My latest non-fiction title, 10 Things to Forget: to be Creatively Free was a blast to write. On this blog, I’ve been writing on topics that didn’t make it into the book. You can read the other posts here.
Forget Opinions
Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.
Steve Jobs
Artists don’t need other people’s opinions.
“I’d never buy that.”
“That costs too much.”
“If you’d try X you’d be a success.”
“That’s crap.”
“That’s brilliant.”
No, artists don’t need other people’s opinions because opinions are easy. They’re something that everyone has. And they’re personal, emotional and totally useless to an artist.
What an artist needs is thoughtful analysis.
Few people offer that.
What does it look like?
It’s the extra step that shows that someone (who cares) has invested in what they are saying/sharing.
“I don’t like the font on that cover/flyer because it’s hard to read.”
“Other paintings that sell well in our gallery are priced at $2,000 is there a reason yours are $5,000?”
“The drums drown out the singer, which most listeners want to hear.”
You don’t have to agree with an analysis, but thoughtful analysis allows for discussion. For usable feedback.
Analysis gives the artist something to either discard or implement.
If you understand this difference, it will save you a world of heartache.
“Forget Opinions” copyright © 2015 Dara Girard; Image copyright © 2015 by 123rf