Mindset

“You have to really want it.”

We hear this all the time from creative people who have gone before us and attained the same kind of success to which we aspire.

But although this mantra is popular, I don’t think it’s particularly helpful.

…because we do really want it.

For most of the aspiring and pre-professional creatives I know, wanting it isn’t the problem.

The problem, as I see it, is that too many people think that wanting = wishing.

Our actions often expose a deeply-held (often subconscious) belief that if we just wish harder, then one day we will wake up to a personal creative renaissance, a new, inspiring career or an impressive level of skill.

…but wishing is NOT the same thing as wanting.

Wanting = working.

Most of us can actually do something in response to our occupational frustrations but we have to stop complaining, wasting precious time in front of screens, attempting to satisfy our creative hunger with consumerism and obsessing over the “competition.”

It’s time to build something real.

I think you know, in your heart of hearts, what the real thing is.

…and if you don’t, start here.

For The Road:

How To Keep Going If You Hit A Dead-End

Why Giving Up Won’t Solve Your Problems

21 Butt-Kicking Questions To Help You Stay Focused On Your Creative Dream

Art is not the default career for anyone I’ve ever met. I think that’s because artistic success is so intangible, even for artists who make a lot of money or gain recognition.

But if the path was chosen by us and the standard for success is uniquely self-defined, why do we repeatedly empty our religion and submit to the same kinds of boring rules and rituals that we are supposed to subvert?

The compulsion to improve the portfolio, network with the right people, update the blog and fill up the sketchbook can get wearisome if not devastatingly guilt-ridden.

Try some new approach to making your mark, find the creative angle and start playing again so you’ll remind yourself of why you picked up the pencil in the first place.

We have the rare privilege of working in a medium that is inherently fun, regardless of a day’s particular struggle.

Art is indeed a discipline but the word “discipline” is NOT a synonym for “punishment.”

The conundrum of every nascent career is, “Lack of experience = no job = lack of experience.”

But we now live in the age of “keyless entry.” Getting hired is less about recruiters and resumes and more about you, the “living logos” that stand for creativity, integrity and drive.

You will pass through the walls of a company or studio like vapor floating in the atmosphere of information (via word of mouth and the internet) and eventually, you will solidify.

Market the impressive project that you finished this year to a hundred people and repeat.

Find someone who has experience and buy them lunch during which you talk a little, ask questions and listen a lot.

If you focus on relationships and creating your own dang experiences, the conundrum no longer applies.