The art market is a complex ecosystem, influenced by global economic trends, collector preferences, and technological advancements. For visual artists, auction records and private sales often dominate headlines, with names like Jeff Koons, David Hockney, and Yayoi Kusama achieving significant milestones in recent years. However, the financial reality for the majority of artists is far more nuanced, with income streams varying widely based on medium, exposure, and market demand.