D.I.Y. or Die: How to Survive as an Independent Artist

D.I.Y. or Die: How to Survive as an Independent Artist is a 2002 documentary film featuring Ron Asheton, Mike Boner and Lynn Breedlove, among others. This gripping and inspiring documentary takes us inside the world of independent artists, exploring what it truly means to be a self-sustaining creative in a world often dominated by commercialism.

The film is directed and produced by Michael W. Dean, a seasoned artist, filmmaker, and musician who himself has lived the independent artist sphere, thereby lending authenticity to the film. He dives deep into the gritty, dramatic, and at times, magical world of independent artistry. He sets out on a country-wide journey and takes us behind the scenes to connect with renegade artists who have rejected the mass-produced and have chosen to go at it alone, using whatever means they have at their disposal.

Featuring an eclectic blend of interview subjects, from underground comic book creators to alternative rock musicians, punk performers, independent filmmakers, and rebellious writers, the film unravels the raw spirit of do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos. It showcases that independent artists' lifestyles can be just as varied as the pieces they create, featuring driving artistic passion, relentless dedication, novel marketing strategies, and opportunistic use of technology and other tools to bring their works to willing audiences.

Ron Asheton, former guitarist for the influential proto-punk band The Stooges, gives a stirring representation of the DIY ethos, sharing personal experiences that remind us of the powerful impact art has on culture. He provides a strong voice, celebrating the triumphs and trials of underground music.

Mike Boner, a rock poster artist, and former manager of the punk band The Voodoo Glow Skulls, inspires with his fierce independence, showcasing the dedication it takes to make a living outside the mainstream. He portrays the punk ethos in his work, reflecting the struggle of underground artists.

Lynn Breedlove, frontman of the queer punk band Tribe 8 and author of the novel 'Godspeed', gives a voice to marginalized artists. He explores how DIY culture embraces diversity and social change and uses art as a means of advocacy and activism, pushing the boundaries of what art and music can say and do.

The narrative of D.I.Y. or Die: How to Survive as an Independent Artist speaks to the viewer through the very people who hold true to the Do-It-Yourself ethos. And they are not just surviving, but thriving, putting forth a counter-narrative to the myth that only mainstream commercial art draws success. The film’s message is communicated with conviction through this collage of personal stories, DIY's rawness, and the sense of community that pervades the indie art scene.

The film's title suggests the existential imperative of its subjects that an independent artist does not just choose this path but is called to it - create or perish. The striking black-and-white cinematography strengthens the raw and rock-n-roll vibe, with occasional bursts of color providing a mesmerizing contrast that complements the rebellious nature of the documentary.

The acoustic environment of the documentary is a rich assortment of punk, alternative, and rock tracks that gives the viewer a real sense of the spaces in which these alternative artists operate. It is not just a background score but a primary element of the film that bridges the audience with the undercurrents of the subcultures represented.

In conclusion, D.I.Y. or Die: How to Survive as an Independent Artist is a shout-out for freedom of expression, a testament to the power of individuality, and a tribute to entrepreneurship in the arts. It extends an invitation to discover the pulsating world of independent artists, while acknowledging the sweat and toil, the frustration and ecstasy, the innovation and improvisation that make up the DIY ethos. It’s a film that opens our eyes and ears to a world full of vibrant, ground-breaking art being made just under the radar, waiting for us to dive in and discover.