People generally admire artists because of their skills. But when artists ask for payment, that’s a completely different story. Most people would instead hire somebody who’s okay with crazy demands and working for free. And with AI, this free art mentality has already gotten worse. That said, here are 8 reasons why we should support artists more:

1. Creating art isn’t easy

“LiBRe nA lAnG, madALi lanG naMaN GawIn ‘yAN eH!”

Ring a bell? Countless artists have heard that tired excuse, so let’s put that theory to the test, shall we? But before anything, can you create a beautiful painting, construct a garment, or even whip up a masterpiece from unconventional materials? If you’re shaking your head, it looks like art isn’t as easy as other people make it to be. Say it with me: Art doesn’t grow on trees, so pay artists what they deserve.

2. Exposure doesn’t pay the bills

The “starving artist” stereotype is a real thing, but it shouldn’t be. Fun fact: Many (if not most) artists juggle two jobs and are barely getting by. Artists need to put food on the table like everyone else below the economic ladder. So unless that so-called exposure changes an artist’s career, a mere shoutout or tag on social media isn’t enough. It’s not rocket science!

3. They invest time and money in their craft

Materials, equipment, and courses for upskilling aren’t cheap, yet creative professionals willingly spend thousands of pesos because they want to be at the top of their game every time. If an artist can finish a project in a snap, that’s because it took them years of practice and relentless imposter syndrome episodes to reach the god-like level of expertise they have.

4. It dismantles the culture of exploitation

Most artists can’t have nice things without being exploited at one point in their careers. It’s like a baptism of fire, except the flames singe your soul to ashes. Our society has built a toxic culture where creative professionals are always expected to go above and beyond and turn a blind eye to getting the short end of the stick. Imagine if all artists were valued and supported; that’d be a giant leap for mankind (or at least the art world). 

5. It encourages more artists to keep creating

Younger artists are becoming more discouraged from pursuing any artistic profession, knowing they’re basically signing up for unpredictable income. Nobody’s asking you to start a global movement or kick off the next High Renaissance era, but paying and supporting the welfare of artists can make a huge difference.

6. Being an artist is a REAL job

Makeup artists, writers, filmmakers, graphic designers, and any job involving art aren’t just made-up fancy words to stroke the artist’s ego. Even the media you consume has hardworking artists at the helm. They deserve every bit of respect, not mistreatment.

7. It’s the right thing to do

Unless the artist agreed to work for free, it’s not that hard to grasp why you need to pay them. That paycheck should go straight to the artist’s hands, provided they haven’t violated your agreement.

8. Art makes the world better

The world we know wouldn’t be possible without artists who tirelessly push the boundaries of creativity and expression. Even if you don’t think of yourself as an art consumer, you are. The books you read, the movies you watch, the video games you play — these are all made by artists. Creating and consuming art is part of what makes us human. It’s expression. It creates meaning, it’s beautiful, it’s ugly, it’s everything in between. No matter how you feel about art, it’s undeniable that art has value. It’s about time that we start treating the people who make art accordingly.