Mythbusting: What It Takes for Artists to Sustain a Career

• In "The Long Run," Stacey D'Erasmo interviews artists who are nearing the end of their careers.
• What kept these artists going over decades of life was not what initially interested D'Erasmo.

In "The Long Run," Stacey D'Erasmo interviews artists who are nearing the end of their careers.

Valda Setterfield, a dancer and performer, continued to perform despite serious injuries from a car accident in her 40s. Samuel Delany, now 82, has published over 40 books despite being dyslexic.

D'Erasmo shares stories from famous artists, such as Monet's water lilies being painted in an impressionist style due to his declining vision from cataracts.

D'Erasmo was not intrigued by what motivated these artists to start, but rather by what sustained them throughout their lifetimes. She argues that romantic notions of the struggling artist overlook the practicalities of creating art in the real world. This includes dealing with financial realities and the need to balance one's artistic pursuits with a steady income.

"D'Erasmo stated that the initial spark of artistic passion, which often occurs during the first few years or early moments of ignition, is brief, intense, and captivating. This narrative is frequently celebrated in popular culture through movies like "A Star is Born.""

She said, "The story of a sensibility unfolding over time and the life that evolves to keep art at the center is a heroic story that gets told less often."

D'Erasmo, the author of five novels and two nonfiction books, was interviewed by CNBC via email this month. (The interview has been edited and shortened for clarity.)

'When you starve the artist, you starve artmaking'

Why is it a heroic tale when someone remains devoted to their craft throughout their life?

Stacey D'Erasmo: It is challenging to sustain a creative practice in this world. As a writer who has connections with other writers and artists, I have witnessed the urgency of this question: How do we continue to pursue our craft, even when it may not generate immediate financial rewards, recognition, or approval? This is not a simple story with a clear ending. It is a lifelong journey.

What does the "starving artist" trope get wrong about financial stability and its impact on art creation?

If all artists were starving, they would not be able to create art, and we would not have any art. This trope romanticizes the idea that art can survive on nothing, but in reality, it is created by people with real needs in real places.

Financial stability is a blessing for artists, as it allows them to focus on what truly matters to them. However, achieving financial stability can be challenging in this country, which can negatively impact the arts. When artists lack financial stability, it can lead to a decline in artmaking.

How do people balance their job and art to pay their bills? Is it important for the job to be related to their art?

Most of the artists and writers I know have a job to pay their bills while pursuing their own work. Some people enjoy doing something completely different, while others prefer to immerse themselves in cultural work.

The challenge that many individuals encounter frequently is that their work responsibilities are often urgent, requiring immediate attention. Whether you are a woodworker or gallery owner, the pressure to meet deadlines can be intense. Art-making, in particular, has its own unique timeframe that can be difficult to manage alongside the demands of a day job. As a result, many people, including myself, wish not for more money but rather for more time to pursue their passions and interests.

'There really is no free lunch' for artists

Do some of the artists featured in your book require more financial support to sustain their work than others?

Art creation, whether it's film, visual art, dance, or writing, requires a significant amount of resources, including money, materials, and space. These expenses can add up quickly, making it challenging for artists, writers, and organizations to sustain their work. To keep the lights on, they often have to spend time seeking grants and other sources of funding. While writing may be the cheapest medium in terms of creation, distributing it in the world, through publishing, also requires financial resources. Ultimately, there is no free lunch when it comes to art creation and distribution.

How can investors prepare for lower interest rates? Why should some investors not max out their 401(k) contributions? What are the answers to data breach questions regarding Social Security numbers?

AN: How does economic inequality determine who gets to make art?

The response to that question is: A considerable amount.

In addition to the brutal economic inequality in the art world, it is also evident in the opportunities available for a career and life in art. As someone living in New York City, I witness acts of creation every day, such as a person's unique style or a mural on a wall. However, the structural inequality of opportunity means that few of these individuals would be able to build a sustainable career in art. We are missing out on the potential of these talented individuals to contribute to the art world for decades.

'As the artist changes over time, so does the art'

Some artistic careers have an early retirement age, such as dancers. What are some ways people reinvent themselves after retiring from these careers?

Dancers sometimes transition into choreography, like Ron Howard, but this process is not always smooth or effortless. Valda Setterfield, a dancer I profile in my book, experienced a horrific car accident at 40 and thought her career on stage was over. However, with the help of her husband, choreographer David Gordon, she learned to move again and continued to work in theater and film for the rest of her life.

Vera Wang initially aimed to become an Olympic figure skater but did not make the team in 1968. She then shifted her focus to fashion and later designed costumes for Nancy Kerrigan and Michelle Kwan. Looking at Wang's designs, one can see a similar precision and grace to a figure skater's balletic moves.

People sometimes transform themselves by exploring a new outlet for their talents.

What do middle and later career artists have over younger ones in terms of advantages?

The process of writing can be more comfortable with its unpredictability and challenges. You're not as anxious all the time. You're more accepting of your own mistakes and don't feel as fragile or defensive. When I was younger, I would look at all the accomplished writers and feel intimidated by the vastness of the field.

If you're fortunate enough to have a long run, there can be so much freedom in mid- and late career.

What changes do you observe in people's art as they age?

Several books have been written about the topic, including Edward Said's "Late Style." However, when I interviewed people, I observed that their work evolved over time, and they were not static representations of their younger selves.

The musician Steve Earle, who gained fame as a solo artist in country music in Nashville in the '70s and '80s, has shifted his focus to musical theater in his later years, a collaborative and multimedia art form. Similarly, the acclaimed writer Samuel Delany has explored various genres throughout his life, reflecting the evolution of the artist as they create from their own experiences.

'Creativity isn't a machine'

What were the most significant factors that enabled individuals to maintain a creative lifestyle?

As we age, our willingness to be open, vulnerable, and a beginner may decrease. We may become more cautious and hesitant to step out of our comfort zone. Fear of failure, both literal and figurative, may hold us back. However, those who have maintained a truly vibrant creative practice are those who are willing to take risks and embrace the possibility of failure. I hope to continue to take risks and embrace embarrassment in my creative pursuits for the rest of my life.

How can individuals cope with a phase of disillusionment regarding their artistic pursuits or creative endeavors?

Creativity is an organism that can become tired, bored, distracted, daunted, ornery. To rejuvenate, take a break and explore new places or activities for a short or extended period. Keep walking and observing your surroundings.