For most artists and creative workers, the traditional career ladder looks less like a tidy ascent and more like a chaotic jungle gym. Traditional career progression models don’t fit the reality of modern arts careers – and that may be a good thing. One of the reasons artists are more likely to suffer from burnout is that they may fall prey to the idea of climbing a non-existent ladder.
For the working artist, this means building a ‘career ecosystem’, not a ladder. Focusing on nurturing relationships and diversifying income streams is mandatory. It also means a mental refocus away from the next project to the longer term. This can be tough when artists are living pay cheque to cheque, but building strategies towards a more diverse career portfolio is better for overall long-term growth.
