Sunday morning gift: a full chapter.
One of the main premises of the book, as the title reveals, is that we’re not artists. But why not, exactly? Today, I’m sharing a full chapter with you, taken from very early on in Part 1: Creation. This is the second version, almost entirely rewritten after the first version was way too blunt.
Now, as you know, nothing comes for free. I really need feedback — the good and the bad. Please reply to this email and tell me your thoughts, whatever they are. Thank you!
We’re Not Artists
Version 2, November 2023
Artistry is the Achilles heel of people who want to become prosperous and happy professional creatives. Flirting with the artistic lifestyle distracts us from our work. For one, it allows us to hold on to the destructive belief that we’re special. After all, many famous artists are eccentric, quirky outliers; rule breakers; rebels. We mistakenly identify with or idolize them.
Sadly, we’re incapable of seeing art separate from its associated lifestyle. Not because we’re not trying hard enough, but because the artist’s work and his life are intertwined; they’re inseparable. Art means nothing without its maker. This interdependency is a problem because what we believe is an artistic lifestyle is actually a gateway to unfortunate career choices, misaligned priorities, and being unreliable.
I am not saying art is stupid. I am not saying artists are irresponsible or less worthy. I’m saying that primarily identifying as an artist is hindering our career.
An artist is not a professional creative. He creates out of a certain desire, a deep calling, or a raw emotional need. He might hope that his work resonates with an audience, or brings about change in the world, but all of that is collateral; they’re not the main goal.
We, on the other hand, provide a service. Sure, that service happens to revolve around creation. But ultimately, all we do is create value in return for money.
All of our work is commissioned. We are confined to whatever medium and narrative best solve our client’s problems or achieve their goals.
In contrast, the majority of an artist’s work isn’t commissioned. They are manifestations of inner workings, and a record of the artist’s ongoing journey. The medium and narrative of the artist’s work can be anything. Nothing is off-limits; the artist can do anything they desire to express whatever they want.
In that sense, artistry seems uniquely liberating. It’s no surprise that many of us find the idea of being an artist appealing. We think of it as a mesmerizing vortex of creativity and inspiration and epiphanies. An exciting, alternative life. Oh, the rebellion, the rough edges, and the raw, visceral truthfulness of it all.
But let me step on the brakes here.
We’re not artists. If you want to be one, stop forcing yourself to be a professional creative* — they are two worlds apart. If art is your dream, commit to it. Move to that one city where the scene is most vibrant. Break up with your partner unless they’re all-in too — they don’t deserve your turbulence. Do everything in your power to become the artist you want to be.
Either you’ll succeed — good for you — or you’ll fail, knowing you really tried. Failure might permit you to fully commit to being a professional creative after all. Or you’ll become something else; that’s fine too.
But you can’t be successful as an artist and a professional creative at the same time. If you try to, you will live two compromised lives instead of a whole one. You’ll end up a washout who never pursued their calling and never amounted to much. Whichever you want to be: choose, and commit.
Committing to being a professional creative means letting go of artistic distractions, and refraining from using artistry as a lame excuse for our shortcomings. We get enough sleep. We are on time. We take care of ourselves, our workspace, and the people around us. We don’t hide our insecurities behind a facade of eccentricity.
This commitment doesn’t mean we can’t create works of art. We, as anyone else, are free to express ourselves creatively, and nobody governs what qualifies as art, and what does not. But our art can be no more than a hobby or a passion project. We don’t make art for clients; we solve their problems and achieve their goals. The only way to do this effectively is by showing up for work ready, rested, and in the right frame of mind.
If we truly can’t let go of the dream of being an artist, we put this book down now and we chase our dream, or we risk a future of failure and regret.
*Some of us might actually be artists at heart, but unable to make ends meet solely through our art. In an effort to stay afloat, we pivot to fields that are close to our passion: design, film, art direction, illustration, or photography, for example. While this might suffice for while, it’s crucial for those in this situation to remember their goals and stay focused. Don’t become complacent with the comfort of a relatively steady income through professional creation. Prioritize your art, and remind yourself that professional creation is merely an excursion born from necessity.
“Great, now what?”
1. If you have doubts, look in the mirror and ask yourself if you want to be an artist. If the answer is ‘yes,’ stop reading this book. If the answer is ‘maybe,’ find out what’s keeping you from admitting that the answer is actually ‘yes.’
2. Repeat #1 for as many days or weeks as you need, until you know what you really want. Talk to your loved ones. Dig deep, explore, find answers, and commit.
3. When you’re ready, say out loud, write in your journal, or post on social media: “I’m not an artist. Art is no more than a hobby of mine, and I will treat it as such.”
4. When you’re ready, say out loud, write in your journal, or post on social media: “I am a professional creative. Professional first, creative second.”
