Curated Muse

Having a Non-Art Job Doesn't Make You Less of an Artist

Aunia Kahn & Michael de Vena

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The myth of the starving artist has done more harm to creative communities than perhaps any other cultural narrative. Somewhere along the way, we've bought into the romanticized notion that "real" artists must suffer for their craft, that having a steady paycheck somehow diminishes artistic authenticity, and that true dedication to art requires choosing between creativity and financial stability.

It's time to retire this harmful stereotype once and for all.