How to do it:

Creative types usually patch together a living. Even the ones who “make it big” often had a period of scraping by first, sometimes lasting years. In the most creative periods of human history we had patrons who supported artists so they could focus on creativity. In the U.S., NEA grants and other federal funding filled that niche until the regime gutted them. Now, they want to funnel that money into propaganda, not art.

That means it’s up to us to keep the arts alive. Most creatives have multiple funding channels. Spoken word poets may sell books and merch like musicians at a concert. Authors often get the highest benefit from direct book sales — see if they or their publisher will sell direct. Artists sell their work and often have online support options like Patreon. They may also do commissions — perhaps someone you love would be thrilled with a custom piece for the holidays? Check their social media or web site for how they monetize, then contribute directly. If you can, donate monthly, but anything helps.

If you’re broke, you can still support artists. Obscurity is the main problem for most: leave reviews, share content, tell people about them, and otherwise boost them however you can. These days, social media is a big part of the marketing plan, and that means you. Don’t be shy  — I used to stump for reviews for books and time and again people said “but they’re such a great writer, and I don’t feel like I can write a review that does them justice.” So write that — I’ve never met an author who didn’t walk on air after a five star review that said one positive thing about them. Not one of them graded the writing. Just do it!