Being in a liberal arts college state school in New York, you meet many interesting people. I have been so lucky to meet some talented musicians, artists, scientists, mathematicians and writers. What I have learned is you never know where anyone could end up. I find this especially true among those brave enough to pursue careers in the arts.
Let me get this straight first, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the math and science fields. I definitely do not want to throw any hate that way. Among the recent graduates there could be a cure for a disease or the next big discovery in environment science. But, also there could be a redefining art movement in our culture. Even now the multitude of social issues currently going on are being captured by photographers or being written in lyrics to rap songs.
Sometimes we overlook the power art has to move our society. This is a very large scale way of looking at things. For many, art is personal therapy, it's a passion, a way to express themselves.
Whatever it may be the point is sometimes the amount of dollars isn't the way to measure ones success or impact it may have. This is has many different opinions and aspects to the subject area, other than the ones I mentioned. When it comes down to it, the most valuable thing is a persons happiness.
Someone could be working job unrelated to their art, but doing it to financially support themselves. This doesn't make them any more or less successful, but if they are happy, that is true success.
If you see or listen to something new, then take it in, appreciate it. That was someones hard work, and you have no idea where it may be in a few years. They could maybe remain a local or a small time visual artist and be totally satisfied. Or, before you know it, you could be struggling to buy tickets to there concert. Or, those pieces you may have passed by, could be being sold for millions at an art gallery in New York City.
