The Myth of the Starving Artist

It's Acadiana: Out to Lunch

Do you think maybe it's time we dispense with the myth of the starving artist? There are more than enough ways to make money in creative industries these days. And not just in applied arts like graphic design or architecture.

"Marketability" can be a dirty word for some artists, but for others it’s a goal that isn’t at odds with expression. Even abstract expressionism. Or as Andy Warhol put it, "The business of art requires strategy and analysis."

OK, you're right, that’s not Warhol. That’s a bit of wisdom from Lafayette artist Lynn Sanders.

Lynn is an abstract expressionist artist with a head for business. Before she carved out a career as a painter, she worked as a shopping center executive. That gave her insight into how retailers and consumers think. Once she picked up a brush, she applied that knowledge to her art business.

Lynn first sold pieces out of a store she opened in a mall, making works for kids’ rooms. She quickly figured out the money was in the rest of the house. Flash forward about 20 years, and Lynn sells pieces through galleries across the South. A lot of Lynn’s work is purchased for interior design, and she produces some pieces on commission.

Lynn produces about 18 paintings a month and employs a full-time assistant in her Lafayette-area studio.

If you work in fashion, the idea that art and consumerism don’t mix would seem insane. Clothing designers have long blended expression and marketability, selling the idea that what we wear can be a part of who we are.

Nothing makes you stand out quite like a custom hat.

If that’s something you’re looking for, you might turn to Mia Montero, owner of the Montero Hat Company. Mia makes custom, hand stitched hats out of rabbit, nutria and beaver felts. Her hats are show pieces in a southwestern style. And she’s made them for some high profile folks: Lauren Daigle and Louisiana First Lady Sharon Landry have Montero hats.

Mia got into the business while looking for ways to make a little extra money before moving to Nashville for a career in music. She learned the trade from Lafayette hatter Colby Hebert and struck out on her own.

Mia looked at planting roots in Music City, but a surprise offer to work as a worship leader in Lafayette brought her home. Music is Mia’s first love and she released her debut record Sweeter Than Honey in 2023.

Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Astor Morgan at itsacadiana.com.

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