Holiday Gift Guide: For the Starving Artist

If you're unsure as to what a "starving artist" is here is a brief definition: The starving artist is one who struggles in his efforts to create art-often in the face of financial hardship, or lack of public recognition. Quite simply, a "starving" artist is one whose art does not [yet] support him/her. These days, the artist is very rarely starving. In fact, some "unknowns" actually live quite well. Artists in any form, musicians, singers, painters, or actors typically take their work quite seriously. They may not literally place themselves on street corners performing for change or rent money. But sometimes keeping up with supplies and other things can be a bit of a struggle. With that in mind, here is a short list of gift ideas that any artist would surely appreciate…

1- Portfolio - Any painter or sketch artist knows how important it is to have his/her own portfolio. Portfolio's (also called portfolio cases, or art cases) are the wonderful cases which house pieces of art. They come in many different sizes and styles. Furthermore, their cost can vary depending upon the size and material they are made of. For instance, a hard-side art case may cost anywhere from $30 to $100. Leather binder-style portfolios can cost even more than that. The trick is in understanding what type of art your gift recipient does, and go from there. Visit a local art supply store, or even search online. Online purchases are often less expensive than those made in stores. For the painter who is watching his/her pennies, a portfolio will make the perfect gift.

2- Restaurant Gift Certificates - Though the term "starving" artist may be a bit of a stretch, everyone -painters, singers, and actors included have to eat some time. So what better holiday present than a gift certificate to his/ her favorite restaurant. You might even want to get two or three small ones, just for the heck of it. Restaurant gift certificates are often the easiest ways to let someone know you're thinking of them. Moreover, if artists are spending their hard earned dollars on supplies, then they might not have much left over for meals. So feed them!

3- Personalized Art Gift Basket - Now this one might seem a little tricky. Depending upon the medium that your recipient works with-you'll need to use a tiny bit of ingenuity. Purchase a few of the supplies that you know your artist friend uses and package them decoratively to create your own personalized gift basket. Baskets of various sizes can be purchased at craft stores like Michael's, or Kirkland's. As a matter of fact, shrink wrap material can also be purchased at these locations. The contents do not have to be extravagant. You might want to add pencils, paintbrushes, or other small supplies to the basket, and then wrap the entire basket in the shrinking-wrapping material. Use a blow dryer to seal the plastic, and Voila!

4- Concert Tickets - This may seem like a strange gift. But many artists are also musical enthusiasts. Assuming that your recipient is the same-you might want to check out what local shows are coming up and spring for tickets. Again, if an artist is as "hungry" as he (or she) says he is, then more than likely concert tickets are not on top of the priority list. Of course this is going to take some trickery. You'll want to make sure that your friend does not have plans on the date of the show, or you may be stuck with tickets for a band that no one else likes.

5- Support the Work! - This is perhaps the most appreciated gift you can give to an artist. If your recipient is a painter or sketch artist-then commission a portrait - -and pay WELL! If your friend happens to be in the music industry, then buy several of the CDs and pass them out to other people you know. You could possibly be "killing several birds with one stone" by doing so. In purchasing multiple CDs for others, you are in effect, buying gifts for other people on your gift list. Furthermore, you are providing financial support to your singer/musician friend. And last, but not least-you are providing the gift of promotion-by introducing your friend's work to the world. It sounds fairly simple. But who else but an artist could appreciate the simple things in life??

Everyone knows someone whose life rests in the arts. Starving or not-these people certainly should be recognized as well during the holiday season. It should not be too difficult to shower a little holiday appreciation on your artist friends. Again, by thinking outside the box not only do you get to surprise your recipient, but you also offer support of what is closest to their hearts. And who knows, if your "starving" artist friend makes it big one day-they'll have you to thank!