I came across this quote last week and it stuck with me.
“Don’t create things to make money, make money so you can create things.”
As an entrepreneur, I have always done the opposite. At the beginning of my career, I started creating to make money. It was a huge mistake. Most of the stuff I created was not useful or entertaining to other folks. The projects I put forth were not laid out or executed properly.
My creations got implemented and rushed out faster than a pinewood derby car. It was like I was racing to hit publish and tell the world what I accomplished! I was in a hurry to keep my artistic goals relevant online.
“Ive learned to stop rushing things that need time to grow.”
Nobody denies that having an online presence is crucial in 2021. Thus, this strategy did not work for me. My work never had time to develop a palette. It was a barely used cast-iron skillet.
I needed a new goal. A plan that would take me to the next level. I needed to generate enough money to create beautiful projects with no set time frame. This way the pressure is not residing on my chest and stirring in my head. When the time is right it will happen.
I thought it would be cool to see how other artists approach their work. Balancing reality, creativity, and business is a challenge and can be tricky.
Here is the question I posed and the responses I got.
To all my friends who create for a living. What are your thoughts on this quote?
When I started my company I tried to create things to make money and it drained my soul. Now I am implementing the opposite strategy and things seem to be picking up. What’s your story?
“Folks start trying to make money first, so they can become free to create. That’s usually necessary in the beginning, but more often than not… they fall into a comfort zone that is especially hard to escape. At that point everything else feels like a risk, and it’s daunting to make that crossover.” – Justin Grimes
It’s a balance. As a full time photographer. There are certain styles/events I shoot for business purposes. They may not be glamorous but they pay the bills. Fund equipment, etc. While there may be a little room for creativity, it’s limited.
Yet. The things I love to shoot and get creative with. Family session in front of a beach. Sunset. Fashion shoots for a magazine. These are usually more eye-catching, stylish and dramatic. And wind up driving more business.
So like you, started as a passion for the creative aspect, realized I could make money and focused on that. Was getting burned out and disillusioned, took a chance on having fun again, and am glad I did.” – Rick Cox
“I heard someone say “buy the artist not the work.” I’ve seen some of my friends flourish even despite the shutdown . Others bombed. It’s all in who you are , how people see you and how affected they are by your creations …” – Thomas Ris
“Create things that make a difference in people’s lives. The money and profits is a side effect for making something that changes people’s lives.” – John Helms III
To paraphrase The Go-Giver, “‘Does it make money?’ is not a bad question, it’s just a bad FIRST question. The first question should be, “Does it serve? Does it add value…”When my photography biz cratered in 2020… I made the decision to turn my focus (pardon the pun) to the corporate world. I invested in certifications and started coaching both entrepreneur and executive clients. I time-blocked my calendar and fine-tuned my offerings. As soon as I put a price tag on my packages I knew I had made a HUGE mistake: it was cookie-cutter and inflexible. I was an Imposter!I was miserable from the very first Zoom meeting. While I’m good at moving people through challenges, I realized that I failed to put my oxygen mask on first. It was a costly mistake, but what I learned is that I am a Creative. So right now Creating is serving me. The value it adds both to me and the enjoyers (and hopefully soon, purchasers) of my art is immense! – Todd Pillars
When I forgot about money is when things started to happen. My mantra is: I’m about the mission not the money. – Web Sanderson
