How to Survive in the (Art) World Without Support

Coping without support in the arts:  

Art careers are sometimes hard to understand, even for people in them, so it is understandable that outsiders are even more baffled. Often people working in the arts, from artists to designers to gallerists, everyone suffers from a crisis in support from those around them. This can be shattering to your self-confidence. I feel unqualified to give true advice, and if you are truly struggling, get professional help, there’s no shame in doing so. But,  meanwhile, here are some suggestion on how you can try to get through it:
Talk/reason:
Try to explain to this person or people why you have chosen the career you have. Get on their level – as in explain to them what you do, how you make your living from it, what your career goals are, what that means financially etc in a way they might understand. Draw parallels with the career of the person you are talking to.
Lean on those who support you:
Ask other friends or family members to try to reason with the person or people in question, maybe they’ll be able to help you get your message across.

Ask questions:
Really get to the bottom of why the person does not support you. This might seem destructive but if you know what is concerning them you stand a better chance of making them see your side.
When all else fails:
This is one of the last resources but tell them that though you respect their opinion and thoughts, you will continue to pursue your passion and career. Even if this means sacrificing financial or emotional stability for a while.
Keep looking:
There are always job opportunities (check out our careers page!), prizes, scholarships and more out there if this newfound independence also means loss of financial stability.