In the internet world this relies on every artist being an extrovert and a marketing expert as well as an artist.

Also, we don't live in a feudal system or aristocracy where a significant proportion of the wealth is controlled by a small elite who have little more to do than live idly.

So the conditions are different, an artist has to gain a lot more followers than in previous times through a method which is actually pretty specialised and tough.

But if you're that passionate about your art, maybe you're just going to have to learn how to gain a base of fans willing to patronise you.