When Are You Going To Get A Real Job?
By: Froyle Davies
Tags: Creativity, Inspiration, Art, Painting, Gallery

My most favourite collection of paintings were exhibited with soundtracks inspired by the art. Each painting was viewed with music to represent the visual expression of the painting. The experience people felt was profoundly moving, but I sold no paintings during the exhibition.

It was at this time when I had to decide how this experience was going to affect me. Would I let myself feel like a failure? To me, the exhibition was successful, and I had to not succumb to the pressure of other people’s expectations. I valued my art and what I was contributing to the world. I didn’t need any titles to make me feel worthy. I appreciated the time I could spend with my kids, and I believed in the significance of my creative pursuits. Although more art sales would have always helped, I had to decide if I was enough.

What is a real artist?

What is a real artist? Recently I was talking to my son, and I commented that I didn’t know if I would become a real writer, and he asked me, “What is a real writer?” I was left thinking about it for some time. I work with ‘Virgin artists’, newbie painters who come to my creative art workshops to splash some paint around and create something they can hang on their wall. Sometimes they continue to paint and develop their skills, but most times, they just wanted to have that one time experience. Are they an artist if they only create one artwork? How many paintings do you have to do to be a real artist?

When did I consider that I was a real artist? I have been painting for so long I can’t remember. Was it after I finished a year of art school? Or after my first exhibition? Or do you have to sell a painting to be a real artist? If so, how many paintings?

What about Vincent van Gogh? He only sold one painting in his lifetime, yet he considered himself an artist. Nobody liked him or his art when he was alive, but 40 years after his death, his paintings were hailed as masterpieces. He is one of the most famous artists of the modern age. Although, all that fame doesn’t help him now.

It is a strange conundrum, as I ask myself this question, when will I be a real writer? After my article is published? Do I have to be accepted by a specific publication? Or should I do formal training to be a real writer?

You are a real artist when you believe you are

Then I realised the answer. You are a real artist/writer/freelancer/designer when you believe you are. If you are an artist, then you create art. You create regardless of what anyone says or whether you get paid or not. You can’t help it; you are compelled to create. No amount of external validation is going to convince you that you are a real anything unless you believe it first. Just like, no one will talk you out of it, if you know it to be true.

Through the years of pursuing creative industries, I have tried everything to maintain an art career. I have exhibited in many different places, everything from cafes, hair salons, and lounge rooms, to prestigious galleries. I have sold art online, in stores and through friend’s networks, ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand. Teaching workshops became my full-time passion for a season, and I have enjoyed it all. It hasn’t been easy, but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I definitely wouldn’t have survived a real job.

Should you get a real job?

If you are struggling with the ‘should I get a real job question’, or should I quit my real job? You have to ask yourself, are you built for self-employment? Can you stand in the face of criticism? You have to know your own strength. If the judgmental remarks strip away at your sense of self-worth and you become unproductive, then maybe you should keep to a regular salary. Also, don’t starve. There is nothing romantic about being a starving artist; that myth is garbage.

If you want to walk your own path, there are unlimited resources today that you can access to develop your craft or to learn marketing and business skills. I have always taken courses to learn new skills in all areas, from art techniques to marketing. Since I have been writing on medium, I have read so many ‘how to write’ articles. I am convinced you can learn and grow at anything you set your mind to.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” — Walt Disney

You have to have a plan. Where do you see yourself in five years? Then work backwards. Three years? One year? What about right now? What can you do right now to help you achieve your goals?

On the other side of the coin flip, there is nothing wrong with preferring a regular salary. It’s not a cop-out from your creative passion for having a day job. Steady income will help you to pay your rent and eat. We all love to eat. You can still pursue your craft. You will just need to make it happen early in the morning or late at night or in little moments that you can snatch through the day.

This is much easier if you are a writer. I found it impossible to set up my art supplies on the kitchen table and then have to pack it all away for dinner. That was too much of a hassle. During the seasons, when I didn’t have a studio, my kids ate dinner on their laps. They survived.