Artist or Slacker?

There are many good reasons to slink out of society. It’s still tough out there, but no amount of hating “the man” is going to change any of that.

The reality is that escaping the grind is an even bigger one. Instead, it’s all too easy to fool ourselves, to be kind of an artist to make up for our lack of success in — or willingness to engage — the world out there. Are you really and artist? Here are some factors to consider:

Energy & Excitement

Despite our romantic notion of the depressed and apathetic artist, indulging in these feelings won’t get us anywhere. Ironically, the thing that formed the artist can also be the same thing holding him back. Those reluctant to engage the world develop the bad habit of giving fifty-percent (I speak from experience). While being on the fridge can give you something to share, you also need energy to share it. You don’t have to be Tony Robbins (and probably shouldn’t try to) but, you need a little excitement.

Excitement is the byproduct of pushing through. The feeling that you have something worth sharing and that this crazy pursuit may work out after all.

Experience

I hated going to work. I walked through the snow every day to catch the bus. My stomach churned wondering if I would be yelled at again. When my boss did it was borderline abusive. I was close to losing my job. It was real life pressure that demanded growth to get through.

As an artist, most of your audience will have gone through something like this, and they can hear someone who hasn’t. Before you have something to say, you have to walk through the fire. Like so many adults do each and every day.

Escape

Slackers aren’t found only on the couch. They’re in government offices and cubicles alike. They’re the ones not happy with what they are doing, but unwilling to do anything else. Temporary escape (distraction) works like quicksand in this pit.

While the artist may find themselves in a dead space for a time or two, they plan a real escape. They travel, backpack, and get dirty. They live and know life. One leap of faith can be enough to escape the shackles of being a slacker.

Excavation

Excavation is the often over looked part of doing the work itself. It’s culminating victories over distraction. It’s being brave enough to see what’s there, and making the sacrifices to set up shop.

If we are asking for the muse to support our lives, we have to dedicate our lives to it. In the end, the reward for being an artist is to be able to live like one. Once we’re ready, it’s just a matter of sitting down.