Art and money, they often seem like strange bedfellows. So many artists struggle with financial stability, yet the pursuit of creativity and meaning is timeless. What if we learned from the thinkers of antiquity , from Greek and Roman sages to Egyptian wisdom literature , about money, discipline, and the good life?
Below are practical, historically grounded ideas you can apply today, whether you’re a painter, musician, actor, filmmaker, writer, content creator or creator of any medium.
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus taught that many things are outside our control, but our desires and choices are within it. This applies directly to financial habits: before spending or investing on Robinhood, crypto or wherever you invest, ask whether the purchase serves your goals or impulse.
Define what truly matters, not what trends dictate. When money comes in, give first priority to essentials: rent, supplies, savings, and your creative work. Delay satisfying fleeting desires if they don’t grow your art or wellbeing.
Inspired by Enchiridion (Epictetus), focus on what you can control (desires) rather than market volatility or income instability.
Plato’s Republic isn’t about money, but it is about specialization and playing to your strengths. He argued that society thrives when individuals focus on what they naturally do best.
Identify your artistic niche and build expertise, whether that’s illustration, design, performance, or craft. Trying to do everything dilutes your financial and creative energy. Prioritizing a clear identity helps you attract clients, patrons, and audiences who value what you do.
Roman emperor & philosopher Marcus Aurelius emphasized discipline and moderation. He noted that constant desire for more leads to dissatisfaction, and that contentment lies in living within means.
Track income and expenses faithfully. Avoid debt for non-essentials. Frugality is not deprivation, it’s clarity of purpose. Allocate money toward tools that enhance your craft and experiences that feed creativity.
Though not Greek or Roman, The Richest Man in Babylon captures ancient financial wisdom that echoes through history: save a minimum of 10% of your earnings before paying expenses.
Dedicate a portion of every check (or commission, royalty, grant) to savings. Even when income is irregular, building a cushion reduces stress and gives you freedom to invest in big opportunities (exhibitions, travel, tools). Try to find a savings account with high APY% and see that money grow over time.
Ancient Egyptian thought didn’t separate material success from ethical and spiritual values. The ideal of Ma’at (justice, balance, order) governed life and economic behavior. Wisdom texts like The Maxims of Ptahhotep taught humility, restraint, and righteous conduct.
Your income should support what matters most: community, creativity, spiritual fulfillment, and integrity. Wealth is a tool, not a master. Respectful, ethical relationships with patrons and collaborators will outlast short-term gains.
Across ancient societies there is a common thread:
Greek philosophers valued prudence and moderation in financial decisions. Roman writers documented commerce, trade, and diversified livelihoods. Egyptian economic system combined resource management, planning, and community support.
Don’t rely on a single income source. Consider teaching, licensing, freelancing, grants, ramping up content, and selling prints or designs, multiple streams give stability.
The ancients remind us that financial wellbeing is not merely about money, but about balance, discipline, purpose, and community. As artists, you already embrace introspection and creativity , now let’s pair that with intentional financial thinking that’s stood the test of time.
If you are curios about reading more on these topics I’ve compiled the following list.
Reference Links:
Epictetus & Stoic financial psychology (control desires)
Plato’s financial lessons (moderation & specialization)
Marcus Aurelius on simplicity & spending
Richest Man in Babylon savings principles
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.