When buying from an artist/maker, you’re buying more than just an object/painting; you are buying hundreds of hours of failures and experimentation. You are buying days, weeks & months of pure joy. You aren’t just buying a thing, you’re buying a piece of heart, part of a soul, a moment of someone’s life. Most importantly, you’re buying the artist more time to do something they are passionate about.
Anonymous
I found this quote floating around the internet as an unattributed meme and found it to be very accurate. It doesn’t matter if you are buying the creative output of a photographer, a musician, a fine artist or your local craftsman…the effect is the same. By purchasing someone’s creative output you will be telling them that what they do has value and that you want them to continue. You are buying them more time to create and delve deeper and farther into their craft.
I know I have talked about the importance of supporting artists before with my post on So You Want to be an Artist, but I think it is well worth our time to revisit important topics. When you purchase from an artist not only are you supporting their creativity, you’re buying them time to continue creating.
So I urge you, if you see someone creating something that effects you in some way, buy it. It does matter if it is a song, a book, a painting or even a photograph, by purchasing what you love you are sending a very clear message to the creator: this is valued. This goes double for all those beginning photographers out their starting on their own professional journeys. Ask yourself, what have I bought from an artist lately? How do I support the arts? If I want people to support my work, how can I support their work?
It may seem like a little thing, but trust me, buy from an artist and you will give them the gift of time. It is a gift beyond compare.
