On today’s podcast episode, we attempt to answer a deceptively simple but critical question: Why do we make art? The answer, it turns out, is different for everyone.

“The way I see it, there are three basic reasons why anyone makes art,” says NOT REAL ART founder and podcast host Scott “Sourdough” Power. “Number one, some people make art just for fun. Other reasons people make art, money, they want to make money. The last reason I think artists make art is that many artists want to make history.”

By outlining three basic approaches to art-making, this episode encourages listeners to define their motivations in concrete terms. Do you want to go down in history as an influential artist? Do you simply have mouths to feed and bills to pay? Or are your creative pursuits purely for joy and personal fulfillment? Maybe it’s a little bit from all three categories. “The answer to those questions really dictates the kinds of decisions you make for your career and for your business moving forward,” Scott says. “It will really clarify where you want to go in your life, the decisions you want to make, the kinds of investments you want to make in time and treasure.”

With a clearer understanding of your motivations, you can make decisions that align with long-term goals and overarching values. On today’s episode, Scott discusses the different paths an artist might take depending on their objective and shares some practical tips to help them get there. “I don't think any artist should hesitate to make a T-shirt, or a hat, or a sticker, or a tote bag, or key chain with their art, because that's a revenue stream, and museums have gift shops for a reason.

“Think deeply,” he continues. “Do some soul searching and some introspection and define very clearly in your own mind and heart and ask yourself—why do you make art?” Join us for today’s episode as we unpack the critical process of understanding and living by your motivations. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• This episode’s topic: an auditorial centering on the question of why you make art. 
• Three basic reasons people make art: for fun, for money, or to make history.
• The path you will need to follow if your goal is to find critical acclaim. 
• What you’ll need to do if your goal is to generate an income through art.
• How your approach will differ if you are looking only to feed your soul through art. 
• The way your reason for making art influences your relationship with it.
• What will change if you ask yourself what motivates you to make art.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/why-do-we-make-art