Art and Entitlement

Artists are an interesting bunch. Creative, imaginative, clever, funny, enthusiastic, passionate, driven, and determined. But one characteristic that I find amongst many artists (myself included earlier in my career) is an often strong sense of entitlement. Expecting validation, praise, and success just because “you’re working hard”, “you put everything into this”, or simply because you made something and think it deserves attention and acclaim.

Of course, there’s a commercial component where you hope people like the thing you create enough to purchase it so you can earn a living. That’s fine and healthy. Entitlement is not.

I hate to break it to you. No one gives a shit about your art. The sooner you accept this, the better off you’ll be.

Ooooo you made this thing? And spent hours on it? Days even?

So what? Who fu*kin cares?!

Not me.

Not your mom.

Not your dad.

Not your boyfriend.

Not your girlfriend.

Not your Tinder date.

Not your Amazon delivery person.

Not your teacher.

Not your personal trainer.

Not your accountant.

Not your sister.

Not your brother.

Not your nephew.

Not your offspring.

Not your dead relative.

Not the barista at Starbucks.

Not the models.

Not the actors.

Not the producers.

Not the flight attendant.

Not the Uber driver.

Not the waiter.

Not the hostess.

Not your followers.

Not their followers.

Not your dog.

Not your cat.

Not your plant.

Not the subway riders.

Not the person next to you in traffic.

Not the person next to you in line.

Not your agent.

Not Taylor Swift.

Not Beyonce.

Not Elton John.

Not Zendaya.

Not DiCaprio.

Not that influencer you worship.

Not the universe.

Not your God.

No…one…cares.

Now, with this knowledge that no one gives a shit, will you still paint, draw, sing, photograph, film, produce, dance, sculpt, animate, invent, design, program, write, perform, act, play…create?

Will you do the thing you do everyday even if a marching band and cheerleaders aren’t following you around 24/7 telling you how amazing you are? Will you create even when your IG post only gets a handful of likes?

If so, you’re on your way.

If you need validation or praise to do your work, you should probably call it a day. You don’t need that sort of stress right?!

This probably isn’t for you.

It’s not important that others care. It’s most important, that YOU care.

I hope this helps give you some perspective.