For too long, society has treated art as a mere hobby, a side gig, or something to do "until you get a real job." This mindset dismisses the dedication, skill, and labor that artists pour into their craft. The truth is, being an artist is a real job, and it’s time we start recognizing it as such.
1. Art Requires Skill, Training, and Hard Work
Art isn’t just about talent—it’s about practice, discipline, and continuous learning. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, musician, writer, or any other kind of artist, you have to hone your skills, refine your techniques, and often study for years to master your craft. Many artists invest in formal education, training under mentors, or self-teaching through countless hours of trial and error. If an engineer or doctor is respected for their years of study, why should an artist be any different?
2. Artists Provide Essential Contributions to Society
Art is everywhere—it shapes our culture, enriches our lives, and even impacts our mental well-being. The books we read, the music we listen to, the films we watch, and even the design of the clothes we wear all stem from artists. Imagine a world without paintings, storytelling, or creative expression. It would be bleak, uninspired, and empty. Artists shape history and spark revolutions through their work. That kind of influence deserves recognition.
3. Art Is a Business
Many artists don’t just create for passion; they sell their work, manage their own businesses, and market themselves. A painter who sells their pieces, a tattoo artist with a full schedule, or a musician who performs gigs is running a business just like any entrepreneur. They handle finances, contracts, social media, networking, and branding—all of which are essential business skills. If running a business is considered a real job, then being an artist is, too.
4. Artists Work Just as Hard as Other Professions
The idea that artists “just make pretty things” underestimates the mental and emotional labor involved in creativity. Many artists spend long, exhausting hours perfecting their work, often juggling multiple projects at once. Whether it’s a writer meeting deadlines, a performer rehearsing for months, or a sculptor refining every tiny detail, artistic labor is real labor. And let’s not forget the instability—many artists work harder than traditional employees just to make ends meet.
5. The Economy Thrives on Art
The creative industry generates billions of dollars globally. Art galleries, music festivals, film industries, tattoo parlors, fashion, and even video game design all rely on artists. Without them, entire sectors of the economy would collapse. When people dismiss art as “not a real job,” they ignore the massive financial contributions that artists make every year.
6. Art Is a Calling—But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Free
Just because someone is passionate about their work doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be compensated for it. Society often expects artists to create for exposure or for free, as if their passion is payment enough. But passion doesn’t pay rent. Artists deserve fair wages, respect, and acknowledgment for the work they do—just like anyone in any other field.
Final Thoughts
Being an artist is just as legitimate as any other career. It requires skill, effort, resilience, and business savvy. Art shapes culture, drives economies, and enriches lives—there’s no denying its value. So the next time someone questions whether being an artist is a real job, remind them that the world wouldn’t function without creativity. Artists are workers. And it’s time we all start recognizing that.