Art wasn’t discovered—it has always been there, like a natural instinct within us. One that made us express who we are. In fact, archaeologists have made astonishing discoveries about history through what our ancestors left behind, carved in walls—an art form. Most of the secrets and ways of the ancient world lie behind these carvings on the walls. 

If we look at it from a different lens, the purpose of art isn’t just an expression, but a survival. 

Meraki: The Purpose of Art

The Greek word “Meraki” means to do something with all of our soul and love, and to put our symphonies in every fabric of our creation.

When an artist creates something, he doesn’t just sculpt the elements of the earth into a solid form; he makes what one could call a small piece of the representation of how differently the world around can be perceived. How every story is different and how they have been whispered through time. The artist fulfils the purpose of art for himself and for whoever it resonates with.

Artists have been around us since the very beginning of humankind. The carvings set in stone, the invention of the wheel, to add colours using flowers, to discovering the spectrum of light—all are nothing but the epitome of how true artists have always been able to create and discover the hidden patterns of the universe. An artist doesn’t just mean one who practices drawing or sculpting—it is the one who finds beauty and colors, and espy an aberration—something different within the usual.

A scientist is an artist, a sculptor is an artist, a poet who paints a picture with his words is an artist, and within all of us, there’s a small artist.

Turning Passion Into Income

Art created from the heart can indeed become a vessel for both income and impact. While the numbers reveal the challenges of commercializing passion, we also uncover the powerful truth: those who stay authentic while evolving with vision find their path.

Great artists have stood in our shoes, with just a few works, a glimmer of faith, and a desire to be seen. They dealt with slow starts and quiet days, but each brushstroke held a hint of what could be. Passion doesn’t fade when faced with commerce; it grows and adapts. It connects, inspires, and uplifts, building bridges between artists and collectors.

Success in art is not always loud. Sometimes, it's a quiet presence in homes, in hearts, in conversations. We are not just creating fine art for passion or art for income; we are crafting moments of still breaths, connection, and meaning for people who seek beauty in a world of noise.

So to every dreamer holding a paintbrush and to every seeker standing before a piece of art, know this: when intention is pure and craft is honest, art will always find its way into the world.

Art As A Profession: An Honest View

Vaibhav Salgaonkar, who started art as a passion, soon blossomed into commercializing it by selling art at pop-up markets. He soon stepped into artistic entrepreneurship with “artbybu.”

Subodh Gupta turned the everyday kitchenware into cinematic-monumental giant sculptures and gained fame. 

Frank Shepard Fairey, an American contemporary artist who transformed his street art into his own clothing brand, OBEY, where he turned his aesthetics into global graphic merchandise. 

Curtis Kulig, an American artist from New York City, collaborated with famous brands such as Nike, Starbucks, etc to commercialize his artwork. Lisa Congdon, also an American fine artist, did not reach her art-into-income momentum till her 40s, but soon ended up taking over the world with her illustrations and books.

There are many, many more stories of artists who started as small hobby doodlers to giant commercial typhoons. And if you are willing to walk down the same path as them, then you could be the next one mentioned in future blogs!

But How Easy Is It to Do Art As A Profession?

We’re going to hold your hands as we say this—Art as a profession is neither easy nor quick. It takes sheer determination, strategic planning, discipline, patience, and, of course, deep passion for what you do, which we assume you must already have. 

But this isn’t a call to get demotivated either, rather one where you pick up your brushes and chisels (and a business planner) and begin your journey to showcase your artwork to the world.

Along with your practice of art, gathering market knowledge and statistics, opting for different ways of constant promotions, having a side income stream, and practicing perseverance are some ways you can begin and help yourself on this journey. 

What Can The Community Do?

It is not just those who wish to commercialize their art, but those who support them. The non-artists or the art for passion and hobby people of the community can (and should) support our artists. Small to big, let's support and buy or promote their products to help in flourishing the art community.

The Takeaway

The path might ask for perseverance and determination, but with consistency and simply the love for what you do, you can help you climb ladders as high as you dream to. 

After all, in the words of Robert Frost, 

“I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”