I wouldn't say I'm some big-time, super-famous artist on social media. But hey, I'm still a dude who's been thinking creatively since I was a kid. I'm pretty sure every artist has this dilemma—always wanting to get better, you know? It's like, a never-ending quest for perfection. I'm sure you guys get it.
And this whole hustle—the chase for fame, money, or even just that weird passion to create, like you're on some kind of artistic high. That's just part of the whole creative process, man. It's something that goes on every day, but somehow, every time, us creative folks have to say, "Oh, I haven't reached that level yet." But come on, that's just not true, right? Being an "artist" in the real sense isn't just some job title! Otherwise, AI would have completely destroyed art, and that's just not happening.
Being an artist means you have your own style, shaped by your experiences and what you've learned. Like, your comfy spot, where you're all cozy, but instead of chillin', you're creating something cool.
And an artist always has taste, you know? Aesthetics, emotions, it's like a sixth sense—the fifth one being the ability to see all these styles.
When an artist takes a peek at another one to figure out what they're all about, you can tell what's up with them right away, even if they're just starting out. The way they hold themselves, their expressions, how people react to their work, whether they're digging deep into the philosophical stuff or just trying to make some cash.
Money's the real snag in having complete creative freedom, and I can't say for sure if you can really call someone who sells their art an "artist." It all comes down to that tiny spark of the "creator," you know? Not just the usual commercial stuff. Everyone likes something a little different, but if it's too out there, it's not for everyone. It's almost just for you.
To sell your vision untouched, that's not just hard, that's impossible. We're humans, man, there are a ton of us, and we all see things differently. Trying to adapt to something new and get used to a way of taking in the meaning that doesn't work for you, that's going to lead to some pushback.
So is all that effort even worth it if no one gets it?
There are extremes, too. Like, people who just search for meaning and hidden messages in everything—pretty subtexts, you know? They change the whole thing so much that the original artist is just like, "Dude, you read the whole book!" with a little smile and a nod. That's not right either, 'cause the essence of the art gets lost in someone else's imagination.
So where does this whole "Artist" thing start and end? This Creator, Painter, Director, and all their synonyms?
M-m-m, I think it's in the thinking stage. I mean, from my experience, you can spot a real artist from a mile away. But what about the more commercial guys? Is it worth living their lives, drowning in money, fame, and all those useless eye-sores they call "art," that no one really wants?
It's a touchy subject, but I'm telling you, if someone doesn't see anything more in art than just a product, then they probably don't really love it.
This might sound selfish, but... if you've created a world that you like, or a piece of art that you love, then hold onto it.
No one's going to understand the time, the emotions, the crazy things that went into it. If YOU feel like YOU're an artist, then stay in your own happy place. But if YOU're not an artist, but you want to make some money, then at least try to enjoy it. Or, if all else fails, find another way to express your big heart.
I'm writing this at like, 4 in the morning. It's one of those sudden bursts of inspiration, you know? I just feel the urge to share all these thoughts bouncing around in my head, even though they might not make much sense. To be honest, I've been holding back, trying not to say anything stupid.
But right now, I don't care. Fame, money? I don't give a damn. I just want to open up my heart to some strangers. And if they spit in my face? Whatever. These are my thoughts, man, and I wrote them more for myself than for anyone else.
That's probably what true art is all about—making something that makes you happy, but only for yourself.
