How can I deal with people telling me to find a "fallback" as an artist?

The page suggests that those who aren't artists often don't understand the artist's journey and operate from outdated stereotypes and their own fears. It encourages you not to let their fears stop you, as this can lead to a disappointing life.

What does it mean for artists to "fall forward" instead of "fall back"?

"Falling forward" implies embracing your artistic path with courage and taking proactive steps, rather than seeking a safer, alternative career. The page encourages artists to watch a video to discover more about this concept and to "jump" into their artistic journey.

Why do some people hold onto the "starving artist" stereotype?

The page explains that those who aren't artists often don't understand the unique journey of an artist. They may be holding onto outdated stereotypes and project their own life compromises and fears, believing an art career is willfully irresponsible.

Where can I find support if I'm struggling to keep faith in my artist's journey?

The page explicitly states that if you're struggling to keep the faith, a linked video is for you. It's presented as a resource to help artists understand why they don't need to fall back, but rather fall forward.

Artists Don't Need a Fallback: How to Thrive in Your Creative Career

I have a question for you: Artist journey

How many times have people told you that as an artist you really need to find “something to fall back on”?

It sucks, doesn’t it?

The truth is that civilians, those people who aren’t artists, rarely understand the artist’s journey.

They’re still holding onto that outdated stereotype of the ‘starving artist’. They compromise in their own life choices and assume that we should do the same. They believe that choosing to pursue an art career is willfully irresponsible.

They’re wrong.

And allowing other people’s fears to stop you, is a recipe for disappointing life.

If you’re struggling to keep the faith on your artist’s journey then this video is for you. Watch it now and discover why I think artists don’t need to fall back. They need to fall forward.

And jump!

Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How can I deal with people telling me to find a "fallback" as an artist?: The page suggests that those who aren't artists often don't understand the artist's journey and operate from outdated stereotypes and their own fears. It encourages you not to let their fears stop you, as this can lead to a disappointing life.
2 What does it mean for artists to "fall forward" instead of "fall back"?: "Falling forward" implies embracing your artistic path with courage and taking proactive steps, rather than seeking a safer, alternative career. The page encourages artists to watch a video to discover more about this concept and to "jump" into their artistic journey.
3 Why do some people hold onto the "starving artist" stereotype?: The page explains that those who aren't artists often don't understand the unique journey of an artist. They may be holding onto outdated stereotypes and project their own life compromises and fears, believing an art career is willfully irresponsible.
4 Where can I find support if I'm struggling to keep faith in my artist's journey?: The page explicitly states that if you're struggling to keep the faith, a linked video is for you. It's presented as a resource to help artists understand why they don't need to fall back, but rather fall forward.

Artists Don't Need a Fallback: How to Thrive in Your Creative Career

See Your Art Career with Fresh Eyes

Frequently Asked Questions