Being an artist, or a creative (whatever people like to call themselves), is a confusing and often turbulent way of life at times; something I feel you have captured well in your writing.
From navigating financial pressures, to creative constraints, to the intermingling of one's identity with their work; being a creative is messy. And I guess how each person chooses to navigate that journey is a matter of personal choice, but there's no denying we all share similar experiences.
I myself have witnessed the birth and death of a dream multiple times (granted to less effect than mentioned above), and I feel it's just part of the process. Because visions/dreams develop as individuals grow and sometimes that means change and sometimes that means death, depending on the person, as I don't believe anyone fully knows what they want from the beginning.
I think all we can do is support people along their creative journey and recognise that these watershed moments are mostly inevitable. And part of that support is making people aware of this reality before they get to it, so they aren't shocked when it happens.
So thank you for sharing your experience! People should know the road can be rocky ahead.
Your thoughtful words and insights are very wise and very appreciated! It is true, the process of this creative life is never smooth. Unfortunately, making art for a living seems to be romanticized to the point that our struggles feel stigmatized and silenced. The truth is, only the toughest humans can endure going through this world with their eyes wide open while also carrying such a vibrant and sensitive soul.
It's a strange place to be, huh? While old enough to know I want to be a creative but young enough to have little to show for my efforts, I often feel as if what I do is less than a real job. But given the creative rollercoaster and my entrepreneurial spirit, I know that's not really true, for myself but also for others like me.
Amen! No creative who endeavors to make the world a brighter place with their art should feel like they aren’t valid. Your efforts are changing the world, even if right now your art is just changing you. 🖤
Being an artist, or a creative (whatever people like to call themselves), is a confusing and often turbulent way of life at times; something I feel you have captured well in your writing.
From navigating financial pressures, to creative constraints, to the intermingling of one's identity with their work; being a creative is messy. And I guess how each person chooses to navigate that journey is a matter of personal choice, but there's no denying we all share similar experiences.
I myself have witnessed the birth and death of a dream multiple times (granted to less effect than mentioned above), and I feel it's just part of the process. Because visions/dreams develop as individuals grow and sometimes that means change and sometimes that means death, depending on the person, as I don't believe anyone fully knows what they want from the beginning.
I think all we can do is support people along their creative journey and recognise that these watershed moments are mostly inevitable. And part of that support is making people aware of this reality before they get to it, so they aren't shocked when it happens.
So thank you for sharing your experience! People should know the road can be rocky ahead.
Your thoughtful words and insights are very wise and very appreciated! It is true, the process of this creative life is never smooth. Unfortunately, making art for a living seems to be romanticized to the point that our struggles feel stigmatized and silenced. The truth is, only the toughest humans can endure going through this world with their eyes wide open while also carrying such a vibrant and sensitive soul.
It's a strange place to be, huh? While old enough to know I want to be a creative but young enough to have little to show for my efforts, I often feel as if what I do is less than a real job. But given the creative rollercoaster and my entrepreneurial spirit, I know that's not really true, for myself but also for others like me.
Amen! No creative who endeavors to make the world a brighter place with their art should feel like they aren’t valid. Your efforts are changing the world, even if right now your art is just changing you. 🖤
I'm on the journey either way so can't wait to see what happens!!
Where to start!
I guess, the thing that resonated with me most was your deciding you didn't want to do live action films anymore.
I did 4 years at university before realising I didn't really want to pursue a career in the field of my degree.
20 years later I've just finished paying off my student loan and I'm Inna career I enjoy but since then I've pretty much just let life happen to me.
Only recently have I decided I want to start happening to life.
Thanks for writing a d sharing your vulnerability.