The Trap of Working for Free: Why Artists Deserve to Thrive

What job would you do for free?

In a world where passion meets profession, the question of what job one would do for free often sparks contemplation. Many may cite noble professions or pursuits they love, but for artists, this question is a nuanced trap, a riddle with a vital lesson at its core.

As an artist myself, I must confess that my immediate response to this question would be that I’d happily create art without any financial compensation. However, upon deeper reflection, I realise that this response is not only flawed but potentially harmful to the entire artistic community.

The truth is, I aspire to be a thriving artist. Yet, for an artist to truly thrive, they must break free from the shackles of working for free. It’s a harsh reality, but one that is essential for the sustainability and growth of artists worldwide.

The notion that artists should create for free solely out of love for their craft is a romanticised fallacy. It perpetuates the stereotype of the starving artist and undermines the value of creative work. Artists deserve to be compensated fairly for their time, skill, and creativity.

Charging for one’s art is not about greed; it’s about recognising the value of your work and asserting your worth in the marketplace. Art is not just a hobby or a pastime; it is a profession that requires dedication, skill, and investment. By devaluing our work and offering it for free, we diminish the perceived value of art as a whole.

Artists should base their pricing not solely on talent or the number of hours spent creating but on the demand for their work and the unique value it brings to the audience. Your art is not just a product; it is an experience, a reflection of your soul poured onto the canvas or sculpted into form.

It’s time for artists to break free from the guilt of charging for their work. Just because you love what you do doesn’t mean you should do it for free. By charging what you’re worth, you’re not only investing in your own success but also in the future of the artistic community.

So, the next time someone asks me what job I would do for free, I’ll confidently say that I am an artist, a thriving artist, and I deserve to be compensated for my craft. Let’s shatter the myth of the starving artist and build a world where artists can thrive, not just survive.