Jeff Goins is author of “Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age.” Jeff dismantles the myth that being creative is a hindrance to success and reveals how an artistic temperament is an advantage in the competitive marketplace. Mindset, technique and understanding the right perspective is key, and Jeff helps get you there.
We all know there are staving artists in the world. We have told ourselves long enough that artists need to be struggling – that’s a myth. You can be creative and make money. Jeff uses an example of Michelangelo and how he was actually wealthy to the tune of about 47 million dollars. If the renaissance’s greatest artist was one of the wealthiest artists, then what does that tell us about today?
How did Jeff go down the path he is on now? Jeff is a big fan of apprenticeship and has always had the mindset that life is a classroom. Apprenticeship and observing how other successful artists have made a living is how you get started. Many find success by essentially stealing ideas from others and arranging it in a new, interesting and better way. Apple and Microsoft or McDonalds and In n Out are great examples of stealing from everyone around them and doing better. Look at your peers, the people in your industry and just do it better. Be persistent.
Another way to become a thriving artist is to own as much of your art as you can for as long as possible. Jay Z and Dr. Dre are two examples of this. You don’t let the label and manager take over you. Dre realized he didn’t want or need a manager, label, or partner in his company. It took him some time and going through a few learning experiences but he eventually established his own label on his own terms. Michael and Jeff end with a story about Disney and Pixar showing listeners that selling your art too soon can leave a lot of money on the table.
In this episode of Trend Following Radio:
- What is your life’s work
- Being an artist in today’s world
- Owning the title that you want for yourself
- You are what you say you are
“The starving artist strives to be original. The thriving artist steals from his influences.” – Jeff Goins