Warhol or van Gogh – The Creative Conundrum

The greatest creative conundrum is the idea of “my calling must pay the bills”, before you have any kind of track record.

I don’t think that is fair on your calling, nor is it fair on your waistline. You need to eat.

In a voice over class which I used to teach, one of my parting shots to the novices in front of me was: “I have stopped aspiring to be a tortured, starving artist like van Gogh and I have become more and more attracted to the idea of being an Andy Warhol. Why starve and struggle, and only have your creativity accepted when you are insane or dead? Why not enjoy the rewards while you are alive?”

To do that does mean that you will probably need to do a lot of other things before you become recognised for your calling. But eventually, if you stick at it, you will be. Bonus if you can find a job that at least places you close to it or that offers you the ability to acquire other skills that will support you when you make it big. It is common knowledge that Einstein worked in the patent office while he was developing a number of his theories, that means he was being exposed, daily, to new inventions and ideas, a perfect place for someone like him to dream and conceive of the inconceivable.

Most novelists, actors, directors, illustrators, game developers, start-up geniuses and great inventors have to somehow pay the bills before they crack it. And, many, once they do crack it, continue to work in careers or run businesses to support their calling. A few, like Warhol, are able to blend business and calling into one successful synergy, his net worth at death was between $220 Million to $228 Million, not bad for someone who started out as a commercial illustrator.

So, don’t hate the job, don’t hate the opportunities presented to you to put food on the table. But make sure you never give up on the dream. Keep at it and your time will come.

PS – For a bit more insight on what I am saying here, it is well worth checking out Elizabeth Gilbert’s video on Hobbies, Vocation, Job, Career.