Working Title, a documentary film by Phil Lane and John Givens, should provide an enormous amount of comfort for those struggling to call themselves an "artist." Following five artists who share the filmmakers' background in Montclair, New Jersey, the film pointedly addresses the anxieties of creative individuals who try to define themselves in a society that often awards success in more conventional and materialistic terms.

At the beginning of the film we see the filmmaker, a burgeoning artist himself, introduce the subject of artistic self-definition through a close-up of his talking mouth. Then he introduces the five individuals who will share their individual artistic journeys with him - photographer Bill "Rabbit" Mattick, mixed-media artist Janet Taylor Pickett, sculptor/painter Bill Tierney, painter Shoshanna Weinberger, and musician Jordan Carp. The allure of this collective portrait comes alive through the exceptional work these artists make and watching them in process, but they all possess compelling personalities and offer thoughtful reflections on their life and work. All share the Montclair background and a passion and commitment to their work.

Montclair, New Jersey serves as a particularly intriguing setting. Though a quick train ride to New York City, the city still retains collective traditional values about the meaning of artistic work. Growing up in Montclair, the artists faced similar questions about how to explain their lives as artists to family, friends, and strangers. Professional titles such as doctor, lawyer, engineer, banker, and realtor are easier to convey, but measures of success for someone called an artist are "elusive," as Janet Taylor Pickett explains.

Sculptor/painter Bill Tierney gives a name for the struggle to explain one's life as an artist - "art shame." Never has there been a more apt phase for describing this feeling of artists in a practical society. Yet, these artists have come to the realization that only art gives them joy and meaning. Some reached this conclusion early in their lives, while others, such as photographer Bill "Rabbit" Mattick, arrived at a self-definition as artist late in life. None of them have had an easy quick path to success and art stardom, and they've all endured disappointments, rejections, and lack of resources. Business issues, real world predicaments about making money, and obligations to family persist through their respective careers. The film was made a couple of years ago at the peak of the housing bubble, and watching a realtor drive through town and point out the modest yet expensive homes drives home the point that artists struggle daily to make ends meet. Nevertheless, these artists can point to works of beauty and skill, and on the basis of these works alone, they all should be considered successful artists.

Working Title raises many questions about the role of creative individuals in American society, but screening the film for aspiring artists should help alleviate some of their personal self-doubts. Creativity can be infectious and liberating, and with the artists here, a way to meaningful works of lasting beauty. As the film reaches its conclusion of proud artistic affirmation, every burgeoning artist in the room should jump for joy.

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