I had an interesting conversation tonight, where it felt that it was being said that unless you did art to make money, it was a hobby. In this definition, unless you did something as a profession - to make a living, you could not be a professional.
I am not sure about this definition.** To me, professionalism is about the quality, dedication, and seriousness you bring to your practice, not the revenue stream. I am a professional—I just don’t make financial profit my primary motivation. Professional refers to the standard and commitment of my work, not just whether I monetize it.
By the definition proposed… academics who research for knowledge rather than profit, or open-source developers, or artists who prioritize their vision over commercial viability wouldn’t be professionals.
Many professional artists throughout history—and today—prioritize artistic integrity, social impact, or personal expression over financial gain, and that doesn’t diminish their professionalism.
If doing something for love rather than money makes someone a hobbyist, I guess that makes parents the ultimate hobbyists!
Thank you, Joyce - I appreciate you raising this.
Conversations about “professionalism” and what it means in the arts are always more layered than they appear, and I think your post opens an important door.
Just to offer some context for anyone reading who wasn’t at the Café session: there was no conflict or disagreement in the group. What emerged was simply a range of perspectives about the many ways artists understand their own practices - some people speaking from lived experience, others reflecting on terms they’ve heard used in different settings.
I want to emphasize that ArtBridgeCanada doesn’t position one definition of professionalism above another. For some artists, professionalism is tied to income; for others, it’s tied to dedication, discipline, or the depth of their creative commitment. Both perspectives are valid expressions of how people make sense of their work.
What felt valuable in the Café - and again here - is the recognition that language can carry unintended weight, especially in creative communities. Words like “hobbyist” or “professional” can mean very different things depending on one’s background or journey in the arts. Exploring these meanings together is exactly the purpose of the Café: not to resolve differences, but to surface them gently and understand how they shape us.
Your reflections about professionalism being rooted in commitment rather than revenue added an important dimension to the conversation. And I want to ensure that everyone reading feels confident that our Café spaces remain open, curious, and supportive - places where diverse perspectives can be expressed without judgment or polarization.
If anything, your post highlights the value of continuing this discussion in future sessions so we can deepen our collective understanding of how artists define their practice and identity.
Thanks again for bringing your voice to this. These kinds of reflections help shape the thoughtful culture we’re trying to build.
Interesting topic Joyce! I prompted GPT-5 this question to see what it would say:
What is the difference between a professional and a hobbyist?
It came back with this response: Quick Answer: A professional earns income and builds a career from their work, meeting recognized standards of skill, reliability, and accountability. A hobbyist pursues the same activity for enjoyment or personal fulfillment, without financial dependence or external obligations.
Key Differences Between Professionals and Hobbyists
Aspect
Professional
Hobbyist
Income
Earns money, often primary source of livelihood
No financial dependence; may spend money rather than earn
Commitment
Long-term, structured, with deadlines and client expectations
Flexible, self-directed, done in free time
Standards
Must meet industry or professional standards
Personal standards, no external accountability
Risk & Responsibility
Carries responsibility for quality, reputation, and sometimes legal obligations
No external risk; mistakes have no professional consequences
Motivation
Driven by career goals, reputation, and financial sustainability
Driven by passion, curiosity, or relaxation
Recognition
Often credentialed, published, or employed in the field
Recognized within personal or community circles
Nuances Worth Noting
Talent ≠ Professionalism: Many hobbyists are highly skilled, sometimes more talented than professionals. The distinction lies in context (income, accountability), not raw ability.
Overlap Exists: Some people straddle both worlds—earning part-time income while still treating their craft as a passion project.
Freedom vs. Pressure: Hobbyists enjoy creative freedom without deadlines, while professionals balance creativity with external demands.
Example
A professional photographer may shoot weddings under contract, deliver edited photos on time, and rely on this income.
A hobbyist photographer may explore landscapes on weekends, experiment with techniques, and share photos online without financial stakes.
I like your discussion of talent. The definition of hobby is - an activity which is not business like, and pursued not as a career for personal satisfaction. There is sometimes a negativity associated with the term that also implies, not serious. I think that is an incorrect connotation. The quality of the resulting work does not hinge on if something is pursued as a passion, or for financial gain.
I prompted GPT-5 this question to see what it would say:
Key Differences Between Professionals and Hobbyists
Nuances Worth Noting