why the ‘starving artist’ concept is a myth
This week we dive into my latest podcast conversation with Ebrahim Turner—an inspiring chat that unpacks the intricate dance between success, personal identity, and the concept of freedom. This conversation takes a broader perspective, veering away from photography alone and moving into personal transformation, business, and the art of living intentionally. If you’ve ever felt torn between creating freely and earning sustainably, or between the hustle and inner peace, this episode is for you.
“There’s no honour in suffering. If you had a child, would you want them to 'starve' just to pursue a dream?”
Ebrahim and I explored one of the most persistent issues in the creative industry—the romanticised idea of the 'starving artist'. Many creatives struggle with the belief that great art must emerge from suffering and that earning a living diminishes artistic integrity. Social media only adds pressure by fostering toxic comparisons, amplifying insecurities, and driving the desire for external validation.
This mindset can trap creatives in cycles of burnout or cause them to resist financial success, believing it conflicts with their art. As Ebrahim mentioned, many artists stay 'in' suffering simply because it feels familiar...
His advice is to shift focus from the external—likes, money, and status—toward internal alignment. According to him, freedom begins with self-awareness, acknowledging desires, and reshaping beliefs. He emphasised that business, like art, can be a creative expression and encouraged artists to embrace both financial freedom and authenticity.
In order to start building a healthier mindset, and after discussing with Eeebs (yes, that's his nickname), we think 3 high-level concepts can improve our chances of being a better artists and creative (and person) in the long run, if practiced of course:
Identify Limiting Beliefs: Write down thoughts or narratives you tell yourself about money, success, and creativity. Ask: Are these beliefs serving me, or holding me back?
Redefine Your Relationship with Money: See money as a neutral tool for impact and creative freedom, rather than a marker of greed or compromise.
Embrace Flow and Self-Expression: Pursue what brings joy and flow into your life, and treat business as an extension of your creativity. As Ebrahim put it,“Internal state equals external reality.”
One powerful section of our conversation was about balancing 'being vs. becoming'. Ebrahim stressed the importance of staying present while also setting meaningful goals. He highlighted the danger of chasing future desires without being grounded in the present, noting: “If you knew you’d be successful no matter what, what would you do differently today?”
This sentiment hit home for me. Whether you’re pursuing photography or other art forms, the idea of success shouldn’t be postponed. It must start with internal alignment right now—creating art, embracing challenges, and becoming who you want to be today.
Don’t forget to watch/listen to the full episode with Ebrahim for more insights on balancing creative pursuits with financial ones.
Happy Shooting,
