Why Passion is Important for Pursuing the Arts

 Why Passion is Important for Pursuing the Arts

Passion. It is something that seems to be so important for artists to have. Many artists are chastised for trying to profit off their work, and people take notice when a work was created just for the paycheck. But why is that so vital? Why is lacking passion for a project seen as a bad thing?

There are many factors to look into when it comes to being passionate when pursuing any form of art. However, the most vital factor is the fact that art becoming a career is not a guarantee.

Odds of Career Success

Artists who get regular commissions and greenlit projects to the point they can support themselves is a very tiny portion of the entire art community. Chances are, you won’t become one of the lucky few. In fact, it is rare for artists to get their first paid projects.

The majority of artists have their creations remain a hobby. This is not a matter of skill, as there are many great hidden gems waiting to be discovered and appreciated. Instead, an artist’s profitability lies in how marketable they are. Something that not every artist will be no matter what they do.

Does this mean you should give up completely? No! All giving up will do is kill your odds completely. However, if a career and making a living are your only motivations, then you’re not going to have a good time. 

Project Difficulties

Most projects will come with challenges and struggles that will make them a pain to go through. You will come across burnout and a temptation to give up on something at some point in your career. This is an experience that every artist goes through and can be viewed as a rite of passage in a way.

When you are passionate about whatever it is you’re working on, you will be able to overcome these difficulties and complete your projects. 

Better Sales

Finally, customers can tell when you are passionate about what you do. They are more likely to enjoy and purchase from artists who love their own works and create from the heart. While you won’t be passionate about every project you commit yourself to, when you make something you are truly proud of, you will be more likely to talk positively about your project a lot.

You will have more confidence and show what you made more, exposing more people to your creations. But don’t discount what you’re not proud of. Either it be a fumbled piece or goofy scribble, if you loved working on it, it will shine through.

Conclusion

Passion is an integral tool that any artist should have. While good art can be created without passion, even the worst pieces will be elevated by the charm brought by it. There is something endearing about seeing a child’s doodle about their favorite things, as it is drawn for no reason other than the fact that it’s their favorite thing.

Audio/video version of this article will be coming soon.