The Artist’s Dream

True artists simply cannot shut off what they desire to do. It’s almost like a requirement to survive, an urge that needs to be satisfied. Even if it means embracing the label of a “starving artist”, a term thrown around for those who haven’t found a substantial way to earn a livelihood off their aspirations. They are willing to endure hardship, and “starve” even, just to pursue their passion.

Every Artist’s Dream

Artists I believe, love when others appreciate their work in some way or the other. Some may pretend not to, but deep down inside, the littlest of appreciation goes an incredibly long way.

If not checked properly, it can even become an addiction.

Labour of Love

A “Labour of love” refers to work or effort undertaken not for financial gain or obligation, but out of passion, enjoyment, or a deep personal commitment.

It’s usually associated with the artist’s dedication to their creations or the outcomes of their endeavours and is sometimes incomprehensible to many. I don’t think true artists at heart really focus on the monetary value of their efforts as much. 

At their core, an artist’s dream is wanting their work to be seen, consumed or appreciated in any way by as many as possible. They want to make the most impact, even inspire. Some want to change things, break the rules, redefine them, be disruptive; become legends.

The Problem with Artists

To achieve notoriety, recognition, appreciation or what you want to call it, from the widest audience possible, takes a great deal.

The first challenge is usually the inspiration to create, and after that monumental hurdle, there’s the balance of life and the time to execute, along with the energy and will to complete to satisfaction.

Depending on the size of the dream as well, the next gargantuan hurdle that can make or break the execution is the financial ability to see it to the end.

This has been the biggest challenge with many artists who dream big. Regardless of the field, every artist would love enough funding or financial stability to survive and pursue their passion.

However, at times, there are bad apples or bad actors who, when they’ve found a source of funding, can misuse, abuse or not utilise this opportunity to the full extent. Some have talent but lack management skills. Some aren’t true artists and succumb to the allure of a large sum of money, which leaves many to doubt artists’ potential.

It’s usually why artists are typically portrayed as wild cards, unreliable, or polarizing in narratives. In some circles or situations being referred to as an artist can be a negative thing.

An Artist’s Vision

It’s not always clear what motivates an artist to do what they do. As important as wanting to create, they need motivation, either in the form of inspiration, a drive or a muse.

If an artist loses their immense motivation along the way for whatever reasons, they would rather the dream die than see it in the hands of another or see it mutate into something it wasn’t intended for.

A good example of this is movie studios where executives meddle with the director’s vision for a movie. In nine out of ten cases, this meddling results in significant disappointment, reshoots, failure, or loss, emphasising the delicate balance between artistic integrity and external influence.  One out of ten times it falls terribly short of the success it was meant to be.

It’s never a good thing when others meddle with an artist’s vision.

What to do

Artists just have to do what they have to do, and it’s a gamble really. There’s no other way to put it. There’s no playbook or guaranteed formula for success. Sometimes it can be a monumental failure, sometimes it can be a tremendous success. That’s the life of an artist.

All artists have is their dream, their will, and their burning desire to make it extraordinary, great even. Everything else is left up to…