STARVING ARTIST (PT 2): TO BE COMMERCIAL OR NOT

We have established in some prior posts that it is ok to make money, to put bread on your table, to not starve, to not “suffer the pain”. You need your brain and body to create art, you need to make money to feed yourself in life. The most valuable thing you can give to yourself is to figure out what makes you burn with your art, and how can you stay most honest and true towards that — consistency. How can we achieve consistency the most without sacrifice? (I don’t like that word, we have to own our decisions about what we priorities in life).

You can make art that is more commentary and social-politcal that ends up in a museum at some point (long term), you can be a commercial artist whose goal it is for the art to be your “ticket out” (shorter term). really you can be anything, and all of it is ok. Do not judge yourself for the choice, the reason that makes your creativity burn. For whatever reason the universe gifted you with that, accept it, see it, deal with it, love it. I would have to write many paragraphs on why we should be more ok about our choices, but simply put — I know commercial artist that have signed with big labels, taken that money and founded some amazing indie-labels that releases acts that have an alternative point of view. I know non-commercial artist that has changed the world as well. See what I am saying? listen to your heart, see your fire, see your end-purpose (your greater good). Also when we are consistent, other human beings and the universe reads that as “clear” and “honest” and those energies are triggers for people to come help you achieve what you set out to do. embrace yourself and others will embrace you as well.

x Kissey