Maybe Getting Famous Isn’t As Hard As You Think

I know a lot of talented artists, and most of them don’t pursue their passion as a career because they don’t think anyone actually makes money.  Interestingly, in 2008, National Endowment for the Arts released a nationwide study on artists’ demographic and employment patterns in the 21st century.  Numbering almost two million, working artists are one of the largest classes in the nation, only slightly smaller than the United States’ military’s active-duty and reserve personnel.

Blogger Aaron Stanton of Booklamp.org proposes that it’s not as difficult as one thinks to make it to the top of the most desirable artistic professions.  “Let’s say, for example, that you want to become a famous actor,” writes Stanton.  “We’ll define famous as having one of the top 200 acting jobs in Hollywood.  You might think that millions of people want to become famous actors, but the truth is, as soon as you make the decision to pursue the career full time, you’re only competing against those who are doing the same.”

Stanton uses the NEA data on working artists to illustrate that if you’re a talented actor, a good networker, and decent-looking, your chances of becoming accomplished in Hollywood are better than you might expect.  “If you have the right characteristics and you stand up now, walk out of your door, and go become an actor, your odds of landing a spot in that Top 200 are 1 in 23, because so few people really do it,” he explains.  “But if you just nod, think what I say is interesting, and then close the browser and go make yourself lunch – then welcome to the millions.  Your odds are entirely determined by your next moves.”

This is fascinating stuff, and it speaks to the importance of persistence in pursuing high-profile and competitive careers. 

 

Comments

[DC Jobs]

The stats and finding by Aaron Stanton are pretty inspirational. The notion that you are only competing against the others who have dedicated themselves to the same pursuit is important and uplifting, no matter what your field.

[Alexandra Levit]

@DC: Exactly, and only the people who have REALLY dedicated themselves.