Calling all Dream Killers
If you're an artist, you may have been asked what your back up plan is before. Those three words you creatives know all too well. This is a topic I've been wanting to address for far too long and finally, here we are. When I first began my acting career the possibilities were endless. The art form completely brought me out of my shell and deep down I knew that being a performer was what I was meant to do with my life. Now being young, people don't really question it. They just tend to assume you'll eventually burn out and move on to something else. Personally, I never did and I don't plan on giving up anytime soon and you shouldn't either.
do not let money define your success
Often times, well most of the time, people associate money with success. If you're a millionaire, people somehow automatically jump to the conclusion that you're successful. Seems a little backwards if you ask me. What about all of the other aspects in life that make someone "successful". As it is defined in the dictionary, success is "the accomplishment of an aim or purpose".
Generally, accomplishments change. They hardly ever stay the same and vary from day to day. Not to mention, we can have more than one at a time. An accomplishment can have the potential be significant regarding money and status. For example, booking a role for a network television series is definitely an accomplishment for an actor. Although, we definitely pass over the smaller ones that tend to happen more frequently. Like calling an old friend, running errands we had been avoiding, or even just dragging ourselves out of bed to go to the gym. These are the small accomplishments we hardly ever acknowledge, celebrate, or hell, even give ourselves credit for.
If you were to break it down, money is just a small piece of the puzzle. We need it as a tool to live, but it makes up just a small part of your life. Money does not define character or dictate happiness.
Overall, it is important to remember that success is defined by you and you only. Now don't get me wrong, being financially stable is obviously ideal but without meeting your basic and psychological needs first, making progress will prove to be difficult.
Be smart, stay true to yourself and the rest will fall into place.
*Click the link below to learn more about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs*
art is everywhere
Oddly enough, becoming an artist / creative is somewhat frowned upon as a career choice. This is probably due to the fact that being an artist is not a nine to five job and somewhat proves to be inconsistent at times. Which overall means less financial stability? Yes and no.
This all circles back to money and status. Success in the industry has been defined by fame and fortune. If you take a closer look, you'll discover plenty of artists and industry professionals who have proven this concept to be incorrect. Most of them live behind the scenes and hardly ever receive the credit they deserve. In fact, many famous individuals you admire would not be who they are today without a team of artists behind them.
So the next time you look up at a billboard, listen to a song, watch a movie, or even read a book. Remember that within the background are thousands of employed artists who dared to dream and do what makes them happy. Take a closer look. Art is Everywhere.
So the next time, somebody asks you about your back up plan due to the lack of money and stability they believe your craft will provide you. Answer with this: F**k off.
love what you read?
Subscribe to receive updates on new blog topics and reads.
Visit the Contact Us page to submit a topic you'd like to talk and / or receive insight about!
Happy Blogging!
Comments