A Starving Artist's Guide
by Coffee Slut - November 16, 2008
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Starving, but doing what you love? Let it be known that we, the artists, are important to our society and culture! Here is a little guide of things that might help ya out between gigs. If anything, donate to the cause of ART! You know its lovely.
Dancers Get Cold Feet
I am currently rehearsing in a space with absolutely NO heat. The company I dance with, The Seldoms. cannot afford to rent space with heat. By the end of rehearsal I have forgotten that I even have feet. THIS IS NOT A SAFE CONDITION TO WORK IN!
Unfortunately, this is the situation for many companies. I without much funding. Dancers with no feet? How would that work? Please help us keep our feet!
Performances Off The 'Stage'
Support exciting art!
Performances don’t just take place on a proscenium stage. The photo above was taken from a show we performed in an empty pool. Talk about frozen feet! It was freezing out, but fun nonetheless.
Perform In a Box
Sometimes you will be working in very limited spaces. If there was FUNDING, maybe more work could be created in larger spaces. More space, more art. Nice!
Donate To Us, Please!
Even a little goes a long way! I would like to get paid for my time just as much as a baseball player, a lawyer, or a doctor. Too bad those professions are valued more in this country.
How To Donate To Local Artists
- Find a local company you believe in and enjoy watching.
- Become a board member.
- Donate on their websites, at their shows, or just hand it to them in person. They will jump for joy!
- Begin a relationship with this company. Find out where they are touring or where their shows will be locally.
- Discover ways you can donate. Money is always needed, but could you provide a studio space of a cheap price OR for FREE?
Phyllis' Musical Inn
1800 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
From the outside, Phyllis’ looks uninviting, but they have cheap drinks, a fun atmosphere, and on the weekends they have live bands. This is one of my favorite places to get $2 PBRs.
From the outside, Phyllis’ looks uninviting, but they have cheap drinks, a fun atmosphere, and on the weekends they have live bands. This is one of my favorite places to get $2 PBRs.
Mooch Drinks Off Friends
Want to go out? Ya gotta go out with those people who would more than likely buy you a drink.
Also, if you’re good these days, you could dance with multiple guys and get them to buy you a drink. I haven’t been very successful with this one in a while. I think I’ve been too picky.
Find Encouragement
This book is actually really great. It gives you little tips on things you can make yourself. As well as little tips on making it as a Starving Artist.
Buy it here. The Starving Artist’s Way.
Ragstock
812 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
You can find cool costumes here for shows, everyday wear, or um.. just to give to your fellow starving artist friends. If you don’t need costumes they have hip everyday clothes too!
You can find cool costumes here for shows, everyday wear, or um.. just to give to your fellow starving artist friends. If you don’t need costumes they have hip everyday clothes too!
After You Donate....
You will feel so good about yourself and your world after you donate. Yup. you will! Take it from Elizabeth Dunn, she says Donating Brings Happiness.
Make a Budget
I am the worst at making budgets, but it must be done. Every penny counts when you’re scrapping by as an artist. Most of your money goes towards dance clothes, art supplies, or music. It’s important to budget every last cent.
Beg On The Street
Just stand outside of cafes or banks. Those tend to be the best places to ask for change.
Write on a cardboard box that you are a Starving Artist. Maybe they’ll have sympathy. Then, after you get that gig you can give that begging up for a while. But until then…
Thrift It!
This is my favorite thing to do when I’m on a budget. Yesterday, I found a pair of awesome stripped leg warmers, a vintage bag, 2 sweaters, and a copy of “The Princess Bride” for only $16.95 total!
Exciting! Well… I was excited!
Costco Wholesale
Chicago, IL 60607
Load up a cart with TONS of stuff here! I mean you can buy wine in bulk, people. This is exciting! Have to get a membership though. If you and your friends pitch in. this could be a solution to empty cabinets.
Load up a cart with TONS of stuff here! I mean you can buy wine in bulk, people. This is exciting! Have to get a membership though. If you and your friends pitch in. this could be a solution to empty cabinets.
Make A Costco Run
Gather all of your starving artist friends and pitch in for a Costco run! I’m serious, this will save time, money, and energy. Find that artist friend with a car though. The train won’t be much fun to take all those goodies home on.
Keep Trudgin'
I didn’t become an artist for the money! Sheesh, who does? You’ve got to be crazy. Unless your parents are already rich, I don’t see that happening. So carry your load, keep moving, and tell yourself that the benefits will come full circle…. soon.
Get A Sugar Daddy
Maybe, if you’re lucky, he was a starving artist before he somehow got wealthy. That way, you two can have more in common than just money.
Promote!
Promote yourself! Promote your theater, or dance company! You can slap your face on your blog, your friend’s facebook page, a bus, or a poster! Try it! I’ve done it… and now you know who I am! Don’t you?
Street Perform
Well, I don’t shun it, but this would probably be my last resort. There is no reason why funding should be impossible to acquire.
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