Money March 💸 Do You Need to Make Money to be a Real Artist?
- Sophie Margot
- Mar 1
- 2 min read
Despite what you might’ve heard or seen, art is for everyone. There are a lot of contributing factors, but I think a big reason most people don’t pursue art is because of money. Art school is too expensive, art museums are too expensive, art supplies can be expensive, and having time to create art is its own expense. Capitalism has us convinced that art is only for those who can afford it.
Part of the reason I stopped pursuing a career in art galleries was that, even though I loved the art and working with artists, I hated the greed of the industry. I want to make art in a world where money isn’t a factor. I want to live in a world where people have the time and freedom to explore more creative pursuits. I want my work to contribute to a better, happier society.
Everyone makes art for different reasons. I make art because I’ve always had this obsessive need to create. It makes me truly happy; I lose myself in my process. I’m elated I can share that joy with people, and making money from my artwork is just a side effect.
I’m not delusional; however, we need money to live in this world. I need money to pay off my student loans! To eat, to live in a house, and to have access to any resources this earth offers. This fact fundamentally contradicts being an artist. Being an artist means making art, regardless of whether or not it is financially fruitful.
Art History Corner 🖼️
Alphonse Mucha, Czech, 1860 - 1939
Alphonse Mucha has been one of my biggest art influences throughout my life. I am mesmerized by his ornate compositions of flowing line work, pastel hues, and soft figures. Something that was driven into my painting practice was the prerogative to avoid outlining figures. In reality, that is just a matter of style and taste.
Throughout art history, artists have trended between outlining figures and rendering form purely through contrast and color. Mucha fully embraced lines, with mostly flat and low-contrast colors. The figures come to life with intentional lines and harmonious color palettes. His work has had a lasting impact on artists and contributed to the development of the Art Nouveau movement.
An iconic feature of Mucha’s work is the highly detailed stained glass motifs behind his figures. Often circular, they are symmetrical, decorative, and incredibly unique. His work is effortlessly beautiful, so it’s no surprise that he was often commissioned for posters and advertisements.
I strive to make work just as beautiful as Alphonse Mucha’s, and anytime I revisit his paintings, I want to abandon everything and just paint portraits again!
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