Can a visual artist make a living being (almost) completely digital?
This is a revisited lesson on whether artists can make money going totally digital
Do you think an artist can go 100% digital with their art and still make a living? (No digital output)
Two years ago, I wrote about trying to become a 100% digital artist, not having anything physical for sale. It was a ludicrous statement because the analog work always pulls me back in, and now I split my time with both.
However, after I wrote that post, I posed this same question on a different app that shall not be named.
The first interesting thing was how people wanted clarity on every detail I asked. I should have clarified that I meant visual art. Still, even after I mentioned it, people wanted to pick the question apart like an alien cadaver, not knowing what to do with it without further clarification.
Here are just a few of the wildly varied responses I got, some of which felt almost hostile, as if I kicked their dog before asking the question.
“One artist, yes. Any artist, no.”
“If no physical output, the modality of exchange is what?”
“I'd have to know more about what you mean by artist."
“I think it would require working the numbers, which would be a lot of work, but I think it’s entirely possible.”
“Most web comics and a lot of indy comics are digital products, no physical copies.”
“I would think it would be easier for those doing service-oriented art, logos, advertising campaign stuff.”
“I demand a ‘probably’ answer to vote on!”
Coming from the guy who swore off most social media apps, I can tell you that Substack is great from a computer screen, but there’s so much you’re missing that happens on the apps. I recommend getting the Substack apps so you don’t miss out on timely announcements and notifications. I intend to do live streams through the app to discuss art, creative exploration, and my experience growing an audience on the platform. Maybe you’ll join me.
Apparently, many people think of art as a direct exchange (seller to buyer) and wouldn’t consider paying just for the experience of the artist sharing their work, but I think spaces like Substack are changing that mindset.
I believe artists can create an environment without a direct exchange with buyers and instead focus on generating revenue from memberships, content partnerships, sponsors, and affiliates. That’s a longer path to solvency and leaves the artist’s income being dictated by the whims of third parties, but there are ways to supplement that income through digital assets and products.
I’ve always made both digital and physical art, but I have no intention of putting any of it up for sale, at least not like I did in the past (If I sell anything, it won’t be on a Shopify store, but more likely exclusive drops that happen randomly and only available to people paying attention).
My audience (that’s you) have enjoyed what I shared, but will they pay for the privilege of seeing me make it without receiving anything in return?
As I figure out a rhythm to this new phase of the Dave Show, this will all be a significant part of the conversation, where I explore these ideas deeper and report back on my findings.
Also, because I’m working alone, with no team to help, and will soon have significant time constraints, the workload will respect the time available. I’m not trying to stress myself out or make things seem unmanageable for you. I want to be realistic, but if all you’re in it for is the entertainment value (totally cool with that), at least know that I’m operating both diligently and stress-free.
Back to once a week
I tried the experiment of sending two emails per week, but it tired quite a few people out, so I’m going to reduce my emails back to once a week for non-members. I’ll still send another email to members, but after a week, I'll release it as a blog post for free. If you’re inclined to get all posts right when they go live, consider becoming a member.
I’m working on a member-exclusive live masterclass on Intuitive Collage later this month, which is another reason to join the group. Let me sweeten the deal for you…
Upgrade your subscription today and get a week free to test drive Pieced Together+. There’s a whole catalog of articles to peruse, and if I may be bold, some genius ideas shared that non-members can’t see. And what you’re reading now will be locked up soon, so don’t lose access to the good stuff.
A good friend of mine that teaches at local university is almost exclusively digital these days. If you purchase his work, you need to supply your own screen and playback engine to view it. You are buying the digital file, usually video or animation, and then it's up to the collector to determine how its viewed (TV, computer, projection etc.)