The dream of becoming an artist might not be what you expect. Research reveals professional musicians are nowhere near as mentally healthy as hobbyists. They deal with anxiety and depression more often. I’ve watched many gifted people hit rock bottom in the art world’s harsh reality. The idea of chasing your passion sounds romantic, but the truth tells a different story.
Money problems make things worse for artists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows some US artists earned less than $9.10 per hour back in 2010. Artists struggle with unpredictable income and work schedules. Limited job prospects create endless money worries. Would you risk your mental peace and bank account to chase a dream? A Stanford University’s research suggests that being too focused on one dream while missing other chances can hold you back. Maybe it’s time we looked at what living creatively really means.
The emotional cost of chasing the dream
“You can’t be creative if you’re burnt out.” — NAINA, Artist and contributor to Pirate.com
Social media loves those inspirational “follow your dreams” posts about creative careers. The reality behind the canvas or writing desk tells a different story. Your emotional wellbeing pays a heavy price that few people talk about.
Burnout and creative fatigue
Creative burnout hits many artists hard. You feel completely exhausted, lose touch with your creative instincts, and get stuck in a cycle where nothing gets done. Simple tasks become overwhelming. New projects bring anxiety instead of excitement1. Your body shows signs through constant tiredness, lack of drive, poor focus, headaches and sleepless nights2.
Artists usually burn out from working too much, poor life balance, perfectionism, and creating just for money rather than joy1. One study puts it simply: “Your mind suffers when your body struggles. My creativity dried up because my body was in poor condition and I had no energy”1.
Creativity naturally flows up and down. Taking breaks helps you create better art and stay healthy. Artists need to understand this basic truth.
The pressure to constantly produce
Artists today face endless pressure to perform and create3. Social media wants constant content. One artist describes it as “a pressure to keep pumping the work out…even in times when the creative juices just aren’t flowing”3.
This hurts artists because real creativity needs space to breathe. Another artist says it best: “The world is so full of ever-changing content. I don’t want to create content. I want to create art”4.
Research backs this up. A Harvard Business Review study found that “when creativity is under the gun, it usually ends up getting killed”5. The message is clear – pressure to create often kills your ability to make authentic work.
Mental health struggles in the art world
Art and mental health challenges go hand in hand. A detailed study of over one million people at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute found writers faced higher risks of anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, depression, and substance abuse. Writers were twice as likely to die by suicide compared to others6.
Yet something unexpected shows up in research. Artists often show both higher psychological vulnerabilities and strengths. Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence found artists scored higher on stress and anxiety but also showed more hope, ego resilience, and psychological wellbeing7.
Sharing creative work makes you vulnerable. Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle explains this well: “Psychological vulnerabilities give people a different viewpoint, maybe even understanding suffering or knowledge of a broader range of human experience”7. Without support, these vulnerabilities can overwhelm you.
The “tortured artist” myth makes everything worse. People start believing that great art needs suffering. This dangerous idea hides how mental distress can block creativity completely8.
Should you chase your dreams if it might cost your mental health? No easy answers exist, but you should know these risks before you start your artistic journey.
The financial reality most artists face
Artists face harsh financial realities that go beyond emotional challenges. The numbers paint a grim picture when dreams clash with economic realities.
Inconsistent income and job insecurity
An artistic career’s biggest problem is financial instability. The statistics are alarming – 76% of new music artists can’t sustain their careers financially9. Visual artists struggle too. U.S. artists’ median annual income reached only $20,000 in 2017, which is half of what the average U.S. worker makes10.
Artists piece together multiple income sources to survive. About 82% of musicians work outside their field to support themselves, and 56% hold full-time jobs elsewhere9. The picture looks similar for visual artists – 61% take freelance work, and 42% need other jobs11. New York’s artists face tough times too, where 57.3% earned under $25,000 in 2022, and all but one of these artists made less than $50,00012.
Job security remains elusive. About 45.5% of New York’s artists depend on temporary positions and gig work12. The situation looks dire as 63% couldn’t handle a surprise $400 expense without credit—showing how financially vulnerable they are12.
The myth of the ‘starving artist’
The “starving artist” story has stuck around for generations, though it’s not entirely accurate. Financial struggles exist, but not every artist needs to live in poverty. UK charity Nesta’s research shows creative careers are growing faster since they’re harder to automate13.
This myth hurts artists in two ways. It weakens those who want to market their work professionally. Plus, it scares talented young people away from creative careers because they worry about money14.
Of course, some artists earn good money. Creative jobs can pay anywhere from $45,000 to $160,000 yearly13. Yet success stories remain rare – only 19% of visual artists earn more than $50,000 per year11.
Why passion doesn’t pay the bills
The arts sector has always taken advantage of its workers’ passion. “Passion doesn’t pay the bills” rings true for many creative professionals. One industry observer points out, “For as long as I can remember, the arts have relied on a combination of the passion of its workforce and an inherently elitist system that favors those whose livelihoods don’t depend on an arts salary”15.
This “pay to play” system makes it tough for anyone without financial backing to enter artistic fields. More than half of arts sector workers (56%) need extra jobs to survive16. The idea of “paying your dues” hides an uncomfortable truth – following your dreams often needs privilege.
Studio owners often buy into this problematic story. They undercharge, skip financial planning, and accept struggle as part of their artistic trip17. Artists fall behind financially while watching their non-creative friends achieve stability, which takes an emotional toll.
The question remains – should you chase your dreams if it means giving up financial security? The numbers suggest you should think twice and maybe reshape that dream itself.
When following your dream becomes a trap
Artists face a hidden trap that goes beyond money problems or burnout. The way they chase creative dreams can become a mental prison. This trap starts innocently but ends up limiting their lives substantially.
Your art shouldn’t define you
Something dangerous happens when you mix who you are with what you create. Experts call this career enmeshment – a state where your personal identity merges completely with your job. Many artists base their entire self-image on their creative work. This makes any career changes or failures hit harder.
The worst cases lead to identity engulfment, where labels like “painter” or “musician” take over everything. Your whole life – your confidence, relationships, daily habits – revolves around your art. One performer put it perfectly: “I spent my whole life building an intricate sandcastle, only to have it washed away in an instant.”
Artists who fuse their identity with their work see creative blocks as personal failures instead of temporary setbacks.
Validation from others becomes addictive
Artists often depend too much on what others think. Their close connection to their work makes every criticism feel personal. They become defensive and stop taking risks that could help them grow.
The need for validation goes deeper than just wanting approval. Artists get hooked on praise from fans, critics, and awards. Without these constant pats on the back, they question their worth. This creates a cycle where they make art to please others rather than express themselves.
This fear holds them back. Industry experts notice how artists often see themselves as “almost there but never fully successful.” This mindset becomes a barrier they can’t overcome.
Life offers more paths than one
Focusing only on artistic success comes at a high price. Studies show artists with debt over $50,000 leave their field more often than those with less debt. Many realize these limitations too late, after spending years chasing one goal.
The dream becomes a cage instead of freedom. Artists who keep day jobs often make better art. They can take more risks because they don’t worry about money. Their work feels more genuine and meaningful without commercial pressure.
Should you chase your dreams? Better to ask how you can reshape those dreams to include different ways of being creative and fulfilled.
Stories of artists who quit and thrived
The most inspiring artistic success stories don’t always start with people chasing their dreams. Some artists found their greatest achievements after completely reimagining their paths. Their stories show how creative fulfillment often comes from unexpected directions.
Georgia O’Keeffe’s creative rebirth
Georgia O’Keeffe’s art took a dramatic turn after she first visited New Mexico in 1929. She spent her summers there at first, then made it her permanent home after her husband died in 1946. This move to a new place sparked her creativity. The stark landscapes and cultural elements of New Mexico gave her work a completely new direction.
O’Keeffe’s story becomes even more remarkable when you consider that she lost her central vision to macular degeneration at 73. She didn’t give up. She painted her last solo oil work in 1972 and kept creating with help until she turned 90. Her dedication paid off financially too. Her painting “Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1” sold for $44 million in 2014, setting a record price for any female artist’s work18.
Charles Bukowski’s late success
Charles Bukowski shows us it’s never too late to succeed. He quit his steady postal job at 49 with these famous words: “I have one of two choices—stay in the post office and go crazy…or stay out here and play at writer and starve. I have decided to starve”19.
Three weeks later, Bukowski finished his first novel “Post Office” [link_2]. This book about his life sold a million copies20. He wrote 60 more books over the next 24 years and became a literary legend despite his late start20. The once “starving artist” left behind $4 million when he died20.
Modern examples of reinvention
Today’s successful artists often flourish after leaving traditional creative careers. Many find their sweet spot teaching or mentoring others, which gives them both money and creative satisfaction. Others create their best work when they stop worrying about selling it.
One artist talked about leaving her engineering career: “I had a wonderful job—great boss, great work crew, great 401K plan. So it was just crazy for me to leave—but I felt like if I didn’t at least try, I would be one of those people on the radio”21. She struggled for a few years but built a good career doing portraits and commissions.
A creative professional who left full-time teaching shared some wisdom about “learning to be very protective of your creative time and treating it as though it is the most precious substance on Earth”21. This new way of thinking – putting creative process before money – often separates artists who burn out from those who last.
Redefining what it means to be an artist
A new way to look at your artistic identity can lead to fulfillment beyond traditional success. You don’t have to choose between giving up creativity or suffering for it. There’s a middle path that values both your artistic spirit and wellbeing.
Creating without the pressure to succeed
Creativity suffers under anxiety and stress. A Georgetown University study revealed that artists with less creative anxiety achieved more in life and felt better overall. The need to create “successful” art ends up stifling the creative drive that makes work meaningful.
“I believe when you get your conscious and subconscious on the same wavelength, it opens you to the chance to live your best artist’s life,” one artist shared. This change in mindset sees success and failure as useful information rather than measures of personal worth.
Exploring new roles: teacher, mentor, collaborator
Artists often find fulfillment through different creative paths. Teaching helps them share their craft while earning steady income. These roles create direct connections with buyers and collectors.
Artists’ collaborative work combines unique strengths to create remarkable results. Working across disciplines brings fresh views that redefine the limits of what solo artists might achieve. One collaborative arts program notes, “With this in mind, it’s essential for artists to be able to participate in artistic collaboration.”
Letting go of the need to ‘make it’
Not trying too hard often leads to genuine expression. “To participate in the arts is to build space for communities to grow,” a creative instructor noted. This view sees art as a language of connection rather than just achievement.
Artists serve as “society’s bastions of empathy and instigators of new views.” Their role needs them to stay true to their intuitive spirit without seeking external validation. Art’s magic comes from its power to create spaces where people process perceptions, emotions, and feelings together.
Conclusion
Making art as a career comes with its share of challenges. Money problems, burnout, and losing yourself in the work create roadblocks that the “follow your dreams” story rarely talks about. Only a handful of artists find both creative satisfaction and steady income.
In spite of that, artists don’t have to choose between giving up their creativity or struggling forever. Many find better ways to express themselves once they step away from the usual path. Take Georgia O’Keeffe and Charles Bukowski – they found their best work by reimagining their creative experience, not by holding onto their original dreams.
On top of that, it feels more real to create without the pressure to make money. Artists who used to work full-time often feel free when they make art because they want to, not because they have to pay bills. This change lets them create from a place of abundance rather than lack.
Of course, we should take a closer look at this “starving artist” story. The art world has always taken advantage of passionate creators and keeps supporting systems that work best for people with money. Seeing this truth doesn’t mean giving up on creativity—it just means we need to question these myths about suffering for your art.
The real question isn’t about following your dreams – it’s about reshaping them. Success might look different than you first thought. You could teach, mentor, work with others, or create your own way without needing anyone’s approval. This new way of thinking makes room for both creativity and personal well-being, and that helps build a more eco-friendly and rewarding artistic life.
FAQs
Q1. Is pursuing a career as an artist financially sustainable? For most artists, achieving financial stability can be challenging. Studies show that the median annual income for artists is often significantly lower than the overall workforce, with many relying on multiple income sources or jobs outside their artistic field to make ends meet.
Q2. How does being an artist impact mental health? Artists often face higher risks of mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and burnout due to the pressures of constant creation, financial instability, and the need for external validation. However, many artists also report higher levels of psychological resilience and well-being.
Q3. What are some alternative paths for artists? Many artists find fulfillment through teaching, mentoring, or collaborating. These roles can provide steady income while allowing for creative expression. Some artists also discover greater satisfaction by creating without commercial pressure, treating art as a passionate hobby rather than a full-time career.
Q4. How can artists deal with creative burnout? Recognizing that creativity naturally ebbs and flows is crucial. Taking breaks, setting realistic goals, and creating without the pressure to succeed commercially can help prevent burnout. It’s also important to maintain a work-life balance and not tie one’s entire identity to artistic output.
Q5. Is it possible to pursue art while maintaining financial stability? Yes, but it often requires careful planning and flexibility. Many successful artists balance their creative pursuits with other work, develop multiple income streams, or redefine success on their own terms. Some find that having a stable job actually allows for more creative freedom in their art.
References
[1] – https://christinagreve.com/the-art-of-overcoming-a-creative-burnout/
[2] – https://www.woodburncorner.com/burnblog/handling-burnout-and-staying-motivated-as-an-artist
[3] – https://sofydolldesigns.com/the-pressure-to-create/
[4] – https://www.instagram.com/caraghcreative/p/DAphiW-S3Ey/
[5] – https://dailyfreepress.com/11/16/22/183505/
[6] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creativity_and_mental_health
[7] – https://news.artnet.com/art-world/artists-psychology-yale-study-1848138
[8] – https://morningside.uoregon.edu/mental-health-and-the-arts/
[9] – https://mixmag.net/read/new-artists-career-financially-unsustainable-study-news
[10] – https://artpiq.net/blogs/news/why-its-hard-to-be-an-artist-in-the-us
[11] – https://news.artnet.com/art-world/artist-financial-stability-survey-1300895
[12] – https://hyperallergic.com/932243/most-ny-artists-are-financially-unstable-survey-finds/
[13] – https://www.hfa.ucsb.edu/news-entries/2019/4/16/debunking-the-myth-of-the-starving-artist
[14] – https://www.forbes.com/sites/celinnedacosta/2020/09/18/the-truth-about-starving-artists-and-how-you-can-avoid-this-trap/
[15] – https://internationalartsmanager.com/passion-doesnt-pay-the-bills/
[16] – https://nonprofitquarterly.org/passion-doesnt-pay-the-rent-why-the-arts-must-embrace-pay-equity/
[17] – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/passion-doesnt-pay-bills-why-studio-owners-must-treat-kathryn-raats-nsdac?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=articles_sitemaps&utm_medium=google_news
[18] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_O%27Keeffe
[19] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bukowski
[20] – https://justintaylorblog.medium.com/the-remarkable-story-of-charles-bukowski-949b52df5131
[21] – https://creativepinellas.org/magazine/transitioning-to-i-dont-have-a-day-job/