Post #94392 by freddiefreelance on Thu, Jun 3, 2004 11:35 AM

On 2004-06-03 11:13, Tiki_Bong wrote:
To me, a "professional artist" is sort of an oxymoron. I think "monetarily successful" artist would be more appropriate.

I agree, a standard definition of a writer is "someone who has written," you don't become an ex-writer simply because you no longer write, & you aren't an "Ex-professional Writer" simply because you no longer can get anyone to buy your work. If you have sold ANYTHING you can be considered a pro, no matter that you can't sell anything else.

To say anyone would be considered an artist if they have a passion for it, but a "professional" artist is one that derives a majority of their income from sales, is like saying anyone can be a lover, but a "professional" lover is a prostitute.

I think that you're a pro once you've sold anything, whether you continue or not. But I'm still not certain that you can consider donating a painting to Goodwill or the Sal Army a "Sale." Could you be consider yourself remunerated if you get a receipt & write it off your taxes?

**** PLEASE NOTE **** the proceeding was just a thought, don't jump on the U-Moderate over it.

I've already said nice things about you on U-Moderate, don't most people?

[ Edited by: freddiefreelance on 2004-06-03 11:45 ]