The book “The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art" ballparks some figures on the Power Law distribution of artist incomes in a

The book “The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art" ballparks some figures on the Power Law distribution of artist incomes in a global city. Making a living as an independent creative is really hard. Marketing through channels like Instagram could help (10k true fans). Even creatives who get to be “creative” by way of being in an agency where they “apply” their creativity don’t have an easy life (constant deadlines and stress). Being creative on a deadline can definitely take the joy out of creating. So many people want to be a writer. There are tons of writer workshops/retreats. Usually they feature writers who have achieved some level of success. But the reality is that someone like Kristen Roupenian who got a book deal out of her “Cat Person” story that went viral was very lucky. The right story at the right cultural moment. > “40k artists resident in London (about same number in NYC) For London and NYC each: 75 superstar artists (>$1M/yr income) 300 mature, successful artists (>$100k/yr income) 5,000 part time artists (need to supplement their income)"