The blog Design for Mankind has a great series going on called the dailies, where successful artists/designers photo journal a day in their life. A fun and interesting way for people to get an inside look into the lives of fellow artists and bloggers. The current daily features Marisa from Creative Thursday, where she shared her fabulous day of working on her art, playing with her pets, taking a relaxing nap, and finishing it off with yoga. Great day right?! Many of the dailies feature people who work from home and are actively pursing their dreams as an artist. I wanted to know how they can afford to do this...how did they DO IT?!
So, I posted the question and received real life advice and experiences from Kelly Lynn Jones on Little Paper Planes, Mav on port2port press, and the daily feature Marisa. They mention that in order to financially survive you have to budget, be involved in several money generating projects, and have an encouraging support system of friends. I'm truly excited about the responses and glad to have this topic open for discussion - thanks again Design for Mankind!
Go on and check out the post and look through the comments. If you are an independent artist that escaped the 9-5 - tell us your story! I think most artists and designers struggle with this situation and are continuously looking for advice on this topic. How do you become financially, mentally, and creatively happy?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Living a Fulfilled Life
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10 comments:
I'm so glad you asked the question! I'm in the process of starting my own business, and it's definitely scary stuff, so it's nice to know that it can be done!
so glad i could help!! its tough out there but its completely possible!! good luck!
Great topic. I always wonder, particularly with the amount of amazingly creative people out there, is anyone actually making any decent money?
There are also many "down to earth"
problems that occur when you have a work at home job. Please don't forget about medical & dental insurance, life insurance, paid sick days, vacations, social security taxes, 401K and retirement plans, perks, etc. Sometimes you have to be careful about what you wish for. Please think deeply if you don't have any other source of income or financial help.
Thanks everyone for the input - glad to know there is hope!
Paisley - good question. I think when people make this decision they do it more for creative freedom, and hope that money will follow. There has to be decent $$ for artists, but the key is budget and being involved in many projects. Sounds tough, but maybe all the hard stuff is overshadowed by the love for your job.
bookkeeper - good points. Any input from current independent artists? Is there lower cost health care available for artist? Again, I think people who take this road prefer passion for their work versus corporate perks.
I wish, wish, wish, wish I could do this!! Thanks for asking the question.
My dear Diana--- you've posed quite the question here! It seems everyone has something to learn from your thoughts; thank you SO much for utilizing the Dailes as a catalyst for further life exploration!
I plan to turn the comment section into a post of sorts for easier access--- there's some GREAT, great advice in there, so be on the lookout!
Thanks again, my dear.
Design for Mankind - can't wait to see your post on this. Definitely a great topic to discuss.
ya i think its important to think of all the extras. I have a savings that i put money into every month (not a lot yet but a little ) i am going to start an IRA at some point as well...(i also have an account where i put money aside monthly that goes towards taxes for the end of the year and for sales tax i collect throughout the year) i also pay out of pocket monthly for my health insurance. (i dont have dental right now so i just pay out of pocket for cleanings) i also pay for renters insurance as well..but you do get to write all that off including some rent. As far as making a decent living. I think thats all relative and can change monthly which is why its good to have a savings for those bad months. some months i do extremely well and other months not so good. i think its good to plan for the bad months which a budget it important. i just think that nothing is a for sure thing whether you are self employed or work for someone else and with all "work" there are going to have upsides and downsides. however you just have to be true to yourself and do what you believe in since this is it. You might as well do what you love whatever that may be!
kelly lynn jones - sounds great that you are saving and budgeting. I agree to do what you love, even if that means making some sacrifices. The way success is defined is different for everyone.
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