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The idea of the starving artist is as much self perpetuated as anything. It is possible to make a living as a visual artist in the US- but there are so many things to understand on that front that it can be somewhat overwhelming.

You have to have a market, and you have to cater to it. You cannot make a living as a visual artist without sales of some kind, and it does not violate your artistic integrity to sell your artwork. You are in charge of your artistic integrity- just you.

The ignorant- or whatever you call them- will insult you, repeatedly. Why are you charging so much? That didn't take you very long to paint, did it? I'm going to go home and paint that for myself. Could you change that one color? If you had that in a different color I might buy it. Maybe "insult" is too strong a word, but they sure feel like slaps in the face, don't they?

Have prepared responses to the worst, most frequently asked questions, and make it water off a duck's back. It costs a certain amount because that is how much the market will support- what people are willing to pay. It has taken you your entire life- all your training and inspiration- to create any given piece. And if they're going to copy it- and I've seen the crap that can result from that- it's easiest to ignore it, but you can also quietly mention copyright infringement.

And then you can really enjoy the successes life brings you- and spend all your time making more artwork!

Learn more about this author, Kellie Hall.
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