"I don't want to be a content creator, I want to be an artist."
Does that sentence mean anything to you? Since you're on my newsletter, I'm going to assume that it does.
Being a full-time creative means having to put yourself where the eyes are. The reality that I've learned is that nobody is just going to just walk into your shop.
You're going to have to put yourself in front of them.
So then, you go on YouTube, type in the search bar "How to get views on your videos," and a million and one self-proclaimed social media gurus are going to tell you the viral hacks that work every time.
But, they don't.
This leads to chasing algorithms and playing the "content game". We start focusing more on view rather than our art. Then we hit creative burnout with a dash of dissociation.
I'm going through this as we speak. But, I think I figured it out.
How a Trip to the Museum Changed Everything
This past weekend, my wife and I stopped by one of our favorite spots, the Museum of Contemporary Art here in Jacksonville.
Everytime I go to MOCA, I feel as though I'm warmly embraced. This is my comfort place. Except this time, it was different.
My wife absolutley enjoyed her time, while I had one of my totally normal internal existential narratives on what it means to be an artist.
As we continued to tour the galleries, I couldn't stop asking myself, "How do I capture this feeling?".
And then it hit me.
Not a single one of these artists created for an algorithm. They created for themselves.
As soon as we got home, I started sketching out a new video idea.
My very messy video planning process.
This is something I'll be posting soon, but here's a few takeaways I think could really help us creative business owners.
Here's Why I Don't Feel Like an Artist
I don't get out and consume physical art enough. Experiencing art in person (museums, farmers markets, libraries, etc.) will fuel you far more than carefully crafted Instagram reels will.
I don't feel like I'm challenging myself enough. I feel very comfortable with my creative process, which probably means I'm not doing enough to challenge myself in new terrirories.
I have the wrong outcome in mind. Whenever I post a video, I immediately start to obsessively watch the views and comments to see how the video is performing.
I struggle with being an artist and business owner. Without views, I get no business. With no business, I can't support my family.
I don't create enough. My schedule is full of admin work for my YouTube channel, Music Production Bootcamp, and the newly launched Creator Class.
What the F##k I'm Going to Do About It.
Go out and experience more art. Museums, bookstores, and antique stores are my happy place. Experiencing art in person is like fine dining, whereas social media is fast food. Choose your nutrition wisely.
I'm going to challenge myself. I'm going to start experimenting with new mediums, formats, time limits, and genres. Nothing is off-limits.
I'm going to create for myself. If I don't enjoy what I'm creating, why am I making it in the first place? If I don't personally enjoy it, I'm not sending it out.
I'm an artist that is a business owner, not a business owner that is an artist. You can't be a creative business owner without the creative part. Sure, I have sales goals I need to hit and metrics to track. But it has to start with creativity.
Just create more. It's stupidly simple. If I don't feel like I'm creating enough, make the time and create. Create for yourself, create with others, create nonsense. Not everything needs to be content, just create what feels natural.
I'm really looking forward to this video, but now I'm want to hear from YOU.
Hey there! I wanted to thank you for taking the time to read this. I truly enjoy documenting and sharing the creative process and trying to fuel others along the way.
