Art isn't necessarily produced for other people. In fact, it's quite a selfish endeavor. Art is made to be seen. This is what makes it such a challenging career path. Rather than the usual business model where the desires of the consumer come first, the desires of the artist come first.
Art is about inward focus. The moment an artist puts another person first, they lose authenticity. This does not mean outside requests or critiques from those who are qualified in the field, when asked, cannot come in and redirect the artist to improve the project or skill level. Art, at its core, is about becoming more oneself, and it has nothing to do with anyone else.
Artists have the potential to be some of the most high-profile people in society. It's one of the few businesses that incentivizes the creator to be selfish.
The reason why the outside world loves artists and their work is because of the feelings they produce. Consuming someone's creative act is a deep experience. This is because the artist is so focused on themselves that their work encapsulates a depth that consumes other people.
However, when money (an external force) becomes the artist's motive, it negates the quality of the work. Again, art is internal. It is selfish. It is about the artist, nothing else. That's why it is moving. That's the reason why people will spend money in the first place.
We feel it when things are done for commercial, money-motivated purposes. It doesn't have the same internal effect on the audience.
While I value and respect money and support artists getting paid for their work, sometimes it might be better, on a qualitative level, that the creative act isn't the sole stream of income. Once money or any source of external validation becomes the motivating factor, the work loses depth, quality, and authenticity. The work is created just to get done, get paid, and make a profit. Soul-deep, personal, and honest work goes at its own pace, or at least at a pace that's required, no matter the length of time.
Speaking of authenticity, I've heard you've got a 6:30 AM journaling practice. Now, that's a level of dedication that intrigues me. How has that early morning routine shaped your art and your daily life? Does it prep your mind and soul for the authentic creativity that defines you? Would love to hear how these early morning pages fuel your undeniable artistry.