Chapter 4 - Keep Going [Book Summary]
It’s time to realise an artist should Make gifts.
Austin said one of the easiest ways to hate something you love is to turn it into your job. And yes, it’s true.
When you start making a living from your work, resist the urge to monetise every single bit of your creative practice.
You must be mindful of what potential impact monetising your passions could have on your life.
“It’s always good to have a hobby where there’s no way to monetise it. So, follow your dreams, but right up to the point where they become your job, and then run in the other direction.”
- David Rees
Also, money is not the only measurement that can corrupt your creative practice. It’s easy to become as obsessed with online metrics as money.
Been there, done that!
I wrote on LinkedIn just because I got good views (and of course, clients). Both have kinda decreased now, and I don’t get much motivation to post regularly.
“Don’t make stuff because you want to make money. It will never make you enough money. And don’t make stuff because you want to get famous. Because you'll never feel famous enough. Make gifts for people. And work hard on making those gifts in the hope that those people will notice and like the gifts.”
- John Green
When your art is taken over by market considerations - what’s getting clicks, what’s selling - it can quickly lose the gift element that makes it art.
What to do when that happens?
Ummm pick somebody special in your life and make something special for them. If you have a big audience, make them something special and give it away.
[Book Summary Newsletter 24 of 30]
Want book summaries, content tips and occasional hugs in your inbox?