It has been six months since I started taking blogging seriously. At first, I tried to post at least four times a week. I discovered that I could do better than that. I had such an enormous collection of photos after shooting regularly for about two years. Most of that work was just stored in private.
Again, I always thought that artists were suddenly discovered and given a chance to do commissioned work. In the last few days, I have come to the conclusion that it is wrong to believe in such a myth. An artist has to constantly create work and showcase it to an audience no matter how small or how big this audience is. He must also stand for something. In other words, he must have a view of the world that is worth believing.
As a result of researching about the state of things, it appears that there is such a thing as the commoditization of creative work. This happens when artists lose control over the basic tenets of their philosophy, whatever these ideas or values may be. I believe this happens when there is no autonomy or collaboration over the final work. If an artist can be replaced on a whim, then he is in effect a commodity.
I do not really understand what art is. All I know is that if I do something or anything passionately, then I can be considered an artist in that thing. In the end, labels do not amount to anything. It just brings me joy and fulfillment to be doing what I am doing.
Nowadays, it is difficult to compete for work. Those who are truly successful are the ones who dare to change their surroundings. If someone does work just to pay the bills, then he is more prone to compromising his vision. Do not misunderstand me though. People need to pay bills. However, there is a difference between working toward your vision and just routine or formulaic work.
I do work to pay bills with a day job. I just choose to build something more than another source of income with my art. I could always accept to pursue commercial work, commissioned portraits or any other job that needs to be done. I could cut my talent fee to get jobs. I could earn money from doing so but I choose to do otherwise.
In life, there are a lot of jobs to be done. To elaborate, feeding people is a job. Providing shelter is a job. Clothing people is a job. Taking graduation photos is a job. It just so happens that the job that I want to fulfill in other people’s lives is to give them a hope for the future. Somehow, if an unknown person like me can make it, then I can inspire others to do their best in whatever they believe they were called to do.
Writing and maintaining a blog is a form of self-publishing. I have seen a lot of people who have used blogging to spread ideas. Not all ideas are lofty. It could be simple as a unique view of beauty. It could be a way of life that only a minority adapt. It could even be an obsession with a person or thing. Whatever your idea is, if you believe it is worth spreading, then do the work.
I have nothing against pursuing the approval of people who have a ready outlet for your work. I have chosen the path of self-publishing for a number of reasons. First, I can decide on my publishing timeline. Second, I do not have to relinquish control over the things I create. The most important one is that I can express my personal opinions and beliefs freely.
Please do not relinquish your freedom to choose. No choice is a choice.
(Source: edricchen)
