Listen to: “The Truth About Getting Paid as an Artist” on:
The Complicated Truth About Money and Art
Artists live inside a paradox. We know our work has value, yet many of us still trade money for meaning. Sometimes we say yes to projects for connection, experience, or community instead of cash. Other times we say no out of pride or pain. Neither choice is wrong — the real question is why we say yes or no.
The Psychology of Payment and Worth
Creative worth isn’t a simple exchange. It’s identity, ego, and survival rolled together. When money and meaning collide, it can trigger scarcity, comparison, and shame. Author Elizabeth Gilbert once said, “I’ve never asked my writing to support me financially … I never wanted to burden my creativity with the responsibility of paying for my life.”
Her point wasn’t anti-money — it was pro-freedom.
You deserve to be paid — but your art deserves to stay free from the pressure of paying your bills.
Redefining What “Being Paid” Means
Being paid might mean money. But it can also mean growth, exposure, partnership, or peace of mind. The key is intentionality. Do it on purpose. Not because you’re afraid you’ll miss out, or because you feel obligated, but because it aligns with your values.
Paid work feeds your livelihood. Unpaid work can feed your spirit — if you say yes on purpose. The problem isn’t doing unpaid projects; it’s doing them from guilt, fear, or scarcity.
Creative Spark
Make one value-based choice this week.
If you say yes to unpaid work, say yes from purpose — not panic.
If you say no, say no from worth — not worry.
Because thriving as an artist isn’t just about perfecting your craft — it’s about training your mindset.
When you learn to think differently, you start to create differently.
🎁 Free Artist Masterclass — The Scraps Masterclass
A free 30-minute coaching class for artists who are ready to stop waiting for permission and start creating opportunities on their own terms.
👉 larabiancapilcher.com/masterclass
This reflection is part of the ongoing Audacious Artistry conversation — the movement to help artists reclaim their creative identity and thrive in a world that often undervalues art.
About Audacious Artistry
This philosophy — that your creative worth isn’t defined by a paycheck — is something I explore in my upcoming book Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World (Collective Ink, 2026). PRE-ORDER NOW
It’s written for dancers, actors, singers, writers, and visual artists who want to build a sustainable creative life — one rooted in purpose, freedom, and integrity, not pressure or perfection.
Because thriving as an artist isn’t just about being paid — it’s about creating from worth.
Listen to: “The Truth About Getting Paid as an Artist” on:
With you on the journey,
Lara Bianca Pilcher
Build a life of love, purpose, adventure & boundless creativity!