What kind of Artist are you?

​I love to listen to podcast throughout the day, and I listen to a number of podcast designed for artists. In one interview (I have searched and can not seem to find it) a guest was asked what advice he would give to an artist starting their business. He stated that before you even start your business, you should know what type of artist you are.

​Sounds simple right? I'm a portrait artist. I work with acrylics, watercolor, oils or pastels. This wasn't at all what he was referring to. He went on to explain that there are typically three types of artist. Artist who create for fame, ones who create for money, and those who create for social change. What does this mean? Take for example artist who create for fame. Andy Warhol is a fantastic example. He craved fame to no end, and stopped at nothing to get it. He collected people around him to boost his status, and created work that would drive him into spotlight. What about art for money? I think Thomas Kinkade is a great example. He created art that would sell, and sell in mass quantities. He created and insane business model around his art and made art for money. He knew what to paint to get people to buy, and he capitalized on it. So what's left? How about art for social change. Take Banksy as a prime example. His art has a message, and he creates images to produce thought and hopefully a change in the way the world works. 

​None of these examples are exclusive to just one of the three artist types mentioned, but all have a firm grasp on exactly what they wanted to do with their art from the start.
What category do you fall under? Do you know yet? 
Let me know in the comments.
Until next time, live creative.
- Derek
www.derekcovingtonsmith.com