C is for Cthulhu

Why conformity kills your creativity and how a little chaos can save it

James Garside
The Partnered Pen

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Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

You’re not supposed to read this.

This is part C of my Alphabet of Need — an A to Z of pieces that explore the qualities you need to embody as an artist.

Here’s what I’ve got so far:

A is for Anarchy. B is for Buddha. C is for Cthulhu. Why? Because fuck you.

This is my list. It doesn’t have to make sense — to you or anyone else. If you want the world to make sense then make your own list. Do you see how that works? Self-expression is the point of art — not explaining it to other people.

That was me. I said that. I have thoughts.

You see, there’s a worrying trend on the internet these days. It will kill your creativity and stop you dead in your tracks as an artist if you let it. How do I know? Well, because I let it for far too long.

No-one cares what you think unless you’re rich or famous.

You’ve got to pick a niche. You’ve got to stay in your lane. You’ve got to create in a way that pleases and serves your audience. At least that’s what they try to tell you.

That isn’t art — it’s marketing.

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James Garside
The Partnered Pen

Freelance journalist, author, and travel writer. I help writers and artists to do their best work. Let's be part of each other's stories. jamesgarside.net/links