In the realm of creativity, there’s a misconception that simply producing work is the pinnacle of success. However, the journey doesn’t end there. Sharing and promoting your creations are not just marketing tactics; they are integral parts of the creative process. They validate your efforts and showcase the value you see in your own work.
The Creative Loop: A Continuous Cycle
The Sharing Cycle – A diagram from my book Creative Calling
Every thriving creative individual follows a cyclical pattern: Create > Share > Promote > Cultivate Community > Create (Again). This loop is the heartbeat of a creator’s journey. The most accomplished creators are constantly navigating this cycle, sometimes juggling multiple loops for various projects.
Promotion: More Than Just Sharing
Simply hitting the ‘share’ button isn’t enough. Promotion and community-building are active endeavors, often as demanding as the creation process itself. You could spend years crafting a masterpiece, but without a strategic promotional plan, its potential impact diminishes. Transitioning to a promotional mindset requires practice, but once mastered, you’ll view promotion as a service to those who could benefit from your work. Instead of selling a product, you become a guide, helping others navigate the world you’ve created.
The Universality of Sharing
Every creator, regardless of their stature, engages in the sharing phase. Take renowned actors, for example. Their work doesn’t end once the film wraps up. They engage in media tours, social media campaigns, and interviews, all to support the project they’ve poured their heart into. This dedication not only honors their craft but also reinforces their identity as genuine creators.
Macklemore performing on the Chase Jarvis LIVE Show
Think about your favorite band. Their live performances aren’t just for entertainment; they’re promotional events for their latest album. This perspective demystifies the concept of promotion, making it a natural and accepted part of the creative journey. While some art forms, like music, inherently involve performance, every creator can adopt this promotional mindset, regardless of their medium.
Celebration vs. Isolation
While some creators find solace in the confines of their studios, most benefit from publicly celebrating their work. This external validation isn’t about seeking approval but about understanding and appreciating the value of one’s creations. Engaging with the audience, answering their queries, and standing by your work in the public domain are introspective acts. They deepen your connection with your work, offering insights that might be missed in isolation.
Love Your Work, Share Your Work
Image from my Seattle 100 project
Your creations are an extension of yourself. Just as self-love is crucial, it’s equally important to cherish what you produce. While there’s always room for improvement, this constant quest for perfection indicates growth and passion. If you ever feel disconnected from your work, revisit your roots, your initial inspiration. Remember why you started and realign your creative compass.
Remember, sharing and promoting your work isn’t just about gaining recognition; it’s about understanding, appreciating, and growing as a creator. Embrace this phase of the creative process, and you’ll find a deeper connection with your work and your audience.
Enjoy!
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