The Myth of the Starving Artist
By Sharon Marshall, Executive Director, CARFAC BC
Artists deserve more than survival. They deserve recognition and fair pay.
We have all heard the term “starving artist.” It has been repeated so often that it almost feels true. For centuries, literature and art have portrayed struggling artists as noble souls who sacrificed fame, fortune, and comfort to pursue their craft. Over time, this reinforced the notion that suffering was a necessary ingredient of artistic genius.
So why do we cling to this myth? How does it harm artists and communities? And is this really how society values creativity?
Where the Myth Comes From
The image of the starving artist has deep roots. It emerged from the absolute poverty many artists endured in Paris and beyond. Van Gogh died penniless. Dylan Thomas lived in hardship.
Stories of 19th-century poets and painters scraping by in drafty lofts became symbols of authenticity. Popular culture has kept the stereotype alive, often portraying artists as tortured geniuses who must suffer to create. Along the way, struggle was elevated as proof of an artist’s worth.
The Harmful Impact
Myths have consequences. The starving artist ideology suggests that exposure or passion is sufficient payment and normalizes low or unpaid work. This line of thinking discourages young artists from pursuing their craft seriously by warning them that they will “never make a living at it.” It can also fuel impostor syndrome, with artists questioning whether they are “real” because they are not struggling enough.
The Truth About Artists Today
The reality is more complex and far more inspiring. Today’s artists are building careers, teaching, leading, and shaping society in countless ways. They are also small-business owners, educators, and community leaders. They bring imagination and vision to every corner of life, proving that art and stability can coexist. Thriving artists do not betray the spirit of art; they embody its possibility.
CARFAC BC’s Perspective
At CARFAC BC, we recognize the diversity of artistic practice and advocate for artists to be valued as professionals. A professional artist may:
• earn a living through art-making
• teach art in a school of art or applied art
• exhibit or make their work accessible to the public
• be recognized as an artist by peers or by the community
This inclusive definition acknowledges that artistry is not defined by struggle but by contribution, expression, and connection. Professional does not mean starving. It means shaping culture, and it deserves recognition and fair compensation like any other profession.
Reframing the Narrative
It is time to retire the starving artist myth. Instead, let us celebrate the valued artist, the thriving artist, the artist who is paid fairly and respected for the essential role they play in society.
Because artists do more than create beautiful things. They challenge, heal, and help us see the world anew.
An Invitation
If you are an artist or believe in the value of the arts, join us in changing this narrative. By becoming a member of CARFAC BC, you add your voice to a collective advocating for artists’ rights, fair pay, and recognition across the province.
Together, we can build a world where thriving, not starving, is the norm for artists.
Learn more about membership: https://carfacbc.ca/join/
