You’ve Been Lied to About Selling Your Art

Many artists struggle with the concept of “selling out.” And in this episode you might get triggered. If you want to sell your art or if you don’t think you should sell your art you need to see this podcast.
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Catch all seasons of the inspiring Light Movement podcast where professional artists discuss topics designed to elevate your art to another level with this exciting art podcast.kzbin.info/aero/PLMyUqi212zPH6nhplBbrK3CKwGu6SdIyp
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For a fun and entertaining romp through art history, check out our new series Masters Before Us. Explore a variety of artists throughout time, from the most widely known to the most niche and obscure .kzbin.info/aero/PLMyUqi212zPGYkzCt7X0_fL3HRlG4l9DF
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Whether you want to dive into art history, discuss current artist topics, or create beautiful art yourself, Milan Art Institute is the community you’ve been looking for.
Learn and connect with us!

[@milanartapp]

Learn more about our one-year art program that is designed to take anyone at any level in art and turn them into a professional: masteryprogram.com

[@nadia-bb5mn]

I found myself out of work and in a bad state of health. Doctors did not recognize what was wrong and did not put me on disability. My family needed extra money, I wanted to contribute in a way where I could take a day off when I needed to if my health was not good. I had never thought of making art for a living until I was desperately trying to find a way to help my family (my husband does not make much money). We needed money to buy food and pay rent. I thought, what can I do? I know a little about painting and have always wanted to know more. I have a few old paints and brushes. I have some time on my hands. I painted my butt off for a year to up my skills and now I help my family. It is so fulfilling, and not being able to work for others due to my health had a silver lining. You are only selling out if you make art you yourself don't like so you can sell it. Thank goodness for selling art!

[@artistikitty]

Beautiful. I pray that your art brings you so much healing, in every sense of that word. 💚

[@zepstoys9851]

I needed to hear this. I now know im exactly where im supposed to be despite having hardly any time to myself. Im responsible for 5 other people, 1 with dementia 4 with other health problems , 5 elderly animals, a full time cleaning job. I stay up really late painting because my last ones have sold for more than a weeks wages 😢

[@timdanyo898]

Great podcast. Money, shame, fear, art are so velcroed together with our value systems sometime! Really it’s about getting your value system in line with your art and deeply tapping into that.

[@Nadinesenbergsart]

Wow, you've just changed my whole world and thought process about my work. I'm so glad I magically found you both. Sincere thanks 😊

[@jacquelinestuerzl]

I'm not convinced and here's why :) I sell my art. And that's my calling. But I'm sure there are people who do art strictly for their own enjoyment and healing, and feel no call whatsoever to sell it. Perhaps, they're already doing something else to make a living that gives them just as much life. Working for a non profit, or Healthcare, or teaching. And they get every drop of enjoyment and fulfillment they need simply by creating without having to monetize it. I think if someone does not feel called to sell art, if it makes them highly uncomfortable and feels forced, that they would be a "sell out" by trying to put themselves in the box of feeling like they need to sell art and do it full time. They need to do exactly what they're called to do, whether that's selling their art or not

[@lauren185]

Thank you for saying that 😊

[@TruthIsNot4Sale]

I think what they’re saying is, if you believe that you are an artist in your heart, then give that to the world and sell it if it makes you feel good not that you have to just because you have art skills….

[@khalidrashid3838]

art is a form of visual journaling. You will recall the moments/experience, feelings which is priceless

[@victorial1982]

I’m a beginner and discovered painting as a way to express my emotions and creativity. It’s also very healing and I have a deep connection to my paintings. People have been asking me if I would like to sell my paintings but I’m not ready to let go any of my paintings yet. But since I have more than 50 now and running out of space to store them I believe at some point I will start to sell them starting with the oldest ones that I outgrew. Making money out of a hobby that gives me so much joy is a bonus and I wouldn’t mind in the future.

[@user-mc5th6qd2s]

This was so helpful. I'm so glad I ran across this. I've been a high school art teacher for too many years, not having time to create my own work. I don't want to teach anymore. Especially with how the education system had deteriorated in our society. I do feel like a sell out in that sense because I'm a part of it. I want to create my art. I'm going to meditate on this podcast and make some life adjustments! Thank you!

[@milanartapp]

We're so happy to hear that this was helpful for you!!!

[@milanartapp]

Hopefully you'll share your journey and any adjustments you do make with us!

[@jinimurray4090]

Maybe God allowed you your circumstances SO HE COULD POUR HIS CREATIVITY OUT OF YOU! How wonderful- I’m soooo happy for you I hope you will teach freely away from systems which entangle. Every. Blessing!!!❤🎨🖌️

[@jinimurray4090]

I have been searching for a way to fill in great gaps Yes, taught art for ‘a while” .. mom artist .. but many learning gaps There’s are great financial needs right now - like great motive to sell art But I don’t know how to price - no clue. Any suggestions please ? Guidelines ? Rule of thumb? (Only sold one - woman almost snatched it when I told her $750 so maybe I could ask more as base line?)

[@choosetruthalways7995]

Art is a form of appreciation and gratitude. Therefore a necessity.

[@aimenmalik7013]

Why does every art school say this !!!! They make huge complexes in Artists. I'm happy that I found this KZbin channel. Thankyou

[@smailhamza7251]

True art is not intended or necessary in the eyes of everyone, but it is a necessary sign of luxury for the wealthy and for those who love and can afford it and it is a big business for Art dealers ... For an artist, art begins with passion which evolves through practice then growing up earning money through his passion must be an objective for his own development and his valorization in society or in the whole world as a recognized artist.

[@graceful-shakti9019]

If necessity is the topic, and what is essential for life meaning keeping the body alive, then art is not going to feed you, it’s not going to close you, or give you shelter, but what it will do is feed the soul, and i it can give pleasure and joy, which is necessary to hey fulfilling life

[@graceful-shakti9019]

I can also be intellectually stimulating and challenging as I mentioned before, and it can give a platform for creativity for expression forSo many things that are valuable to life.

[@Faiza_Hassan]

I watched the podcast you guys did with Rita on the same topic how to price your art and I was thinking why don;t they have Elli here I would really want to hear what she would say on this. Anyways Loved the Podcast and I would just like to add that its for the sentisitive , good willing people only ...This stigma that artists should not sell their work is just as teachers should not ask for pay or rewards... I mean how sick these people are . Wouldn't you prefer a dignified , independent teachers and artists and so on ? I think everyone works to earn a diginified way of life and so should the artists. Thank you for putting forward these topics for debate.

[@creativesolutions902]

I remember one time when I was an art school, someone approached me and some of my other friends in the class and asked us if we wanted to do a paint project after school. I was thrilled! When we all got there, they handed us rollers and we proceeded to paint an entire pathway/sidewalk area of someone’s garden backyard.… Not exactly what I was expecting😝😏

[@mattie4775]

This podcast is amazing - ELLI IS A FORCE

[@beatakalo509]

You guys are awesome🤗 that's real talk! Thank you for joining all your thoughts and experiences with us💙💜❤

[@khalidrashid3838]

someone buying your art is a celebration and acknowledge of you as an artist

[@victorial1982]

Well I watched till the end and saying selling art is being a sellout is a dumb statement because everything we own is art that someone sold. Clothes are art, the plates we eat from is art, cars we drive is art. Creation is art and we sell it to share it with others so that everyone has the benefit of what we’ve created. That’s the point of creation. Sharing it with others. And since we leave in a world of monetary exchange there is no way around selling whatever you create if it’s your gift that will help you live the life you want to live in this world.

[@milanartapp]

Exactly! We’re glad you’re on the same page!💡

[@kfergus3662]

I’m honored when someone buys my art

[@myrnarichards5834]

Dimitra echoed my vision for myself. I want to love what I do for my work. I love to paint, there we go!

[@TheArtistInTheAlley]

More great points. I was taught and raised the same as well, to sell your art is bad, and only do it to be inspired or make a statement. Which I also enjoy, but was definitely punished just for making peices out of the simple joy of it or look. And when you get into the real world, o how things change. Being a 40-year-old man now and finding myself Doing so many different jobs just to pay my bills, I wish I knew this mentality and business had existed years prior. It would’ve given me more inspiration and motivation to stick with my craft and not lose whatever supposed talent or abilities I had. But it’s a naïve thought… We all have to work to make money to have a life and make a living. Why in the world would you not choose to spend your days being creative and making the art that you love in order to afford the life that you wish to have? Also, in my day it was either go work in a sweaty basement for GM sculpting cars of clay after a six year program, doing the same thing every single day, but you’re making money. This never intrigued me and I only liked making art when I was making some thing that I enjoyed. But then I was to be considered a starving artist, and there was no way to make a living at it. I simply had no idea how to get into the “system“. Great content guys.

[@arianazimmermann9713]

I love these podcasts so much, please never stop making them!! You are all so wonderful to listen to, I very much enjoy your company in the studio :) :)

[@AnaraKashna]

Thank you! I SO needed to hear this as a new artist!!! 💜🙏💜

[@barbarac4138]

I fell in love with making pottery. I either had to start selling ir, or build a bigger house!

[@donitafichter8298]

Very interesting conversation. Thank you for sharing your perspectives.

[@dplj4428]

Art should cost whatever you can sell it for. If I was an artist who sold art: 24:04 i love my $5 knickknack over my $500 painting. Some I do not want to sell, i do not put a price on it. Not because it’s noble, but because it has a story i want to keep “reading”. Other pieces have a story that I want to share, so i would sell them. 32:47 Let dimitra talk. Art is not less worthy just because you paint every once in a while. A true artist is someone who loves to create. If i was going to talk purist wanting to share their heart 37:32 I would imagine a person not asking for money. An artist is someone who creates. Some are prolific. Some sell only three in their whole life. It’s okay to sell your art. It’s okay to just do without selling. Three gourmet meals is still gourmet. No need to be apologists for wanting to sell your art. You are not selfish. No need to apologize for being a comic book illustrator, a music video artist. 45:27If I had been less shy and hadn’t encountered gatekeepers back in the 1980s maybe would’ve pursued selling. Otherwise, other artists are not sellout just because they paint as a way to journal out ideas, emotions.

[@victorial1982]

Art has always been a necessity. It has always been part of humans lives in some shape or form. Since the beginning of time humans have been using any type of art to express and feel emotions. It has always been here because art is creation and humans are here to create. Even a washing machine is art, it started with art.

[@lauren185]

I do art for my own enjoyment and pleasure "for arts sake" I don't think that makes me more of an artist or better than anyone else though. I think what was being projected onto people like me was a little misplaced. It's cool if people want to sell their art. No matter how good I get though selling art is not my calling and creating it is more of a compulsion, like something I just have to do to live. I also think to be an artist who sells art you have to be a busssiness person and some creatives just don't want that and that's okay. There's room for all different types of artists, you do you.

[@jazz751]

Thank you for saying that 🫶🏽

[@michaelwoodmanart]

Well said around 37 mins - an artist loves to paint! A couple of paintings a year wouldn't sound like someone with a passion for painting.

[@maryambrose1455]

You influenced me to feel good about selling my art. I am just starting the Master program and very grateful. I was with a teacher for 8 years who said selling is wrong. Wtf. I knew there was something wrong with that but didn’t have the words. Gracias.

[@milanartapp]

Wow we're so glad to have helped you gain confidence to sell your art! We can't wait to see your journey unfold throughout the Program on Art Social :)

[@susanhiga-wr2qk]

thank Elli for such clarifying words. it was inspiringly eye/heart opening. what i learnt over the last two decades healing my son diagnosed with autism turns out to be really a self healing because dedicated focus of attention to anything always brings results. but i struggled with sharing as the current consensus is that only someone with academically approved titles like MD or PHD know what they're talking about and these are the only ones who can heal, so i'd given up. but i see that i've been suffering my own Achilles heels of not having academic qualifications. but you are right. i have to share. that was why i went through what i did and with the good results i've observed my experience can help others in similar situations. just the hope of knowing things can be different can lighten the burden immensely. thank you for speaking so beautifully and succinctly. i will be back to watch this again as there are such gems of wisdom here. today i take with me the 3Ds - daily dedication & devotion. thank you again

[@artinmartinsefako]

I just discovered you guys. Love streaming your podcasts while drawing. Im mostly a COMMISSIONS artist based in Botswana artist. Would love a podcast along that topic

[@High-Vibrational-Alignment]

Appreciate this episode. My daughter just graduated with BFA at UNG in Georgia. Prior to finishing she was very much about selling art and now that she has finished …she was offended by me saying the words marketing and branding and the principles and values that define them. She and her art friends literally rolled their eyes! So, the indoctrination and brainwashing worked quickly on her 26 year old brain. 😢 They also don’t believe in signing their art work. Saying that their style is their signature. What’s a mom to do? I have my own business and just now seeing the importance of defining what my value system is. I’ve never taken the time to do this. These decisions should be at the core of my business.

[@dplj4428]

Wish i’d signed mine. Plus back then, i never understood the value of photographing my paintings. Not signed, and no photo.

[@pamelahamiltonartist]

You guys are amazing and so easy to listen to! Thank you for being so generous with your skills and knowledge. You inspire me to just step up and make it happen!

[@AngelaNewcomb]

Picks up HUGE jug off the floor *sips* continues to listen 😂 love this channel so much! I’m a contemporary artist and always have been on the fence about this. I’ve always looked at buying art as personal diary entries. It’s just visible and there for everyone in your home to enjoy. If my art can be that for someone, that creates value. How else can you measure that value. I say sell your art. Be the fire! And if your art doesn’t sell, the value is there but I’m a different form. Your diary entry.

[@milanartapp]

LOVE this. You go sister!

[@earthempresstv]

I love this discussion! I read every comment on the IG post when it came out. a young modern art philosopher that Jake might appreciate @driesketels dramatically says 'art is the ONLY necessity'! ie we turn on our music to enjoy dinner with, we watch movies together, we collect art, we dance etc etc art expression, it's sustenance for our Spirit. young/idealistic people often miss the gradient of REAL life... only the artist can say if they are 'selling out' ie creating something they truly don't want to create solely for the money. I believe it's a balance that every artist confronts almost daily. selling is sacred, selling is service. money is neutral, even innocent, even love. it's all about how we relate to it and no one should be allowed to dictate that for another. love you guys :)

[@maddisonoliviaart]

Thank you for sharing 😇 such divine timing because I just now have a new found belief in myself for selling my art. It’s taken me some time to work through my own resistance with expressing myself and even when I bought the mastery program in 2020. This year I restarted it to finish! For me I would say it all came down to feeling worthy. Worthy of a great life because I am worthy. I’m going to guess a lot of people struggle with worthiness in conjugation with selling their art. I know being an artist is what I came here to shine light on because expressing myself terrifies me. It’s my greatest fear and greatest strength. I support you all and truly thank you for holding your own and when others are feeling worthy to hear it they will in time 😇💙💎

[@BellaLaLuna1726]

I am not an artist, but I see it this way. An artist creates from their heart with inspiration from their soul. I suppose that is why some say that art is supposed to be counter culture, but that ideology is also placing one's art into a box. I don't believe money is the value of art, the value comes from how that art speaks to people. Money is just a method of transaction or a tool. Dimitra's art speaks to my soul, it is THAT communication that I am after not necessarily the art itself. I have one of her pieces (Steadfast Heart) that is being sold by Diamond Art Club coming my way and have wish listed several others. I only buy what speaks to me and I am willing to exchange my time earned money for that art. Art is necessary because it is the expression of the soul.

[@zoefletcher6135]

What a great conversation. I believe art and creativity is inborn and slowly destroyed in many of us through a lack of deep understanding in some schools and adults. ART is important for increasing fine motor skills, imagination, decision making and mental and emotional balance. When we create our left and right brain often work together bringing calm and balance. The Sell Out can be not sharing one's work through nerves about being judged. After all hang a painting on a wall and so many people suddenly think it is there to be judged, not liked or loved. Our society has been trained to do this. So any visual artist, musicians, writers, sculptors and any other creative skills I have missed out are all brave when first putting there work "out there". Whether to sell or not to sell is always a personal decision however for me selling has always been a delight but I do keep a few of my favourite works. I love your podcasts and the experiences you share with us as they encourage me to Really get out there. Yes I am nervous of the tech and about to force myself to tackle it and see it as a positive challenge. Thankyou

[@autumngrace8541]

Once humans learn the art of telepathy, we will know others thoughts and then money wont have leverage. We will know what matters. Love. Period!

[@tracy-eire]

I have never outgrown art I've bought. Ever. If I buy it, it's because it matters.

[@philliptaylor2870]

This brought me so much peace. Thankyou.

[@lindaaldridge5165]

I love art, but it has to speak to me in some way, whether it makes me think, smile or feel sad. I only have original art in my house, I don’t hang my own. But, I only buy what is in my budget at that time. I have friends who are not into visual art at all. They will buy commercial art that matches their decor. I don’t think artists’ who sell their art are sell outs. I don’t sell my art because I am painting it for my children and their children and a few great grandbabies. I just feel that way I will leave them a piece of me and whether they put it in a closet or hang it I will still be with them in a way.

[@user-jy2em3et3v]

Guys you totally Rock! Thanks

[@bcpl2111]

Art might not be a necessity but it is a Longing..

[@hdee5615]

For many people it is a necessity.

[@bcpl2111]

@@hdee5615 ok… but before it becomes a necessity, it begins with a longing then is a necessity

[@wordtothewise3659]

In regards to selling it, I believe the problem some people have with that is the guilt or disdain towards doing art for money. For me, time, the love and appreciation of the artist and for the art work itself should motivate people to pay (bless) the creator of that art. Perhaps the cheap consumer may not only be ignorant of the true value of the work and its creator - who is a gift of God/the universe - but of their own greed, selfishness and ignorance. They want more (art) for free! And at the cost of the person who worked years and to get to that certain level of experience and excellence. I,myself, struggle with price because I come from poverty and cannot afford high priced items that only the 1% can only have access to. But I’ll be damned if I choose to stay poor because of the super rich. But that’s another sermon.

[@thecatswhispers]

I would be interested in your views on the question 'Is CREATING art necessary?' I believe creating things is the prime directive of our souls. Interested if you decide to approach this subject, or perhaps you might answer it further in your video. I am only half way through. By the way, I am waiting for the registration date ;-)

[@bminfo5251]

Thank you for this… so much was explained on why art is necessary and a beautiful thing to offer the world! One question that I was hoping you would answer was why 30 pieces of art is required… I think you mentioned that was part of the controversy. Anyway, just wondered if you had comments on that… Thank you.

[@milanartapp]

We actually made a whole podcast about this! Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3rIYqOtg7iWgc0

[@MR-pj4zj]

Great topic

[@agiusbennett]

I am curious, is this Master Program for all ages? I am currently running a business, that is of my passion, Dogs and Cats, but I wish to do art as a full time professional. I have always been an artist, but was steered in the wrong direction, along with a troubled childhood. I look forward to your answer. And, thank you so much for this video. I did not go to art school; I am self taught, so I am not aware of what the professors are telling young people.

[@victorial1982]

Could you make a video about how you thought your children to paint?

[@13xeliex17]

What if you paint, you try your best to be known on social media and go to events and you work on your techniques and create quite a lot but don't sell anyway ? (I mean, not that I don't want to, I do want to sell my paintings...) Am I still a real artist ? Am I still in the right place ? Thanks

[@rainerburmeister5758]

Thank you for this very interesting conversation. Would your thoughts also apply to illustrators?

[@paweldraws7800]

I became interested in the intention of good and evil. Of course, under this model are more complex economic and economic conditions, not to mention purely physical aspects, where the situation is more complex and often in the opposite order than intentions. But let's say that in social perception, intentions are perceived on the basis of a simplified - dualistic. Do people today prefer images that are bright, colors are not a subtle palette of broken colors, or a dirty expressionist surface, so they perceive these images? What about artists like Giger, dark surrealisms with expressionism, or Beksinski, or in the style of German expressionism from the first half of the 20th century? Because these forms elicit fear and other subconscious reactions in people?

[@chanceblevins6682]

If you're putting work you're not selling out your buying in.

[@evadavidova8622]

I can't wait to join your school.

[@milanartapp]

We can’t wait to have you! When are you planning on joining the Mastery Program?😊

[@adeledallasorr4736]

Beautiful Fashion and Jewelery is wearable art designed and traded for money Creating Art for the home is also trading skill and time for money.

[@user-tz9nq6xp5c]

Fine, I find it funny and feel you for some reason fight forgeries when a fine feline with a fiddle fires back. Are those any of the “f” words you were speaking about? 😂 Love your videos! Keep it up beautiful creatives

[@shantelsheart]

Im sure you've been asked this before- Did Tahlia Stanton take your mastery program?

[@milanartapp]

Yeah she did a few years ago. 😊

[@shantelsheart]

@@milanartapp Thank you for taking the time to respond! Her process, style and products are so similar, I thought so. But then I finally picked up on the verbiage used by both😊 What a success story for you guys, to bad she doesn't give you all more credit 🙃 Another reason to want to take your course. Blessings to you all! 💗

[@aleahdanae_]

I've wondered this too!! Very similar. She's incredible, and you guys are too

[@wordtothewise3659]

If color is a necessity, so is art. Aren’t they both the same thing? That is: the design and color of your kitchen or bathroom - and most of its appliances - are they not created in an artistic fashion. Hell, some of it HAS art on it.

[@dplj4428]

I think that was the elitists separation of art from the rest of our world (house, clothing, kitchenware, wallpaper, toys, bridges and fire hydrants). People who are DIY are artists, too. Art equals creation. Art is not separate from everything. 14:51 it’s not about necessity. Art can be ugly to one person and beautiful to another. Which landscape is better, one with only trees or the one of a building demolition still painted or photographed. 18:24 I think it’s BS to talk art as necessity or separate or beauty. It is not separate.

[@IanZane-vr4vv]

“You’re a sell out if you don’t sell your art” This kind of double think is super toxic and reeks of capitalist indoctrination. I make my living in an artistic field and I also sell paintings and prints for money once and awhile like you do, so while I can agree with some things you’ve said I think you’ve gotten so much wrong in this one. Y’all speak as authorities in art, your way is the right way because it’s working for you under capitalism, but not all artists thrive under this rigid regime. For example, in this day of feudalistic tech companies ruling over the art world(Instagram, Facebook, etc…) if you’re an emerging artist who’s art is anywhere from sellable to masterful but you yourself aren’t great at technology or showcasing your work and therefore have to take up a job at McDonald’s to pay your rent even though you’re a vegan(another gem from your conversation) how does this make you a sell out? If you don’t have access to galleries for whatever reason so you have to work at a bank to afford food and now have less time to focus on your art, “a chef makes food everyday” so if you don’t make art everyday you’re not an artist. This kind of thinking is just fundamentally wrong. One of the problems with this entire episode is your approach to art seems to only exist in one rigid way of thinking, that you must sell yourself to be an artist. While I’ll agree that under capitalism this makes you a “professional” artist this way of thinking negates any other form of artist. Art is beautiful, art is painful, cathartic, fruitful, meaningless… to exist as an artist under the pretensions that if you aren’t selling your art somehow you’re a sell out is such a gross way to try and validate yourselves.

[@DirkSorensby]

I've got about 100 pieces now since February, so 30 isn't an unreasonable baseline. I want to sell my art so I can buy a dog, or two.