I always bring in the year on a spending streak. Christmas, New Years, birthdays, Spring Break, my bi-annual car insurance payment… It’s one thing after another from December through April. That’s just how it goes for me.

But guess what? Now, it’s Money Making May.

If you aren’t familiar with this wonderful occasion, let me fill you in. For 31 days, the idea is to make as much money as you can every day and also to make as many power moves as you can that will boost your future income.

Meanwhile, you want to bring those debits from your accounts to a bare minimum.

Make a lot. Spend a little.

Money is the motive in May. You got it?

If you’re onboard and you’re open about it, you may want to prepare. You could be exposed to frowns, haughty attitudes, backlash or you may become the butt of jokes.

There’s this idea that creatives don’t, and shouldn’t, focus on money. Some people would have us believe it’s indecent.

It’s normal for athletes, actresses and TV personalities to build profitable brands and expect big checks. But apart from mainstream musicians, creatives aren’t expected to be financially-driven.

Writers, photographers, artists, etc, we’re supposed to be people blindly driven by passion. If we make enough money to get by, that’s great. We should be happy with that. If not, we shouldn’t be too disappointed because, hey, that’s life in the arts.

I’m known for going against the grain and calling BS when I see it, hear it or sense it. And that’s certainly my position when people glamorize the idea of the starving artist or push the idea that writers should be so in love with words that they care nothing about money.

I consider myself a word hustler. Words are the building blocks for my survival and the stepping stones for my financial goals. I’m certainly not qualified to speak for everyone but, the idea of writing, living an impoverished life and dying destitute is in no way appealing or romantic to me.

We all have to get over our “starving artist” romanticism and the idea that touching money inherently corrupts creativity.

Austin Kleon: Show Your Work

Related: Austin Kleon’s Take on Money, Trolls and Carrying On

Creatives have an equal right and as much potential for financial success as anyone else. I see no shame in being motivated by money. And I’m proud to say that, for me, part of the passion is getting paid.

This is Money Making May. I’m going to be focused on my finances all month long. I hope you join me…no matter what anyone has to say.