Comic: Tienes economic anxiety? How one artist is dealing with changes in creative industries

Illustration of a man wearing a superhero costume that says "Delusional Gay Hero"

(Julio Salgado / For De Los)

By Julio Salgado

Feb. 13, 2024 1:39 PM PT

Budget cuts in creative industries — TV, film, publishing, etc. — are affecting artists all across the country. And just as we were seeing some big opportunities for BIPOC artists specifically, things are looking bleak.

For as much as I love being a working artist, there are times of crippling economic anxiety when I question my career choice.

Especially now that I've become the head of a household

It was a task I took upon myself after finding that my family was struggling more that they'd cared to share

My parents aged out of physically demanding immigrant labor and my sister had to stop working to start dialysis treatment

I often joke with my family that the only reason I am able to help out is because I'm a gay man who doesn't want children

But as much as I'd like to think of myself as my parents' gay retirement plan, my bank account rolls its eyes at me

I'm proud to wear different hats in the creative field as a freelance illustrator, writer and an arts program manager

My field continues to be the one on the chopping block. Gone are the days when a working artist could afford to buy a home

During a time that we thought BIPOC artists were having a moment, all of the sudden there is not enough money.

Art is my therapy. Writing this monthly strip means connecting with other kids of immigrants. Let's hope we can keep it going

Julio Salgado (@juliosalgado83) is a digital illustrator based in Long Beach.

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