The Technicum has a couple of really interesting articles about the idea of artists making a living by having 1,000 true fans, the reality of what life is like for those artists, and of course the case against the 1,000 true fans model.
Having known my fair share of small artists, I’ve got to say it’s realistic, but difficult and uncertain enough that one really does want another revenue stream. The photographers I know both sell their work and work for just about anyone who’ll pay their day rate. The musicians both sell CDs and play any and all gigs they can get, from small concert venues to weddings and restaurants. The filmmakers and writers tend to hold underpaid and somewhat menial 9 to 5s in the industry, either by choice or through just plain bad luck.
It’s not easy, but they do it, and I think they’re all happier for it… Or, as is the case with so many creative people, it’s really the only option they’ve got that isn’t going to drive them mad, so it’s not really even a question at all. Those who are capable of holding a day job, well, they aren’t planning to quit just yet, health insurance isn’t cheap. I’m only trying it because the market for executive assistants isn’t exactly booming right now, seeing as even executives are getting laid off. It’s not the sort of choice one makes lightly.
