What percentage of artists can afford to be a fulltime artist?
Posted by Deborah Argyropoulos on Nov 26th 2024
The percentage of artists who can afford to be a full-time artist is relatively small. While it's difficult to pin down an exact figure, estimates suggest that only around 10-20% of artists are able to support themselves exclusively through their artwork. This is because a full-time art career often requires a combination of consistent sales, commissions, gallery representation, and sometimes supplementary income from teaching or other related work. Financial challenges, competition in the art market, and the unpredictable nature of art sales make it difficult for many artists to achieve sustainable income from their art alone. The ability to be a full-time artist often depends on factors like financial support, personal circumstances, and the success of an individual’s art career.