Supporting Artists You Know: Part One
How many of you know someone who is an artist? Maybe they’re a writer, a speaker, comedian, musician, photographer. The list is endless. How many times have you liked their work? How many times have you gone out of your way and taken the 5 seconds it takes to share their art?
We all have people in our lives who create art. I am willing to bet 100% of you reading this right now know someone who creates something. If you don’t, then I’d like to happily introduce you to myself — I am a writer, among other things and I wear many hats for my many interests. But, writing takes precedence. It’s nice to meet you.
The point of this article is to express how difficult it can be for artists to share their work. From a personal perspective, with self-publishing my book recently, that was 7 years in the making. I collected and wrote my heart out based on experiences in my own life, with the hope and intention that I would be brave enough one day to publish my art. Even as I was writing each piece, I remember thinking to myself “I don’t want anyone to read this, what if they judge me based on what I see? What if this emotion is too dark for someone? What if..” and the what if’s just overflowed my mind. I was also absolutely terrified of being seen for who I am. Even now, as I’m writing this piece, which is purely opinion and experience, I am terrified. But, I allow the fear to pass through me and allow it to exist, but instead of giving in to it and completely stopping — I keep going.
I began working on my book earlier this year. I can actually count back to the day — I seriously started working on it seriously with intention of publishing it this year on January 4, 2020. A potential outline and plan was written up for the organization of my poems and saved. I didn’t touch this plan again until April 25, 2020. It took months for me to get motivated again to finish what I started. It also took a lot of love and support from someone very close to me, who actually just so happened to design my book cover.
Artists go through so much planning, overthinking, planning, and overthinking. As well as passion for what they do, and a message. There is a message in everything that an artist does. It’s a personal message based on their personal experience, but at least for me, my hopes with my art are that it will reach someone and they will feel seen. They won’t feel alone in their experience. Or perhaps it will offer a new perspective for somebody. A wonderful friend of mine always tells me “you never know who you’re going to reach. Even if you reach one person and even if that one person is you — you did it.” That is incredibly true. These words get me through my days sometimes — maybe they will help you get through yours.
Moving forward, I hope that instead of just liking an artist’s art, you go the extra mile — purchase that book, pre-save that song, and if you don’t want to do that or can’t do that — SHARE the song. SHARE the book. I know from my perspective, someone sharing my art and my work absolutely lights up my heart and means the absolute world to me. To have someone purchase my book means even more. But just a share, a like, or talking about it with your friends matters so much. The fact that I even have the opportunity in this way to share my heart and experiences with people matters SO much. That means the world and more. The rest is out of my control. But the opportunity is what I live for. I can promise that this is what the artists in your life live for, too.
Also, if you have art that you’re scared to share, get out there and share it! I promise if you feel the passion to do it, there’s a reason and people need your art and your voice. No matter what. People will judge you, but guess what, they’re judging you anyway, so might as well do what you’re passionate about and put yourself out there.
Let’s get out there and create all of the art! The world really needs it.
