Modern Art #1
A New Comic Series for the Creatively Cursed
Welcome to Modern Art, a new comic series that dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and often soul-crushing experience of being a creative person in today’s world. Think of it as a love letter to anyone who’s ever poured their heart into a song, painting, poem, or performance—only to get paid in exposure… and maybe a small coffee.
Our journey starts with an unnamed singer-songwriter (she’ll get a name eventually—this isn’t Cheers), sitting at a coffee shop with a friend, beaming over the fact that her song just hit 1,000 streams on Spotify. That glow quickly fades when she realizes her big payout won’t even cover a bagel. If you’ve ever celebrated a creative win, only to realize it comes with no rent money and a side of existential dread—you’re in the right place.
This strip is just the beginning. Modern Art will spotlight all kinds of creators—musicians, actors, writers, visual artists, and anyone else brave enough to keep making art in a world that often says, “Cool, now give it to me for free.”
I’ve lived this life. I’ve played shows for an audience of one drunk guy at a dive bar. I’ve auditioned so poorly for a play that I still wake up in a cold sweat thinking about it (no footage exists, thank the gods). And I’ve uploaded music that somehow found its way to people in Norway. Big in Norway. Broke everywhere else.
Back when I played in bands in the ’90s, I would’ve sold my soul for this kind of distribution. But here’s the reality: today’s artists don’t struggle to get heard—they struggle to get paid. Streaming is fun, but it doesn’t pay. The dream now? Sell some merch. Go on tour forever. Try to survive.
That’s why I’m asking you—yes, you—to support an independent artist this week. Skip the mass-produced tee from Target and buy a shirt from a band you love. Need some art for your walls? Find a local artist or someone grinding on Etsy. Art isn’t disposable. It’s personal. And it’s hurting.
Let’s make indie art less of a pity party and more of a movement. Comment below with what you picked up. Better yet—post a photo. Tag the artist. Spread the love. We can change things, one meaningful purchase at a time.
