We recently connected with Ryan Vai and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Becoming an Artist is often considered a risky career decision. The creative path is more of a winding, meandering road rather than a safe straight line. It’s not a conventional choice, but it is absolutely one of the most rewarding decisions a person can make. Helping Artists to realize successful, reliable careers as become my passion. It’s at the core of what we do at DAC, the non profit organization I’ve been working with for the past five years. There are so many tools available to creative entrepreneurs today that weren’t present even a decade ago. If you’re an Artist, creator or visionary- this is your time and it doesn’t have to be a leap of faith decision to pursue your dream.

Ryan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Ryan, I’m the Artist Development Director with DAC (a non-profit organization in Rehoboth Beach, DE). My role is to support Artists by creating programs and educational content that makes their path toward a career in the Arts more manageable and realistic. When I came on as a staff member with DAC five years ago- we were still a fairly small organization and I wore many hats. During my initial interview Leah Beach, our founder, she asked me what my dream job would be- a question I was delighted by and had never been asked before. I told her I wanted to be a guidance counselor for Artists- a fairly unconventional job title. To my surprise- she said that’s exactly what we needed at DAC and we’ve built a lot of our programming around that concept.

I’ve spent five years working closely with our Artist-Members, listening & learning. Artists constitute a wildly diverse community of people- so many mediums, experience levels, goals and backgrounds. What shocked me was how similar everyone’s problems seemed to be. It became obvious very quickly that Artists lack clear career education- whether they have an academic background or not. They struggle with pricing, inventories, studio management, marketing, sales, etc. Overcoming those challenges can take decades and cost thousands of dollars. That level of strife causes so many people to give up in the process.

As a response to this discovery, we created a program called “Emerge”. It’s a comprehensive digital library of lessons & resources designed specifically for Artists. It covers all the fundamentals of a creative careers & applies to all mediums. The lessons are affordable (under $20 each) and accessible (available online, they only take about an hour to complete). This allows people with busy schedules and limited budgets to find exactly what they need to level up their creative business in a totally practical way. We also offer individual and group coaching options for a more in depth approach.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Rewriting the narrative around what it means to be an Artist is critically important. Stereotypes like the “starving artist” or “art isn’t a real job” hurt & deter creative people. Communities desperately need those people & should regard them as indispensable in the same way other vocations are seen. Artists are always at the forefront of movements politically, socially, culturally. They are an essential part of creating a world we all want to exist in- whether it’s beautification, provoking thought or elevating ideas. The notion that Art is an illegitimate career choice or that Creatives are mentally unstable/unreliable- is insulting and incorrect.

Step one is to begin speaking about art and Artists in a positive way. Careers in the Arts may be unique but they are not irresponsible or doomed to failure. Anyone can support the Arts- you don’t need to spend a single dollar to do so. Get curious, go to events, support artists on social media. By talking about Artists in a positive way & appreciating what they do- you are helping to uplift local culture.

Beyond that- if you are in a position to purchase art- buy locally. Consider going to a local art gallery or outdoor show instead of buying a print from Bed Bath & Beyond. Find a ceramicist in your area to collect from- they make amazing mugs, plates, vases, and more. Everything you can find for decor at a big box store- you can find locally. It might be a little more expensive but that money goes directly back into your community. Artists in your area support your area- they are your neighbors, friends, etc. Not only are you investing in a small business- you’re also purchasing something truly unique and made with care.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As a professional Artist- my greatest joy is to see fellow creatives thriving. I’ve been an oil painter for 20 years- I’ve experienced the many trials and tribulations I help artists navigate today. Not only is it rewarding to support myself doing what I love- I’m able to support others in their quest toward self actualization. So many of the people I work with tell me they’ve had dreams of becoming an artist since childhood- but so many doubts and obstacles stood in their way. Many of them gave up, or thought it was impossible. I am so passionate about rewriting that script and offering a fresh perspective on what it means to become a creative entrepreneur. It’s incredible to see people succeed, take control of their creative life & support their families.

Contact Info:

• Website: dac-hub.com
• Instagram: @developingartistcollab

Image Credits
Ryan Vai