Monetizing Creativity.

I had a conversation yesterday with an artist I just finished producing in the studio.  We were talking about the pursuit of creativity and art, and the difficulty of remaining pure to that art in a culture that demands the monetizing of everything.

Being an artist, I suppose, throws you into two basic categories.  Artists that make money, and artists that don't.  Notice that I don't call the later hobbyists.  Understand of course, that most people would, and do, make that distinction.  However, lots of so called "artists" I know do the same "art" over and over, with predictability, because it turns a profit, pays the bills, etc.  This (in my opinion) is a money-making craft.

Art is different.

Art is something that's inside you that needs to come out.  Art changes and pushes boundaries.  Art is loved.  Art is hated.  Art is understood.  And art is misunderstood.

Our culture has placed an unhealthy barometer on art and creativity, that basically says, "if you can't eventually attain the American dream, move to the burbs with your family, own the boat, take the vacation, etc, then it's time to hang up your college fantasy, and get a real (paying) job."

I couldn't disagree more. 

Sometimes I think the problem isn't the art, but perhaps the scope which the artists dreams, and sees his or her art flourishing.  We live in a culture that demands diversity and excellence.  How can you (as an artist) see things this way, make necessary steps to diversify your art/talent/skill/creativity in such a way that you don't succumb to the lie that "it's time for the paying gig?"

Perhaps you're defining things improperly. 

Perhaps your scope is that artistry is only attained once you've been given the national or international spotlight.  Let me tell you that without a massive machine behind what you're doing, this may never happen.  However, when you localize your tribe (or tribes) and create a genuine community with them (through and with your art), you will be a success.

This success may not equal Justin Timberlake status, but your influence may be just as powerful within your particular tribe.

Rethink.
Reorganize.
Do.
Create.

Peace,
Ross

How Much Do Rock Stars Make?

I'm frequently asked if I'm working hard to get signed to a record label, if that's my ultimate goal in music.  They're really asking if I see a record label as a means to millions of dollars.  Trust me when I say that I've read so many record label horror stories, that it is not my ultimate goal.  Making a living playing music, writing music, leading music, recording and producing music are making that goal a reality.  So rather than direct you to numerous articles, books, etc., here's a very telling infographic of how much BIG record label artists make...

SEE THE GRAPHIC HERE!

Peace,
Ross

Money Money Money Money...

Have you been affected by the financial meltdown?

Do you know anyone who has been?

Truth be told, even if your job is still intact and you own no stocks, you've still been affected by the joblessness and economic downturn.

But hasn't the recent news been uplifting? Every night the news outlets tell us that the recovery money is being allocated and distributed. New jobs are being created. All good right?

CNN.com ran this article this morning:

"hundreds of millions of stimulus dollars were spent in nonexistent congressional districts, the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board said Wednesday.

The errors, first reported by ABC News, were seen on Recovery.gov summary pages breaking down how many stimulus dollars were received in each state's congressional districts....

A report released Wednesday by the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity said it found such errors on pages for all 50 states, four territories and Washington, D.C. More than $6.4 billion in stimulus funds was shown as being spent -- and more than 28,420 jobs saved or created -- in 440 false districts, it said."

::READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE::

So, who do we trust? Heck, I had to scroll through CNN's website for a couple minutes before I noticed this. Why? If a company posted 6.4 billion dollars worth of fake income, it would be a top story that no one could miss. (I suppose I should be glad they ran it, but it seemed pretty hidden to me)

1 word. Integrity.

That's all. Discuss amongst yourselves (Mike Meyers style).

Peace,
Ross