Source: www.blog.logmycalls.com
To be a creative soul is to be misunderstood by many. For anyone who sees life as a continuous opportunity for self-expression, their innate gifts and talents are also the banes of their existence. With the exception of other creative people, few can truly relate to the mental anguish that comes with every writer’s block and the soul-crushing feeling of “selling out” their talents for the almighty pay cheque. Creative people find themselves in a world run by the left-brainers who often misunderstand, undervalue, and disrespect the creative types as well as their work. The creative people are painted as scatter brained, undisciplined, and living in their own heads rather than in the real world. Actually, creative individuals are very observant, practical, and possess the self-discipline of an ascetic monk for the sake of their art. Because they’re so different from the judgmental and systematic left-brainers, creative people are perceived as a threatening force. This is a rather unfortunate way of thinking because the world needs creative people more than ever!
In the corporate work environment, creative people are merely seen as means to an end. They sketch a design/compose a song/write an article/what have you and the bosses give them their pay cheques at the end of the day. Do bosses appreciate the organization, research, and the outpouring of self that goes into each work? Some do. All that matters to those at the top of the corporate hierarchy is that the creatives continue pushing out stuff that’s not harming the business’s bottom line.
Many people see creative people as those who prefer the bohemian lifestyle and shun those who profit off of their art. Again, that’s a huge misconception. The pursuit of good, well-earned pay doesn’t diminish artistic production. Money can foster artistic talent but there’s a deeper issue that needs to be addressed. Creative people create because they want to create. If recognition and commercial success follow then that’s great! However, the aching need to express that creative side while being true to yourself will always take precedence over capitalism.
SEE ALSO: OVERCOMING CREATIVE BLOCKS: BECOMING BETTER AT WHAT YOU DO
This is much different from “selling out to the man.” Making money from artistic expression isn’t the same as selling out. Lilla Rogers, the internationally acclaimed illustrator/painter and top artist agent, said it best in her definition of selling out: “It’s only selling out if you are selling out to yourself and your own vision. Let’s define selling out. In my mind, it’s dumbing down your work so that you make money.”
Once authenticity is compromised, the descent into moral agony and eventual failure begins. For creative people, there’s no worse feeling in the world than knowing that their internal passions, visions, and values were sacrificed for the lust for money. Yes, they know that some compromise is in order so they could pay their bills. However, acquiring more money and fame doesn’t make the feeling disappear either. If the artist appears to be fine in pushing out sub-par work in order to get more responses from an audience that can’t appreciate authenticity and good quality work, then they’re putting up a remarkable front. Money is nice but the softest pillow is a clear conscience. Not all creative people live a bohemian lifestyle nor do they condemn those that found success from their art. As long as the artist is true to himself or herself, and they can be proud of what they’re producing, then the entire creative community will support them in their endeavours.
There is also the issue of creative minds being too intimidating, or even threatening, to the rest of the world. That’s because creative people sees the world differently and aren’t afraid to question or challenge what’s in front of them. Since they have artistic talent, they will use their gifts to express their views. For those who go through life with their heads buried so deep in the ground that they suffer from neck strains, this type of daring attitude scares them. It makes them uncomfortable because this strange artsy rabble-rouser is challenging their willful ignorance! Creative people are boundary pushers, not rabble-rousers. For the most part, they simply explore what’s in front of them. So of course, questions will be asked and previously held beliefs will be tested. At least they have the balls to use their talents and voices to bring many of the world’s inconsistencies to light.
The world would be a boring place without the the creative folk. It may be impossible to force people to become a right-brainer but clearing some of the misconceptions surrounding creative people is a good start in bringing more understanding to the world.
Don’t you agree?
