Art & Success

December 19, 2024


Success is often portrayed as a destination—an end goal that signifies the pinnacle of one's efforts, the final acknowledgment of one's worth. In the world of art, however, success is frequently framed as something to be scorned, something that comes only at the cost of true artistic integrity. “An artist should work for themselves, for the love of art,” they say. “Forget about success. Success is a distraction, a betrayal of your creative soul.”

But let’s pause for a moment. This narrative, while romantic, is ultimately a false one. An artist does not just need success; they deserve it. Not just as a means of financial survival, but as an essential part of realizing their creative vision. After all, art is not just about creation—it’s about communication. It’s about connection. And that connection requires an audience. It requires recognition. It requires success.

Paradox of the Struggling Artist

The image of the “starving artist,” toiling away in obscurity for the sake of their craft, is one that many of us hold dear. The idea that true artistry comes only through sacrifice, and that success somehow taints the purity of the artist’s intent, is deeply embedded in the cultural narrative.

But let’s dissect this a bit. While it’s true that an artist should remain true to their personal vision and creative integrity, the idea that success is inherently a compromise is flawed. In fact, an artist needs success to fully realize their work. Success is not just about fame or fortune—it’s about the ability to continue creating, to have the resources and opportunities to push the boundaries of one’s craft, to reach a wider audience, and to make a lasting impact.

Even a rich painter, for instance, should know success. Some might argue that wealth taints an artist’s vision, but in reality, financial success can empower an artist to focus more deeply on their work without the constant pressures of survival. It allows them to experiment, to take risks, to challenge the status quo.

Public and the Art World’s Harsh Reality

Let’s be honest: few people truly understand art. Not everyone is sensitive to the subtleties of painting or music or sculpture. The general public judges a work of art not only on its intrinsic quality but also on its success—its ability to capture attention, provoke thought, and stir emotions in a way that resonates with them. The majority, whether we like it or not, judges art by how widely it is celebrated, not how technically accomplished it is.

This is why we often see successful artists—those who flatter public taste—earning the lion’s share of recognition. It’s a cycle: public taste drives success, and success drives more public attention. But here’s the catch: success should not be reserved solely for those who cater to mass appeal.

Why should success always be given to the artists who play it safe, who pander to the whims of the crowd? Why should the artists who follow the trends, or who fit into the molds set by the mainstream, be the only ones to bask in success? Shouldn’t success be open to the bold innovators, the rule-breakers, the ones who challenge the status quo? There’s no law that says only those who flatter public taste deserve success.

Proving Success Without Compromise

I want to tell you something important: I have seen it firsthand. Success can be achieved without compromise. In fact, it’s often when an artist refuses to follow the beaten path, when they go against the grain, that they can find success on their own terms.

Take, for instance, the artist who refuses to adhere to the dictates of the marketplace, the one who insists on creating something new and original, even if it’s difficult for the public to digest at first. Over time, this defiance, this commitment to personal expression, may be what leads to the greatest success—success that is earned through innovation and persistence, not through pandering.

Success does not have to mean selling out. It does not have to mean compromising one’s artistic integrity to gain recognition. It is possible to carve out a path that stays true to one’s vision while also achieving the success necessary to make that vision known and appreciated.

Artist's Right to Success

The notion that success in art is somehow antithetical to true creativity is an outdated and limiting belief. The artist’s pursuit of success is not about betraying their craft—it’s about giving their work the recognition it deserves. It’s about ensuring that the value of their creation is acknowledged, not only by a small, select group but by a larger public that can engage with, appreciate, and be transformed by it.

Art cannot exist in a vacuum. It is meant to be shared, to touch lives, to influence thought. Without success—without recognition—art risks fading into obscurity. So, the next time someone tells you to scorn success in favor of pure artistic expression, remember: success and artistry are not enemies. They are partners in the journey of bringing something meaningful into the world.