Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
My Theory on Why Artists are Self-Centered
I have a theory on why artists are considered “self-centered.” It’s because we’re self-employed (some of us only part-time) and always trying to think of ways to market ourselves to a narrow, fickle audience. At any given time, only about .4% of the population is interested in reading what we have to say (or express, depending on your medium). That’s a pretty tough crowd, and it makes for constant self-examination, ongoing self-awareness, and the ability to change, update, and remain flexible in every way. Artists aren’t “self-centered” because we want to be; we’re self-centered because we have to be.
It’s a tiresome process at times and I resent the obligation. What’s more, when we’re not on top of our games, our audience promptly diminishes. (Even our own families and friends lose interest. There is no loyalty in the arts.)
Throughout my life I have heard various family members and friends tell me that I should be writing books or composing columns for a newspaper or some other vaguely rewarding “occupational writer” thing, as if such an appointment is the do-all, end-all. The fact of the matter is, I HAVE been writing professionally for almost two decades. I HAVE been discovered (by peers and fans)… and forgotten… and rediscovered… and reforgotten.
I’m glad that I AM a So-called Writer, that I identify myself as one who makes a living being professionally creative. I’m proud of the work I do for my paid clients, love my own works of honest creativity, and enjoy the voice I have in blogging. I’ve written truthfully, unabashedly and always (or at least mostly) with quality as my ultimate intention.
And I’ve learned that there are few tangible rewards. Gratifying, yes… rewarding (financially speaking), well, not so much.
So next time you, dear reader, feel inclined to urge some young, naive creative to pursue that pie-in-the-sky dream, do so. Do so. It’s great for boosting confidence. Without those pieces of encouragement, I never would have pursued my passion as a full time career. Just keep your expectations in line with reality, and try to impart said reality on to those you encourage. And keep encouraging. And keep encouraging. And keep encouraging.
Remember, please, that we are not really self-centered. We are simply self-employed.
Bovine Lingua
Dear Hair Expert,
I have so-called naturally curly red hair, but all my life I’ve also had a problem with something I refer to as “the badass curl.” Truthfully, it is a cowlick. (I do not know the scientific name for cowlick. Bovine Lingua?) Anyway, my moo-inducing tendencies are truly problematic while my hair is short. I get up in the morning, saturate the unruly thing, paste it down with mousse, gel, what have you… but hours later (always after a client has come and gone) I discover the thing standing upright like a teenage privacy issue on a first date. What gives? Furthermore, why does my hair always look like a bad dye job? Dark at the roots and red at the tips. I’m sick of that. People must think I’m a lax colorer. The truth is, I take pride in the fact that I DO NOT COLOR! I like the grey! WTF?
Hair Expert, please review the attached photos and feel free to publish your honest opinion. And note that the Bovine Lingua is so pronounced that it casts a shadow on the wall behind me. Wowie!
Yours truly,
Cinnamon Swirl
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