Are You Selling Out by Selling Your Artwork?

Are you selling out by selling your artwork or committing a major faux pas by even considering putting a price on your work? How dare you call yourself an artist!

Of course I’m laughing and rolling my eyes as I type that.

The idea of being a sell out for selling your artwork is ridiculous. Even the Old Masters like Da Vinci and Michelangelo got paid. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Image ID: 164933154 Copyright: benzoix)

I’m not even sure where in history that thinking popped up or why. A long time ago, for sure. But even as far back as Da Vinci and Michelangelo, artists were getting paid. They had patrons. Wealthy and influential individuals who paid them to create art. Would you call either of those gentlemen a sell out??

I think not.

Somewhere along the line though, the image of the suffering, starving artist took hold. You didn’t make any money until you died. It’s why my mom cried when I told her I was changing my major to art. Seriously.

Any other service or specialty charges for their work. Need an electrician or a plumber? You expect to pay them. Need a new roof? Yep, you’ll pay them too. Car needs work? You’ll pay a mechanic.

Now think about this one…

Any product you buy had an artist behind its design. From products to the packages they come in. And guess what? They got paid! They’re called product designers these days. The car you’re driving? Transportation designers. The clothes…