Coffee Conundrums / October 16 2003
In a recent study, 68% of artists said they earned under $20,000 for their art per year. But 73% were satisfied with their careers.
I think US News forgot to mention that they probably live in Boondocks, Wyoming, where the cost of living is a little more than Zimbabwe. Moreover, that they felt no need for cable television or high-speed internet. And of course, there was absolutely no mention of the fact they only ate hot dogs made of mincemeat.
I see so many people pay upwards of $160,000 to get an education in the arts, and I think to myself how useless their degree is. Ultimately, it always boils down to one simple fact:
You can't teach talent.
We live in the days where everyone who owns a copy of Photoshop calls themselves a designer. I've seen people who deserve that title, but most don't. In fact, I'm not even so sure about myself, but unfortunately it's a moniker I'm forced to use in order to save my own little corner in this crazy world. The point remains that there are far less successes than those who think they have talent.
I like encouragement, and I like to encourage. But practicality is always key, otherwise a smile is similar to driving a stake through someone's heart. Wishing is bad, and hope is worse.
There is no luck—just how much you truly believe in yourself.
HEAVY ROTATION It's been a long time coming, but The Weakerthans' Reconstruction Site is hands down one of the best CDs I've ever heard. They're playing at the Knitting Factory on October 28. You should be there.
