NYT Tackles the Creative Economy

This article was sent to me by my friend Jack, with the promise that it was worth its reading time. It's a good look at the creative culture of today, examining income statistics and sales rates to determine if the outlook is bleak or bright for people who create and produce art and entertainment for a living.

Illustration by Andrew Rae

The Creative Apocalypse That Wasn't, by Steven Johnson

The answer, of course, is complicated. My TL;DR synopsis is that technology and the internet have made it both easier and harder for creatives. Yay! Sort of.

But two things give me heart: firstly, the fact that, even in the digital age, consumers still appreciate and seek out handmade things and tactile, real-world experiences. As James Gurney said, "Other humans will always enjoy works that are filtered through the human consciousness and the human hand." And secondly, Johnson's observation that "The profound change lies at the boundaries of professionalism. It has never been easier to start making money from creative work, for your passion to undertake that critical leap from pure hobby to part-time income source." 

Whatever the outcome, I believe that easier and more affordable avenues that pave the way for more creative people to do what they love will never be a bad thing.

© Gina Florio 2015