There was art and there were artists long before copyright. Michelangelo, Mozart and Byron were anything but buskers. Public performances and patronage are time-tested, but nowadays artists have additional options like online fundraising and donations, as well as a far greater reach through social networks, amplifying the effect of all of the above.
However, it is true that even the most famous artists might have to get used to their art "merely" affording them a comfortable life, instead of making them obscenely wealthy like it does through license sales today.
However, it is true that even the most famous artists might have to get used to their art "merely" affording them a comfortable life, instead of making them obscenely wealthy like it does through license sales today.