I agree with lesson 20 that you are likely to be poor. The art market is highly competitive and unpredictable, making it difficult to secure a stable income. Additionally, being an artist is expensive due to the high materials, education, and workspace costs. Traditional artists require costly supplies such as paints, canvases, brushes, sculpting tools, and various types of pastels; hard, oil, pan. While digital artists may require fewer physical materials, high-quality tablets and drawing software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate come with significant costs. Additionally, formal education in art can be costly, with tuition fees for art schools and workshops adding to financial burdens
Your art might not even be popular or worth any money while you’re alive. Vincent van Gogh, now celebrated as one of the greatest painters of all time, lived in poverty. His iconic works, including Starry Night and Sunflowers, were largely unappreciated during his life but are now worth millions. Unlike salaried professions, artists often rely on commissions, which can be inconsistent and difficult to secure. Pursuing art as a career is financially risky, with no guarantee of success Without an established reputation, potential buyers may be reluctant to invest in an artist’s work. Collectors and galleries tend to favor artists with existing recognition or exhibited pieces, creating additional barriers for emerging artists.
Art is a luxury rather than a necessity. Many people cannot afford or prioritize purchasing art, especially during economic downturns. While some artists do achieve financial success, the path is uncertain, and the likelihood of struggling financially is high.