No, I do not starve as an artist
Recently, I had a personal experience that triggered something I have been witnessing throughout my life, something that many artists can relate to. Growing up, my teachers would ask me what my career goals were. Whenever I mentioned my passion for art, storytelling, and animation, most of the people that asked would judge me. Some typical answers were: “You like that? [inserts facial expression of judgment]”; “Someone so smart should not waste their intelligence in art.”,”I expected you to study something science related,” and “You will starve as an artist. You should follow a career that will bring food to the table”. If you have heard these statements before and can relate to my experience or know someone who can relate, keep reading. I want to share the truth and deep magic behind an artistic career.
Many people who have the wrong assumption that all artists starve by pursuing a creative career don’t really know the true meaning of following this passion. Pursuing this career is demanding and brings food to the table. It also allows the artists to find healing, sensibility, and meaning through their craft, which I believe many people lack. One of the main reasons I decided to follow my artistic passion is because I think art has the power to change and humanize people; I have experienced that as an individual myself. Through the most challenging moments of my life, I have been able to heal and push forward thanks to the work I make because it has been a tool for me to express what I feel and grow.
During these challenging times, artists are needed the most. The stories we tell through every piece we make, whether it is digital media, painting, drawing, fashion, film, etc., have the power to impact an audience. The beauty behind this craft is what makes the essence of humanity bloom. Of course, we take different intellectual approaches than a medic, lawyer, or engineer would take; however, the artist’s impact isn’t any less meaningful than these professions. The tear behind the viewer that sees themselves represented for the first time in film; the gasp of a bride when she sees the dress of her dreams; the powerful illustration that screams against injustices and war; all of this can only be achieved through art. I know that many artists like me want to be part of this essence that brings a little bit of light to the world, even though we’ve often been judged for making that decision.
Art also provides an intellectual aspect to the creator and the viewer. It was the first means of communication before language and the written word. We understand more of our history because of art… well, art itself is history. Creative careers also allow us to express our point of view against the world’s injustices. Abstract and literal art leaves the viewer reflecting on the message behind it all. That is truly what matters within creativity. On a different note, art also facilitates complex tasks in multiple professions. For example, designers are assets in medical fields to visualize the complexity of the human body, creating renders and animations of medical procedures. Same within the law department, where animators recreate crime scenes for attorneys to make decisions with a better visualization. A creative career is equally challenging and involves the same sacrifice as any other career. The multiple intellectual branches in which an artist can develop their craft should not be underestimated because, in the end, art is needed in every profession.
I particularly chose the path of digital lighting because, through this craft, I can bring realism and stories to the big screen as no other skill could let me. Lighting artists work like painters, but instead of manipulating a brush, we are responsible for controlling pixels to sell an impactful picture. The emotion and mood behind every film or every project I could be a part of is what moves me to do what I do. Not only the feeling that I put into it but mainly the desire to evoke a response from the viewer.
In the end, if you find yourself trapped in the pressure of those who think that “you will starve as an artist,” do not worry. Follow that dream, take that leap of faith and challenge the odds; the real starvation is that of the soul when you do not pursue your passion and share that unique need for creating art for the world.
