Fame After Death

Julian asked why do artists become famous only after their death, whereas musicians can achieve fame while alive?

Let's sidestep the question a bit. Death is a pretty powerful thing. Most people are only appreciated after they die. Look at the flowers scattering all over the cemetery, I bet you those dead never quite received so much flowers when they were alive, if any at all.

So, first thing first. It is quite normal to be appreciated only after one dies. No need to be too concerned with whys.

Now, to answer Julian's question. I don't really know why many artists died a pauper. I could guess:

1. They were too far ahead of their time. Their art pieces could not be appreciated. They were trying to create a new market when they should have just painted what people wanted to buy. (In case you did not catch it, this one is learned from my IM experience).
2. They were not employing the right marketing strategies, were marketing to the wrong people, insufficient market exposure, not enough time for marketing.
3. The artists were weirdos, ugly, unfriendly, unsociable. Let's face it, only good behaving, good looking, friendly, sociable and glib talking people are successful in achieving fame. Ask any image consultants.
4. It takes decades for an art piece to become an art piece. In the beginning, it is just a piece of garbage.
5. The poor artists were trying to sell too cheaply in order to survive. If you are selling at $1 a piece, can you ever be famous?
6. There was no Google.

Now have a look at the musicians.

7. Musicians clearly have a marketing advantage. They don't have to go to the market to sell their works. Just play the music at home and within half a mile of home you may just find that pair of ears to create you the fame.
8. Music is more easily appreciated by the masses. Many people can appreciate some kind of music. How many can understand Picasso's?
9. The music industry is more developed with better support infrastructure to help each other. There are more promoters and events to help musicians attain recognition.

Maybe Julian has his reasons for trying to excel in both art and music. Is he spreading his eggs across two baskets?