The question of an artist’s place in the world feels particularly fraught right now. For a creator in their thirties, who once found opportunity readily available, the confluence of a global pandemic, personal setbacks, and the rise of artificial intelligence has sparked a crisis of purpose. Is it worth continuing to pour one’s soul into a practice that feels increasingly undervalued, both economically and culturally? The anxieties are real, and the questions—should I just give up?—are valid.
The pandemic, as documented by the Smithsonian’s Graphic Arts Collection, fundamentally altered the landscape for many artists. The museum’s initiative to document COVID-19 revealed how artists responded to the crisis, some by directly assisting their communities, others by simply continuing to create as a form of solace. But the disruption extended beyond the initial shock of 2020, impacting social circles and networking opportunities, as one artist recently shared with a leading questions column. The loss of these connections, coupled with the ever-present financial precarity of a creative life, can be deeply demoralizing.
The Shifting Value of Art
The core of the struggle, as articulated by the artist, isn’t simply about money—though that’s undeniably a factor. It’s about a perceived lack of respect for the artistic process itself. The rise of generative AI adds another layer of complexity. Artists are seeing their function used to train these models, often without consent or compensation, raising concerns about copyright and the incredibly definition of creativity. This feels particularly stinging when the output of these algorithms can mimic artistic styles with ease, potentially devaluing the years of skill and dedication required to hone a craft.
But even before the AI boom, the metrics of success in the art world often felt arbitrary. As Eleanor Gordon-Smith points out in her response, the initial joy of making art likely wasn’t tied to financial gain or external validation. It was an intrinsic drive, a need to create. Yet, the pressures of adulthood—the need to earn a living, to be recognized—can easily overshadow that initial spark. The question then becomes: how do you reconcile the pure joy of creation with the realities of a market that often prioritizes trends and algorithms?
Redefining Recognition
Gordon-Smith’s advice centers on separating the act of making art from the pursuit of a career in art. It’s a crucial distinction. Even as financial stability is important—and should be approached with “the cold hard maths of expected utilities”—it shouldn’t necessarily dictate whether or not you continue to create. The search for recognition, too, needs to be reframed.
The artist in question found a moment of profound fulfillment in gifting an illustration to a local cashier. This modest act of connection, of bringing joy to another person, highlights a different kind of validation—one that exists outside the realm of social media impressions or grant applications. It’s a reminder that art’s power lies in its ability to reach people on a human level, to evoke emotion, and to create meaning.
Beyond the Algorithm
The temptation to measure success solely through digital metrics is strong, but it’s a trap. The constant pursuit of “impressions” and “audience size” can be draining and ultimately unsatisfying. Gordon-Smith suggests measuring success by “humans reached, days made, meaning felt.” This shift in perspective—from quantifiable data to qualitative experience—can be liberating.
This isn’t to say that marketing and self-promotion are unimportant. They are, particularly for artists who rely on their work for income. But it’s about finding a balance, about not allowing the demands of the market to completely eclipse the intrinsic rewards of the creative process. As The Guardian reviewed in January 2026, the increasing “gamification of everyday life” can distort our values and priorities, leading us to prioritize metrics over meaning.
Why Maintain Creating?
the question isn’t just whether to keep making art, but *why*. If the motivation is solely external—money, fame, validation—then the path will likely be fraught with disappointment. But if the motivation stems from a deeper, more intrinsic source—a need to express, to explore, to connect—then the act of creation itself becomes its own reward.
In a world that often feels chaotic and indifferent, the act of creating something beautiful, meaningful, and authentic can be a powerful act of resistance. It’s a way of reclaiming agency, of asserting value in a culture that often prioritizes the superficial. So, to the artist grappling with these questions, the answer may not be to give up, but to reconnect with the original spark—the joy of making, the simple act of putting pencil to paper, or brush to canvas, and letting the creativity flow.
The debate surrounding AI and its impact on the arts will undoubtedly continue to evolve. The US Copyright Office is currently reviewing guidelines regarding AI-generated content, a process that is expected to continue throughout 2026. Artists and policymakers alike are grappling with the legal and ethical implications of this technology, and the conversation is far from over.
What are your thoughts on the role of art in a rapidly changing world? Share your perspective in the comments below.
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