the long haul, because that's what it is!
  
  
• Expect MASSIVE Rejection
  Pro baseball players strike out 70% of the time. Expect the same failure rate...it's normal!
  
  
• Be A Rhinoceros!
  If you don't develop a thick skin, you won't last long in a creative career. 
  
  
• It’s Not What You Know…OR Who You Know
  It's who knows YOU. People need to know your skills and remember you when opportunities arise.
  
  
• You Can Die From Exposure
  Sometimes you have to work for free, but only do so strategically. 
  
  
• Be Open To The Unknown
  There are fulfilling career opportunities you don't even know exist. Keep your eyes open to them. 
  
  
• Don’t Back Into A Career
  Don't let an unfulfilling "side hustle" turn into your main job...it could be permanent!
  
  
• If You Gotta Teach…
  If you teach in ANY capacity, do it with 100% effort, integrity and love.
  
  
• Hindsight is 20/20…and Bulls*@t!
  Don't look back on "What Ifs". They are false illusions and will degrade your accountability.
  
  
• No One Needs Your “Art”
  Understand that you (or your mom) will always be your biggest fan. You'll have to sell to everyone else.
  
  
• Great Success…Followed By Oblivion
  "Success" is not one big event leading to fame and fortune. It will always be followed up with more hard work. 
  
  
• 3 Pillars Of Success 
  Skills are a given, but you also need to be professional and a pleasant human being to be around.
  
  
• Think Like Your Employer
  What do they want? Why can you do for them? Find out, then talk in their language...not yours.
  
  
• Find The Right Mate
  Choose a life partner who is 100% on-board with this crazy life of yours. Not 99%...100% supportive!
  
  
• Live For The Work, Not The Success
  If your fulfillment is based on approval from others, you will fail. Enjoy the creative process most of all.
  
  
• It Ain’t Life Or Death, Pal!
  At the end of the day, it's just a career...not a life. Enjoy your LIFE!