More often than not, the underlying vision behind a great piece of art – a photo, a film, a painting, a play, a whatever – comes from a single source. Dostoevsky hatched the vision for The Brothers Karamozov, Andreas Gursky for his huge surreal images, Warhol for his Brillo boxes.
But in almost every case, making art, sharing it, selling it, giving it wings, and cultivating it’s adoption throughout popular culture requires that the creative piece touch a lot of hands. Fans, gallerists, DP’s, agents, Creative Directors, lawyers, assistants, partners, editors…the list goes on.
Generally speaking we are pros at one thing. And a most professional approach to making art and sending it out into the world is that you recognize this, recognize other professionals for what they bring to the table, and treat them with respect and appreciation. Gone are the days when people will work with a talented jerk for longer than a white-hot second. Gone are the days when an artist emerges from her basement with the next Ulysses by herself and lives wealthy or fulfilled and happily ever after.
In short, it takes a village.
Want to be a successful creative? Cultivate your village. Cultivate your network, your relationships, your support, your mentors and friends. Without them, your journey will be a short one.
It’s true! Every defining moment in my creative career so far hasn’t been the work i’ve done, but who i’ve been able to share it with.
Thanks so much for posting this. I have worked in both camps and will always do great work for great people.
Long story short…
When I graduated from college 3 years ago, my goal in life was to be as anonymous as possible. I despised modern society. I would dream of living in a era of simplicity where warmth and light came from fire, and food came from hunting and gathering. For two years, I lived as simple and anonymous as possible…sort of like an “Into the Wild” lifestyle. All in the meantime, I continued my passion for photography and exploring beautiful and wild places. One day, about a year ago…I had an WWAD (What Would Ansel Do) moment. If I was to combine art with conservation/enlightenment, I was going to have to embrace social society. In less than a year of so-called revelation, I have made contacts via YouTube, Twitter etc. from around the world and needless to say it has been one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences in my life. I am forever thankful to the people I’ve met and look forward to all that I may have yet to meet; whether its tomorrow or 50 years from now. The importance of contacts and friendships will never again be taken for granted!
With that said, thank you Chase for igniting deep emotions within me. Your approach to life and creativity has been a huge inspiration for me. Mad respect.
Christopher Cauble
beautiful. your vision blossomed from the simple. from the quiet. and from that you moved.
so many of us get immersed too soon into doing without knowing truly what the heart is saying.
i’m still striving to hear.
One of your best posts…and some great replies as well. Thanks Chase
Success comes with access, access comes by people.