If you want to be a creator, it has to be for all the right reasons. From a distance, creating appears to be inspiring, natural, and whimsical and although that may not be inaccurate, it doesn't capture the process as a whole. The truth is, when someone decides to put their imagination to work, it isn't as easy as it looks. Although some people do just have a natural knack for photographing, painting, designing, or any other art form for that matter, the result did not happen overnight. Creators of all sorts put an immense amount of time and effort into any project they take up. Something as "simple" as a photograph may have taken an hour to capture, two to edit, and three to stare at, hate, and start all over.
I highly encourage anyone with a creative bone in their body to start producing work. Follow your passion, but only if it really is your passion. There are way too many people out here doing freelance makeup, designing clothes, or starting a YouTube channel solely for the hopeful financial benefit, oh, and the fame too. But Marc Jacobs, Michelle Phan, and Bobbi Brown didn't make their way after a couple months. If you don't truly love what you are doing, you are going to get frustrated with the feedback, or lack thereof. If you want to make your creative passion a career, get ready for a long road ahead.
While on the subject of creative successes, let's talk about how extremely negative our communities are to up and coming singers, content creators, and videographers. Do we not see the irony in saving up for the most recent sought after designer purse while rolling our eyes at the girl down the road who sketches fashion designs? These people that you are willing to cough up hundreds of dollars for likely had the same start as your local creator that you discourage without giving a second thought.
We tell people that they can be whatever they want to be and do whatever they want to do...that is, until they actually try to start doing anything. It doesn't make sense that we admire Michael Kors, Taylor Swift, and Jaclyn Hill for their success despite the obstacles, when we shake our heads at our youth claiming their nearly identical dreams are "impossible". We look up to those who committed years, invested money, and ignored the doubtful to make their dreams come true. We look up to them because it is inspiring. Yet when a local person shows promise, we are the first to discourage them. It is sad that someone's creative passion is crazy and unlikely until the right person believes in them and we see their success unfold. At that point, we are all on board. We believed in you from the start! You are now an inspiration!
Oh, and one more thing, the only reason it is considered "impossible" for someone to make something of themselves through their creativity is because of the people who urge them to quit. We all have the potential to be successful musicians, artists, and photographers, but it takes commitment. The people around you will look at you in disbelief and encourage you to take the safer route. Why risk trying to become a famous filmmaker when you know you could be an accountant and have a safe career with a steady income, right?
If you have the desire to create, don't do it for the fame, fortune, or validation, that is a long way off. If you truly love what you are doing, and actually have a passion to create, you will be successful. You will enjoy your journey every step of the way and that is all that matters. So even if you have no one rooting for you, don't stop. Your passion is worth the wait and life is too short to play it safe.
