Before he became a celebrated novelist and playwright, Jean Genet had a rather unusual side gig: he devised a briefcase meant for stealing valuable books. After reading them, he would resell them, often right under the nose of the unsuspecting booksellers. “I became so handy in these thefts that I could do them with a polite smile,” he remarked.
Many young aspiring artists like Genet face a similar struggle. They dream of creating art—be it writing, painting, or music—but often find their dreams colliding with harsh financial realities. To make ends meet, they may take on jobs in cafes, construction, or even in more unconventional ways, like modeling or, in Genet’s case, shoplifting.
This trend of young artists juggling side hustles is not new. In today’s world, where job security feels shaky and many traditional roles don’t pay the bills, side hustles have become almost essential. In fact, a recent survey found that about 45% of Americans have a side job, often to supplement their main income.
Historically, artists have found creative ways to fund their passions. From Genet’s misadventures to the crafty tactics of filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, who once stole rare books from his grandfather’s apartment to support his dream of filmmaking, the story is similar. Godard and Genet both faced brush-ins with the law as they navigated their artistic journeys.
On the other hand, some artists turned their passions into profitable side ventures. John Cage, a well-known composer, once used his love for mushrooms to win a popular Italian quiz show. He took home a hefty sum, enough to buy himself a piano and support other artistic endeavors. This example shows that side hustles don’t always have to be driven by desperation; they can also stem from genuine passion or hobby.
But the pressure to monetize hobbies can feel daunting. Artists often want to create freely without the burden of financial returns. Kathy Acker, who performed in simulated sex shows to support her writing, saw the experience as enlightening. “You see people from the bottom up,” she said, reflecting on the unique perspectives that these varied experiences brought to her work.
While some artists find their side gigs draining, others realize that these experiences can provide valuable life lessons and fuel their creativity. Grace Hartigan, a painter in the 1950s, noted in her journal how tedious clerical work hindered her artistic output.
Today’s underfunded artists can take solace in knowing that even the most acclaimed creatives once struggled financially. They have proven that artistic integrity often endures despite monetary constraints. The pursuit of art, after all, is about more than talent or ideal conditions; it’s about crafting something meaningful with the resources at hand.
By reflecting on the histories of fellow artists, it becomes clear that creativity often flourishes through the challenges of life, even when the financial rewards are slim. Understanding this can empower aspiring artists to pursue their passions, whatever their financial situations may be.
For more insights into how artists fund their creative lives, check out “Making Art and Making a Living” by Mason Currey.
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