In this world there are 8 billion of us and counting; inundated with countless mediocre artworks that drown in a sea of social media and overpriced galleries. And yet the few and brave of us admit that we want to create even more.
And this short article is why you really need to create, even with everything else that's similar to your idea, even with the people saying you won't be successful, and especially when you don't think your idea is very good.
Have you seen the world lately? It kinda sucks.
Each thing that you create will 1) relieve you of the tedium and 2) give someone a redeeming quality to this world.
When you create artwork with a message of any kind, you speak it in your own language, and it might just be the language that a person needs. Maybe the same message through a different perspective never really got through to them. That's why we need you. And with 8 billion people, that's a lot of languages, visually and verbally.
What if "they" say you can't create? Time is going by without you, and unless you start, you won't get better. Art is funny that way, just by attempting it, and by multiple attempts alone makes you an artist. Just do it, there really is no excuse, and time is passing anyway, whether you did even a single line more today or not. Baby steps. Even one line, one sentence written today is more than the person who has nothing.
Persistence in trying is what makes you an artist, and the subjective judgement of customers that makes you a living.
The world needs your art, and not as a product, but as a tool for coping with the world. Maybe a tool for enjoying the world and appreciating it.
There's power in stories: borrowing strength from fiction to fight monsters in reality.
And until you write that story, and until someone SEES it, they may be lacking the sword they need to slay their dragon.So don't be afraid to show your artwork. We need your art. Enjoy it, and make the world a better place.
Peace out.
Anna.
I've been thinking more about the purposes for making art.
