This is such a common question I wanted to share it here. Isn’t it cheapening the real process of creating art (music, sculptures, writing, visual art, coaching) if I expect money in return?
Andy asks:
“Dan, I’m an illustrator and my illustration business is doing well, but I’m afraid I’m more passionate about helping other
Can I get paid for my talent – even if I love doing it?
creatives succeed than I am in making art myself!
Here’s my problem: I’m well versed in the strategies used by people like you, Michael Hyatt, and other internet coaches, teachers and speakers on how to monetize this value, BUT I’m afraid that in the commercial art world there may be an aversion to “marketing lingo” aka webinars, masterminds, ebooks, etc.
I am especially afraid of hurting my reputation in the industry where I make my living! Any thoughts?”
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Andy – I don’t think you’ll hurt your reputation by making a living as an artist. I think you’ll explode your credibility and position yourself solidly as an expert and a role model if you are extremely successful financially as an artist. Then you won’t just be one of the masses of starving artists but rather, you’ll be someone ready to lead and inspire others.
Here are three books I recommend:
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
Years ago when I changed from just being the nice guy at church who would help you figure out career direction to being a coach, my business exploded. People saw me as a professional and I immediately had a backlog of physicians, dentists, engineers, pastors, etc, who would have never taken me seriously if I were just the Sunday School teacher. If you believe in your “art” you can thrive in every way, yes while still helping and serving others well.
If you’d like to get my 10 Tips for Getting Your First Paying Client just click here. You can download the list that has started lots of others on this path to fulfillment and prosperity.
This discussion reminded me of an old acquaintance with whom I spent a Campus Crusade for Christ summer project.
He’s a painter. He seems like he’s done well: http://www.quartly.com/. Love following his instagram (for some behind the scenes photos/vids, gallery events, and other ‘humanizing’ photos). He seems to be a great model of an artist who has made a living with his art and has built an audience.
Brett – I love to see people flourish and prosper with what they most enjoy doing.