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| Ray and Charles Eames. They weren't indie, but I still heart them. |
I just wanted to take a minute to send a figurative smack-on-the-rear (the sports kind) to all the creatives out there. I’m thankful for all the talented people who are out there plugging away, making art. I’m most thankful for, and encouraged by, the people who are giving us things to look at and watch and listen to who aren’t getting paid a dime for it. Those people are exploring and pushing boundaries because they love what they do. They love to create. And I can identify with that.
I just wanted to say, “Keep it up.” I think we’d all like to make money doing what we love to do. But only a few are doing it to get rich. Most of us just want the cash and the time to make the art more often. The sad truth is that the majority may never find it. But, does that mean it was all a waste? Are you kidding me? There is amazing work sitting all over the internet landscape right now and it gets discovered everyday. Adults discovering musicians and authors, children discovering artists that inspire them to pick up a brush, and on and on and on. These efforts are absolutely not wasted. First of all, there is always hope. People reach their professional dreams all the time. But, even if that never happens, there are still people you're going to touch. Somebody out there is going to appreciate what you made. Somebody out there is going to LOVE what you made and they are going to be moved by it. Ultimately it might cause them to make something of their own. So let me say this…
Keep making. Make as much as you can. Create.
The more you produce, the more eyes that see it, the more chances that something sticks or goes viral and moves you closer to where you want to be or sets you on an even better course you never expected. Never believe what you’re doing is for nothing. Your friends will see it and they’ll make sure more people see it. Strangers in Russia will see it and send it to their friends. Trust me, I know. Walk Softly is big in Russia right now.
But… what if? What if the best thing that ever comes of your art is when your 8 year old climbs into your lap and belly-laughs while she watches your video? Or the person you devoted your life to stares at your painting or photo or listens to your song and smiles ear-to-ear with a sparkle in their eye? If you ask me… I say you’ve made it.
Now let me share some love. Check out a couple of my favorite indie creators: Michael Startzman and David Arnold.