I was listening to full-time composer Anne-Kathrin Dern talk about what you have to do to make a career out of composing. It’s a long, hard road, and it requires a lot of sacrifice. What struck me most was how much of that work isn’t about the art itself—things like social media promotion, working under creative directors with a different artistic vision, and constantly hustling for the next gig.
This reality made me think about how we often assume that being a full-time artist is the ultimate goal. But what if that’s not true for everyone? What if there’s another way—one that allows you to stay true to your passion and your artistic vision? That’s where the concept of nighttime artists comes in—people who work a day job that might be unrelated to their artistic passion. Instead of seeing this as a compromise or a lesser path, I believe a strong case can be made for embracing it.
Pros & Cons of Full-Time Art
There are definitely pros to working in art full-time. For starters, you have the potential to build a strong network, which helps you form relationships and gain opportunities. You receive more immediate recognition, allowing your work to reach audiences faster. You practice your craft daily, which keeps your skills sharp. You also have access to funding for your art, which can enable you to take on more ambitious projects. These advantages, in the minds of many artists, merit the sacrifices it takes to make one’s living as an artist.
However, the realities of constantly promoting yourself, meeting external expectations, and relying solely on your art for income can take a toll, even leading to artistic burnout. That’s why many find the nighttime artist lifestyle more desirable. It brings balance to your life, which allows you to approach art fresh. You are more financially stable, which alleviates pressure. And most importantly, you have the freedom to stay true to your artistic vision.
Examples of Nighttime Artists
Composers
There are many examples of composers who embraced the nighttime art life, and they make a compelling case for embracing this lifestyle without shame. Alexander Borodin, from Russia’s celebrated “Mighty Five,” was a chemist by day and a composer by night. He joked that he was a “Sunday composer” because that was often the only time he could find to write music. Charles Ives worked as an insurance executive while writing radical and innovative music. His professional success allowed him to experiment freely without worrying about whether his compositions would sell. Similarly, Philip Glass worked as a taxi driver and plumber while composing his early works. Despite his later success, Glass remained committed to his artistic vision by maintaining his independence during those formative years.
Other Artists
These examples of dual vocation extend beyond musical arts into other fields. J.R.R. Tolkien had a long career as a professor while creating his expansive mythological world. His academic work and linguistic studies deeply influenced the depth and complexity of Middle-Earth. Henri Rousseau, a self-taught painter, worked as a customs officer while pursuing his art in his spare time. His day job provided stability, allowing him to paint without relying on commercial success, which came only much later in his life. Finally, Harrison Ford famously worked as a carpenter to support himself while pursuing an acting career. His craftsmanship not only paid the bills but also kept him grounded during the years when acting jobs were scarce.
Embrace Your Path as a Nighttime Artist
So, if you find yourself balancing a day job with your creative passion, know that you are in good company. Choosing the path of a nighttime artist doesn’t make you a lesser creative—just the opposite. It’s a choice that allows you to preserve your artistic integrity, maintain a balanced life, and approach your work with unwavering passion. Personally, I’ve found that shifting between my professional work and creative pursuits functions like a farmer’s strategic crop rotation—each activity drawing on different “nutrients” in my life, keeping both fresh and sustaining my energy. You don’t have to fit the mold of the full-time artist to make meaningful, lasting art. Embrace your identity as a nighttime artist!
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