Artists do not earn income from sales ^44%

The Myth of Artistic Success: Why Artists Struggle to Earn Income from Sales

As an artist, I've often found myself pondering the age-old question: why do artists struggle to earn a living from their work? It's a topic that has puzzled me for years, and one that I'm about to delve into in this article. The reality is that many artists face significant financial struggles, despite their best efforts to sell their work.

The Broken Business Model

Artists are often expected to be entrepreneurs, responsible for promoting their own work, managing sales, and navigating the complex world of art marketing. However, few are equipped with the necessary business skills or resources to succeed in this arena.

• Lack of access to traditional funding sources
• Limited understanding of market trends and consumer behavior
• Insufficient time and resources to devote to marketing and promotion

The Middleman Problem

In most cases, artists don't get to keep the majority of the money earned from their work. Galleries, dealers, and other middlemen often take a significant cut of the sale price, leaving the artist with a fraction of the profit.

• Gallery commissions can range from 30% to 50%
• Dealers may charge artists for services like framing, shipping, or insurance
• Online marketplaces may take a commission on each sale

The Value of Art as an Investment

Art is often seen as a luxury item, with many collectors buying pieces not just for their aesthetic value but also as a potential investment. However, this focus on art as an investment can lead to a devaluation of the artist's time and labor.

• Artists are expected to create work that will appreciate in value over time
• The emphasis on art as an investment can lead to a lack of support for emerging artists
• The true value of artistic labor is often overlooked

Conclusion

The truth is, artists do not earn income from sales in the way that most people assume. Instead, they face a complex web of challenges and obstacles that make it difficult to succeed financially. By acknowledging these realities and working together to create a more equitable system, we can begin to shift the conversation around artistic success and the value of creative labor.