I feel like one of the hardest parts of being any type of artist is retaining ones hope in getting noticed. Yes, I know many are going to rush to the comments to say that isn’t the point of making art. Maybe for them, but there is still a big faction who would like some type of recognition. It could be money, compliments, awards, a clap, or even a social media like. Most artists want some type of positive energy in order for them to feel like they are not wasting their time.
This makes sense to me, especially since this can be subconscious. An artist puts part of themselves into their creations. They work hard and use their free time to continue with what is typically a side project. Toiling for years without getting any positive feedback can crush the spirit. It can reach the point where they either quit or produce art with no soul because they are questioning themselves. Not entirely about talent, but about ones priorities.
Hope can be destroyed in an artist pretty easily too. Many think they are helping by taking on the role of ‘creative critic’. That’s in quotes because a person is really just tearing a piece of art apart with no positive feedback. I remember asking a person why they only mentioned the negative they felt towards my stories. They said it was because I could only improve if I knew what I was doing wrong. Figured I would already know the positives, but that isn’t what happened. Young artists especially end up doubting their entire purpose and dream.
People really do overlook the necessity of hope when it comes to building art. I think it’s more so today with social media allowing more criticism, A.I. being used more, and a sense that the audience pool has shrunk. With that last one, I mean there’s a sense that there are fewer people enjoying art outside of the mainstream. Those who can create the biggest social media presence will win the most attention even if they’re product isn’t as good as someone who can’t promote themselves. Kind of makes one wonder how many talented artists have been lost because they simply aren’t good at promoting themselves.
Another threat to hope is that there are many who set out to get others to quit. It’s different from the ‘creative critic’ who believes they are helping. These are people on the Internet whose goal is to hurt others. I’m pretty they’re still called Trolls, but this always feels worse than merely getting someone angry. Getting an artist to quit or at least leave the Internet is what they want. Trigger a fight that embarrasses the artist who comes off as unhinged and unable to take criticism. Not sure what drives a person to do something like this, but the shield of anonymity keeps them safe.
This is why giving an artist hope is so essential. Again, it doesn’t have to be money. It can be anything that makes them feel noticed in a good way. While this might not help them get sales or attention from others, it provides a boost of positive energy and confidence. It helps one avoid creating empty art born from them going through the motions solely because it’s ‘what they do’. I know I’ve had moments like that and have to toss entire chapter sections to try again later.
What do other people think about artists having hope?
Legends of Windemere 
Hope is what I feel when I come to the end of my writing for the day. Did my little gray cells perform. Mostly, yes, but then there’s the hope of the next day!
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I’m usually too tired after writing to have much hope or any thoughts besides wanting to lie down.
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I completely agree with this statement: Most artists want some type of positive energy in order for them to feel like they are not wasting their time. Creative people, by nature, are sensitive souls and should be handled with care. Feedback is necessary, but we need both the good and the bad. I know many creative folks who have stopped their project because of some negative feedback. A little bit of hope goes a long way!
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It does go a long way!
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If only more people paid attention to the handle with care concept. It really is believed that artists need to take abuse to thicken our skins. Just causes scars and emotional distance from people instead of projects.
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Hope is one of the foundations of all endeavors, including inventing. Even the Wright Brothers needed the hope that their airplane could get off the ground. I can’t think of any artist who doesn’t want someone to engage with his or her art in a positive way. If someone only criticizes, that’s not really engagement. That’s discouragement. It’s like an advisor once told our workshop group: “If feedback doesn’t get you excited about returning to what you’ve written, ignore it.”
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That’s great advice. Hard to put into action, but definitely worth remembering.
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I’d argue that all art is created (including all forms, writing, music, film, paintings, stained-glass windows) to be discovered and enjoyed.
Probably one of the toughest things these days is that our discoverability is balanced between constantly changing algorithms that are honed to pushing already popular content further up the ladder while not yet discovered content starts near the bottom; and readers whose eyes are so tired of reading, as we read practically all the time as part of our jobs and daily lives, that not much capacity remains to go scouting for more.
I like what you’ve done with Teaser Tuesday. Nice idea!
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The algorithm is a killer. Doesn’t help that so many readers stay within the series or author of their choice without trying anything new. I’ve met more people who only read one author than those who will explore whole genres.
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Yep, and that is tragic… what’s more is that I know a lot more young people writing fanfic and reading mostly fanfic than young people writing original stuff and looking for original new authors to read
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Didn’t know about the fanfic stuff. That’s an odd trend.
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I think hope is a must for an artist. One hopes that whatever the media, the artist can reach someone and get a reaction that is positive.
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So true.
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