Today it is easier than ever to have a stable actor salary while you’re building your career in the creative arts industry.
Because pursuing your passion in the acting industry is not an income death sentence.
In fact, the biggest common myth out there is financial stability and creativity can’t coexist.
It’s time to break the stereotype of the “starving artist.”
That’s why this guide will show you the top 3 secrets on achieving stable actor salary bringing more confidence and clarity into your creative life.
1. Identify your skills
The first step on finding a “survival job” is to identify an in demand skill outside your craft that suits your interests. Some examples of skills that might catch your attention are:
- Learning a second language
- Graphic design
- Photography
- Cooking
- Writing
- Instrument
- Social media / marketing management
- Coaching
The list goes on and on, and is entirely up to you and your interests!
The best part is that you don’t have to stick to just one, in fact it’s desirable to learn multiple skills so you can have various income sources, and it makes you more desirable in your acting career as well.
2. Investing in high demand skill
“Every penny NOT spent on investing in yourself (after basic needs of course) may be a wasted future opportunity from missing learning and connections.”
Richie Norton
Yes, this takes time, effort, and money ( although, it doesn’t have to cost loads!), and you will be rewarded in gifting yourself a steady income in between acting gigs.
But what does “investing” in yourself actually look like?
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the time to attend fancy conferences and seminars every weekend.
Here are some investing techniques you can implicate on a day to day basis:
- Read, read, read! Books are the easiest and fastest way to grow your knowledge on anything and everything. Reading 1-2 chapters a day is a simple yet effective way to learn.
- Research! With google at the tip of your finger tips, learning a subject has never been easier, or ( more cost effective!) articles, podcasts, research papers, videos you name it
- Join an online group: This will give you a community you can turn to for advice and support.
- Workshop / Course: I believe investing in at least one course in your area of expertise is crucial in gaining momentum for your skills. It gives you a shortcut on the tips & tricks to reaching the top and avoiding common mistakes.
- Networking: Making connections in your interests keeps you inspired, motivated, and builds connections to future opportunities.
3. Don’t underestimate yourself
As an artist it is easy to let self doubt consume you but when we challenge negative patterns, it shifts our reality to a higher achieving world.
Play the devil’s advocate when the thoughts come up, asking yourself:
- Why do I believe this?
- What experiences have shaped my current outlook on my potential?
- How has my attitude on money been reflected in my decisions?
Often we have a habit of placing these limits on ourselves without even considering any other potential.
We write ourselves off before we can even prove to ourselves what’s possible.
4. Fun side hustle ideas!
We’ve all heard of dog walking, online gigs, and childcare roles but what about other ways to earn a bit of cash while you’re in between acting jobs?
- Audience member: Casting directions are always looking for more people to fill in audience seats!
- Production assistants / extra hands on set
- Studio tour guides
- Admin for casting offices
- Script readers
THE TAKEAWAY:
Today it is easier than ever to control your income no matter where you are in your acting career. By:
- finding high demand skills that suit your interests
- investing in skills
- promoting abilities
You will see stable actor income and show yourself everything you’re capable of.