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I was thinking a lot about Crypto last night (ok it's all day every day for the last 2 months) and about the struggles of it - getting 'traction', making sales - how you feel when you don't sell, seeing huge success elsewhere.. I have been through it all before (bit of a thread)
I've been a commercial artist for 12 years now.. And the journey in that game is *exactly* the same.. early on it's the same ups & downs.. same feelings of occasional despair.. Seeing people have huge success & wondering when it might happen for you..
The list of negative pitfalls goes on.. And there are highs too - endorphin hits when a piece you made does make an impact and you do get noticed in the crowd.. But here is the most valuable lesson I learned in those 12 years:
Nothing matters but your art.. Likes don't matter.. Follower numbers don't matter.. Failures don't matter (in a negative way - they actually matter in a positive way).. Endorsements from artists you admire don't matter.. A famous person/company following you doesn't matter
The only thing that matters is you making art, and getting better at making art, and pushing yourself to get better.. Because then all of the above is incidental - You getting better leads to it.. if you are passionate about what you do, doors will open eventually
It is important to share your work on socials.. You need eyeballs on it.. but it's not about how many like it - it's *who* likes it.. Some of my biggest jobs came on the back of work that got a handful of likes at best
Whenever I feel a bit preachy like this, I have to remind myself (and you) that I am talking to myself here! Reminding myself that the only thing I have in my power to do is make the best art I can, and to enjoy the process.. the rest can run its own course
This crypto thing is great for several reasons, but to my mind the predominant two are: freedom to experiment & maybe earn a little from that, and feeling part of a community.. The poster scene I'm in is the same - a brilliant, supportive community .. it helps push you forward
