What is Artistic Integrity?

I Google searched Artistic Integrity and found a few unsettling answers.

-That a true artist would sell their work for little or no money, so that they would have all the integrity in the world.
-That it is a highly politicized term.
-An artist doesn't compromise themselves for profit.
-Being too picky about where an artist invests their interests.

Frankly, there was not a lot out there in Google land.

Perhaps the best words I found on the subject were:
Never settle for anything but your absolute best effort – an effort that may be exhausting and frustrating, but that will ultimately serve you in good stead as an artist and as a human being.
Quoted from Joseph Polisi's Graduation Speech.

I like that.

The word integrity is a loaded word. It is subjective and personal values will change from person to person.

Okay, so this makes things tricky.

What do I mean when I talk about Artistic Integrity...now we are getting somewhere.

What I mean by Artistic Integrity:

My Art possesses me. It gives me so much pleasure and helps me to grow as a person. I am a better person for doing my Art. It is not for everyone, I can accept this. I do not aim to please others. I hope that others will find joy in my work, but this is not what completely motivates me. Because there will be a group of people interested in purchasing my Art, I do not compromise my profits. I earn my way for a living. I do not capitalize on the misfortunes of others. I am self sufficient in my business. I treat my customers with great value.

I just want to be a good person who makes Art, conveys it through my Art and through my marketing.

If Integrity is honoring your word as yourself, Artistic Integrity would be Honoring your Art as yourself.

Whew!

That was more challenging than I realized it would be.

Some of these ideas were vague, please excuse me for this. As you are able to see, I am blogging here and go into more and more detail with each post. I do shift my focus around a bit also, but the theme is the same.

How do we market with Artistic Integrity?

We Make Art With Heart.

Ideas?

Comment Below!