The artist is the full-blown artistic version of themselves at the moment the idea enters into their mind and they begin to engage with the idea. This is the exciting part for me, and many others, I’m sure. On the other hand, it feels as though the artist is the least themselves the further they engage with the industry in which they operate. Artists in industry are still artists, but every pure idea has been compromised through behind-the-scenes graft, and it can feel wrong.
At first glance, this word is ugly. Compromised. But it’s just the nature of working as artists in industry, and something every creative must face at some point. It would be nothing less than a delusion to publish, package, and sell your work while still believing that the purity of your creativity is intact.
If you want to be an artist, you can be a poor artist, unknown and content. If you want to be a successful artist, you have to live within some kind of industry. I’ve lived as an artist, rent-free in a hostel attic for 6 months, just writing my debut novel without distraction. I’ve lived the opposite, too, as a copywriter for a marketing agency.
Artists in industry know how to compromise
Compromise is the answer. Embrace your complete artistry to invite the idea, then work on it day in day out as you would if your boss was behind your back demanding more from you. Work as hard for yourself as you do for others. And market your work with the same practices a marketer uses to help companies grow.
Compromise is a beautiful thing. It doesn’t mean half-assing both sides. It means bringing together the best of your creativity and your dedication to becoming a success. Then move forward with the greatest chance of making it as an excellent artist who knows how to get their material seen and enjoyed by readers.