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Even renowned artists sometimes need help paying the bills. Composer Philip Glass moonlighted as a plumber, poet T.S. Elliot was a bank clerk at Lloyds Bank, and Franz Kafka worked for an insurance company.

Contemporary artist David Salle says that a young painter in the 1970s could hardly support himself with art. When someone was able to make a living from their creative effort, it was kind of miracle.

Does having a day job feed your creativity or kill it? New York Times reporter Katy Waldman investigated the question and interviewed people who successfully combine artistic careers with conventional employment, such as the author of this illustration, Albanian prime minister and professional artist Edi Rama.

Check out Waldman’s story and see what conclusion she arrives at.