The idea that people in creative careers should be happy with the opportunity to work, without needing to be paid, is ludicrous. Yes, perhaps there are instances/times when exposure and relationship-building are valuable to an artist, but ultimately, professionals in creative fields, need to be, and deserve to be, paid. Opportunity ≠ payment. Exposure ≠ paying rent. A creative career is still a career. And the cost of living is still the cost of living.