Great artists are humble. They know their talent is a gift that they choose to hone to better share with the world. The average artist’s folly is arrogance and hubris — they see their gift as a birthright rather than grace. It should be no surprise then when average artists resist the hard work, tenacity, courage and patience great artists exude. Nowhere is the difference better seen than in the creative businesses of each.
Great creative businesses have a definable process that is unique to them. The process is ever evolving, but always obvious to employees, clients and colleagues. Average creative businesses leave it murky as to what the next step is and many times employees, clients and colleagues are left wondering who does what and when things are going to happen.
Whether you have a great or average creative business has nothing to do with profits in the short term and everything to do with lifelong success. Developing your creative businesses process takes every bit as much hard work, tenacity, courage and patience to cultivate as your art. The goal is to create value for you, your employees, your vendors and your clients. Value in the most holistic sense of the word.
The experience of working with you and your creative business should be enriching for everyone. No question, you need to make a profit. However, to profit on the backs of others is, thankfully, no longer a viable option today. Humility is to honor your power, as well as that of your employees, vendors and clients. It is to accept that you can simultaneously teach and be taught without sacrificing anyone’s integrity.
What humility is not is shame (although it can be created through authentic shame) or sublimation to power. Yes, your job as an artist and creative business owner is to translate your client’s vision into reality. This does not mean though that you are simply there to do their bidding. You are not their servant and you are not being humble by acting like one. You are an artist and they are paying you to translate their vision BEYOND what they could ever hope to create themselves.
To create amazing art as a business requires process. The process can only be borne from experience and introspection as to what it takes for you to do your best work. Humility is your ability to listen to your experience and introspection and your conviction to have it permeate your creative business.
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thanks sean, inspired as always, and this is all so true. thank you.
I was still floating on your Time is Money thoughts, but this is a good reminder to keep us on track as wedding vendors. You can always be humble…even if deep down you know you rock!
WOW, Dead on! “Developing your creative businesses process takes every bit as much hard work, tenacity, courage and patience to cultivate as your art.” I think it is important to get this idea across loud and clear to creative people and their clients. Creative people do their work no favors by shunning the business side of art. It is not selling out, it is making your work POSSIBLE, making it pay makes great work POSSIBLE.
I could not agree with you more! The ability to balance the on-going challenge of being innovative, valueable and relevant to your customers and maintaining a sense of humility that keeps you grounded while looking forward is vital to all sucessful business owners.
Sean,
Thank you for writing such an inspiring message!
…”To create amazing art as a business requires process. The process can only be borne from experience and introspection as to what it takes for you to do your best work. Humility is your ability to listen to your experience and introspection and your conviction to have it permeate your creative business.”
THE AWESOME & TIMELESS TRUTH!
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