Working a model liberated me from ever having to hold a…
“Working a model liberated me from ever having to hold a day job. I transitioned from doing that to working full-time as an artist. If you're 19 and living cheap, being an artist model can sustain you. I dropped out of college at 21 and my illustration hadn't yet taken off. It is more than working in a store. It is a hard way to make a living but you earn more than in a similarly unskilled job.”
About This Quote
Source Blog post: “Modeling as a Path to Art” by Molly Crabapple, 2018
Modeling can fund artistic pursuits, but it’s a tough, uncertain livelihood requiring sacrifice.
In simple terms: Modeling funds art, but is hard.
Key Takeaway
Weigh risks versus rewards.
Themes
career
art
finance
risk
independence
Mood
pragmatic
realistic
Type
advice
reflective
When to use this quote
- budgeting
- portfolio building
- networking
Key Concepts
economics
creative industry
gig work
Questions to Reflect On
- Is modeling the best bridge to your art?
- What backup plan do you have?
A Different Perspective
Financial instability may outweigh short‑term gains.