It’s a trope seen in film and popular culture, and it has persisted for a long time. Whoever the character is, he’s young. He’s creative. But he’s broke, especially if he’s chosen to try to pursue the art form he’s most passionate about. He misses out on paying rent, he requires financial support from his friends and family, and though he may be happy creatively, he’s not happy when struggling to survive and thrive in a world full of bills and other expenses.
However, a number of young and emerging Singaporean creative minds are fighting to dispel that stereotype, saying that it is completely possible, especially with the modern climate conducive to careers in arts fields, to avoid being a poor, broke artist. Making enough money to support yourself and pursuing your creative passions don’t have to be mutually exclusive. While creative thinking and hard work are required, it’s still possible to have a job you enjoy that enables you to be artistic.
One young Singaporean poet pursued her passion while also teaching poetry at a Singaporean college. She was able to share her love for writing in verse while being a writer in residence, meaning she could support herself financially while writing poetry. This poet also writes commercially, saying that as long as it’s writing, it’s related to her passion. The commercial writing enables her to be financially secure.
Another Singaporean singer and songwriter says it depends on an artist’s work ethic as to whether they can make a living on their art. He performs and writes his own music, but also works hard to organize performances for other musically inclined people. Though he works long hours, the ability to make a living doing what he likes is the most important aspect for him.
A young Singaporean who writes fiction works at an organization responsible for hosting literary events. The writer has a job in a field he cares about, which likely expands his opportunity for being inspired. On a daily basis, he interacts with other people who are focused on the importance of literature. He also helps produce plays at another nonprofit company. He knew that, though he has written and published a book, he would need extra income help to support himself.
Start exploring your creative side by enrolling in an art class. Visit SGArtClass.com to browse its wealth of different art classes you can sign up for, as well as informative articles on different artistic genres and deeply discounted art supplies for your various projects. Even if you are struggling with the the stress of a busy schedule, talented art teachers can work around your day and meet with you when and where it’s most convenient — even in the comfort of your own home. You can also choose to enroll in online courses that offer maximum flexibility.
To read more about the young Singaporean creatives’ viewpoints about struggling artists, go to http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/creativity-theres-no-need-be-struggling-artist-say-creative-practitioners.