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Stanka Kordic · 02-26-2002, 08:49 AM

Steven,

You bring up a provacative subject. Oh, do I have experiences to share..won't bore you with all of them. Suffice is to say that now, nearing my 40th year, I have become the true lioness in defense of making a living in art. What I've learned is that it takes passion, committment, and quite a bit of business savvy. The last piece is the hardest for many of us to acquire because it takes a large portion of confidence.

I have become so tired of the attitude the general public has about a living in the arts (whatever it may be). "Oh, how lovely that you are an artist!" But will those same people 'allow' their children to make it a career? No way. "Find something practical" (I teach occasionally at the high school level and have heard this).

I have been a freelance illustrator, a painter showing in galleries, and ultimately, came full circle to my first love of portraiture. I've had to send the henchmen to threaten the corporate people who were notoriously late with payment...had to watch as the galleries took 40-50% of my profits after selling work...My resentments have grown, in tandem with my passion for what I (and all of you) do.

Artists are important in this world. We should not be apologizing for what we charge. Yes, there may be less than quality work out there, but art is so subjective. The cream rises to the top..

No, I have no problem going to the bank and presenting big checks. In fact, I quietly enjoy the shock on people's faces (not art appreciators) when I openly discuss what I get for my work. What I really want to say is "..SO THERE!" I proudly announce that there are people out there earning 6 figures on art alone. Imagine!

Steven, you may have been putting the brush to canvas for only 6 years, but you have been a painter since the day you were born.

So there.

02-26-2002, 08:49 AM	#2
Stanka Kordic SOG Member FT Professional Joined: Sep 2001 Location: Cleveland Heights, OH Posts: 184	Steven, You bring up a provacative subject. Oh, do I have experiences to share..won't bore you with all of them. Suffice is to say that now, nearing my 40th year, I have become the true lioness in defense of making a living in art. What I've learned is that it takes passion, committment, and quite a bit of business savvy. The last piece is the hardest for many of us to acquire because it takes a large portion of confidence. I have become so tired of the attitude the general public has about a living in the arts (whatever it may be). "Oh, how lovely that you are an artist!" But will those same people 'allow' their children to make it a career? No way. "Find something practical" (I teach occasionally at the high school level and have heard this). I have been a freelance illustrator, a painter showing in galleries, and ultimately, came full circle to my first love of portraiture. I've had to send the henchmen to threaten the corporate people who were notoriously late with payment...had to watch as the galleries took 40-50% of my profits after selling work...My resentments have grown, in tandem with my passion for what I (and all of you) do. Artists are important in this world. We should not be apologizing for what we charge. Yes, there may be less than quality work out there, but art is so subjective. The cream rises to the top.. No, I have no problem going to the bank and presenting big checks. In fact, I quietly enjoy the shock on people's faces (not art appreciators) when I openly discuss what I get for my work. What I really want to say is "..SO THERE!" I proudly announce that there are people out there earning 6 figures on art alone. Imagine! Steven, you may have been putting the brush to canvas for only 6 years, but you have been a painter since the day you were born. So there.