It’s easy to look at someone struggling and think, “They’re just not trying hard enough.” This often happens when we talk about poverty, and it’s something I’ve seen up close, especially in the art world.
As an artist, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to make a living. My journey started with graphic design, freelancing on websites and branding. But I always wanted to focus on my own painting. Now, I run an Etsy shop, selling prints and original work. It’s a dream, but it’s also a constant hustle.
People often see artists as just dabbling, or as people who simply aren’t motivated enough to get a “real job.” They might say, “Why don’t they just get a stable 9-to-5?” or “They should be better at marketing themselves.”
But that perspective misses a huge part of the picture. It ignores the systemic issues that make it incredibly difficult for many, including artists, to thrive. Think about it: there aren’t always clear career paths, art supplies can be expensive, and getting your work seen requires navigating complex platforms and often unpaid exposure.
It’s not about individual failure; it’s about the structures in place. Access to education, fair wages, affordable housing, and even healthcare – these are things that many people don’t have equal access to. When these fundamental supports are shaky, it’s much harder for anyone, regardless of how hard they work, to escape difficult financial situations.
For artists, this means that talent and dedication alone often aren’t enough. We’re up against a system that doesn’t always value creative work or provide the safety nets that other professions might have. It’s easy to blame the individual artist for not being successful enough, but it’s more accurate to look at the broader economic and cultural environment.
Understanding this difference is crucial. It shifts the focus from personal blame to creating better systems that support everyone. It means recognizing that when people struggle, it’s often not because they aren’t trying, but because the odds are stacked against them. And for creatives trying to build something unique, that’s a reality we face every day.