What about anyone who is constantly performing full-time at the highest level of creativity, not particularly underfed, but only financially compensated at a fraction of what would be possible if there was adequate recognition of those abilities?

You know, the kind of recognition that can only come when good fortune also smiles on such a dedicated worker.

I guess not all that many can relate unless they are doing creative work themselves.

But that's always been the first thing that comes to mind when I hear "starving" artist.