10 perks of being a full-time artist.

Okay, so being an artist doesn't pay well. Everyone knows that. It's even a stereotype. So what's the upside of being a full-time artist?  I pulled together a list of 10 things that are awesome about working as an artist that pretty much make up for being poor.

1. Set your own hours.
What better work schedule could you ask for other than the one you build for yourself? Your shifts are all the most convenient hours, your days off line up where you need them to. If you want to work at 3am, you can.

2. Don't have to worry about appearance.
It cuts a huge chunk out of your morning routine when it doesn't matter if you've got bedhead or not, and you don't need to look presentable half the time. Now, I'm NOT saying it's okay to be a slob, because that's not what I mean. What I mean is that you can fly off of a bare minimum. I climb out of the shower, throw my dripping hair in a haphazard ponytail, roll on some deodorant and get to work.

3. Pants.
I can't say this enough. Being allowed to wander around in boxer shorts all day is epic. That's like, the definition of freedom.

4. Watching TV while you work.
I watch shows, movies, everything when I work. Because I can... with the exception of when I'm drumming of course. Even when I was in drum school, I would watch episodes of shows online while I practiced certain exercises, so I guess that counts. But yeah! I get to watch all sorts of videos and learn new things and stay entertained during my work day. Jealous?

5. Don't have to pay attention to other people.
If I want to put headphones in and rock out to loud music all day, I can. Hell, if I want to put the music on speakers I can because my roommates usually aren't home, unless it's Laura and she doesn't care because she'll just put her own music on.

6. Get all the breaks you want, when you want.
Enough said? I want a three hour break, I'll take one. If I want six breaks throughout my "shift," I'll take them. I am the man!! Or... yeah... something...

7. You're continually surrounded by your own work and it's all awesome.
I love reading my stories, I love looking at the drawings I do, I love listening to my music. I know some artists don't like looking at their work, it stresses them out, but most don't. You make stuff because you love it, right? I sure hope so. It's mentally healthy to surround yourself with stuff you love, and with a career like this you can.

8. Sick days are never challenged.
If you're sick, you're sick. You can lie on the couch all day and take care of yourself, and there's no boss to make angry voices at you or doubt the legitimacy of your needs OR make you work anyways because no one will cover for you or they can't afford to have you in.

9. You're surrounded by inspiration and motivation everywhere you go.
Whether you're a visual, literary, or musical artist, your stuff is EVERYWHERE. Pictures, passages, and music are HUGE in our society. You never go anywhere without music, there are logos and advertisements plastered all over everything, and our culture is driven by books, magazines, news articles, and other dialogues that SOMEONE had to write. People like us drive society, and despite the general outlook towards us, we own the world! I also like that anything can inspire writing, drawing, or music.

10. Working from home.
Get up... you're ready to work. No commute. No grubby office. No general public. Your home is where you can actually LIVE (what a concept!)