Being creative ain’t easy. We often work alone for hours, don’t socialize like our normal friends do, and we struggle with indecision and self-confidence. It’s the nature of the beast.
When I was growing up I felt as if I was living in a vacuum. No, I didn’t have dust and Legos swirling around me, but I did feel as if I was alone with my creativity, or more precisely, my need to be creative. I didn’t know anyone else who had the same predilections as me. I read voraciously, I wrote constantly, and I didn’t have anyone to share that with.
Oh, there were a few friends and family members who would read my poems and stories and say they were good, but my endeavors were never considered serious. Everyone seemed to think this was a great hobby for me, but nothing more. Sort of like, “That’s nice. Now, what are you going to do for a living?”
It took many years to build up my confidence to the point where I looked at myself as a professional writer. It’s unfortunate, because I think I could have been further along in my career by now. But we can’t change the past, we can only learn from it. And that’s why I feel it’s important to encourage other artists on their endeavors.
I know that for some of us, creating is serious business. We aren’t doing this because we’re bored or we think we can get more attention on social media. We do it because we need to, we have to. There’s something inside us that drives us to create. I understand that. But the problem is that – at least for some of us – we don’t have the support we need. And without that support, we wallow in indecision and wonder why we even bother to try.
It pains me to think that there are other artists out in the world going through this. It’s difficult. It makes us feel like giving up, tossing in the towel and wandering off to try and do normal things. But please don’t do that. The world needs your art. YOU need your art. Sure, you may not have an audience at the moment, and you may never be rich and famous, but art – your art – is still important. At the very least, it’s important to you.
This is the reason I started my podcast. I want to encourage other artists, maybe even inspire them. I don’t want them to feel as if they’re alone. I’m not expecting to change the world, but I’m hoping that I can change it for at least one person.
If you’re in this predicament, don’t give up, don’t let it get you down or dissuade you from doing what you feel the need to do. You’re welcome to check out my podcast, or maybe find an artist group near you that can provide support and encouragement. Hell, you can even reach out to me if need be. And for what it’s worth, I’m not the only one who is supportive. You can find others like yourself. Lean on each other.
Remember, your art is important. Never forget that.
RB
I’ve always enjoyed music and wish I could create it. Unfortunately, I was told to practice the viola in second grade. There was no audience for my efforts, even the music teacher seemed indifferent. Being a young child meant that I had not developed willpower nor the required focus necessary to play the unglamorous viola. I wonder if I had been offered a violin or cello, would music have turned out to be my art?
That’s a good question, Swabby, and one I’ve often considered. If I’d had more support for my creative endeavors, would I be a well-known artist at this point?
Still, playing any instrument (with or without an audience) is still something many people wish they could do. And you never know, maybe you can write a song or two if you put your mind to it. 🙂
I have an old Yamaha electronic keyboard that I tinker with. That’s enough.