You Can’t Base Your Creative Self Worth Off Your Wealth and Return
ArtBlogCreativity
We often feel great about ourselves and our job, talent or hobby when we do well financially. If we base our worth off of the return or results in money, it can hinder the creative process.
I choose to think: I love what I do so much that I would do it for free anyways.
I choose to think: whether or not someone reads or buys or likes my content it doesn’t define my self worth.
I am a creative, I’ve been blessed with the gift of creativity and the sheer act of creating provides me a return of energy and excitement that overshadows any monetary return.
It is easy to get wrapped up in the destination. It’s when we realize the journey is more important that we flourish and thrive in our gift.
Have a blessed day.
Recent comments
Paul Butvila 11 years ago
So true…thanks for the reminder.
Evilos 11 years ago
Exactly! I see some artists get caught up in this. Art in its simplest form is self expression. Art for me has always been just a passionate hobby of mine. Over the years it has turned into a business, which has became much a blessing (and a curse). Best advice I give new artists that come to me for advice is this, make art because you are passionate about it not because you want to make money doing it. Money, Fame & Success is a bi-product of diligence & hard work. Having goals and long term plans is very important to anyone development,but like you said, the journey is just as important if not more.
Randy Crane 11 years ago
I appreciate the emphasis you placed on “I choose…”. More often than not, that’s what it really comes down to, a choice. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy, but “not easy” and “impossible” are two very different things.
Peter Bragino 11 years ago
I agree it certainly is a choice. That’s the thing that intrigues me when I look at myself. I feel in some way that my overriding thought process chooses not to have financial success or to avoid, undermine, and sabotage it.
It seems to be a fear of commitment. I think to myself I shouldn’t go through with this series that I’m creating. In order for it to succeed I have to commit 100% to it and that means, money, time, and the chance of failure and it becomes overwhelming to the point that I avoid it entirely. It’s like something inside feels like I’ll be a slave to the production, marketing, accounting, style, expectation, etc.
I believe I’ve achieved great success in my development and growth as an artist but for some reason don’t feel like I’ve enjoyed financial success due to a lack of desire to be responsible to a thriving business.
When it coms to running the business side of things it kind of puts me off pretty forcefully. I sometimes think that it would be easier to live a more simple life and not engage in such a massive commitment.
Has anyone else ever felt like that?
noah fine art 10 years ago
Peter,
Dude you are doing a great job. Embrace failure as your best friend and you can reveal all the awesome ideas and series in your head. I cannot wait to see what you have in store!!! Remember: You are an ambassador of Creativity and beauty. Blessings brother!
Dana (@DragynAlly) 11 years ago
Thank you for writing this. I have been feeling down about my blog and this is a great reminder. I should focus on how doing what I do makes me happy.
noah fine art 10 years ago
Dana,
You have been an incredible example to me of staying consistent and true to your tribe. Keep it rolling! You touch lives and remind others of the “good stuff” in life. keep being your awesome self and be blessed!