To create to sell, or to sell what you create.
I think I constantly find myself falling into this trap. It’s a subtle trap that robs me of any creativity, ambushes my work and causes me to avoid my art desk for days at a time.
Some trap.
I get caught up in whether I should create because I enjoy the creative process or because I desire to sell my work. I think from now on, I am not going to pursue selling any work at all. This will give me room to continue to play with the creative elements and not worry about if it will sell or not.
In fact, I think I am going to draw up a contract to that effect with myself. Something that says:
Create for the sake of creating.
Okay… it just looks like a tiny quote but there’s a big truth there. Somewhere.
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6 Comments
I struggle with this too – and because I do enjoy painting what I know will sell, I often do take this avenue. However, it is a creativity-thief and when I do go to paint from my heart, I find I have lost a vital connection and the freedom has flown – I end up slavishly copying or relying on old thought patterns and styles rather than finding the new.
So how do you keep “creating for creation’s sake”? How do you take the intention and turn it into action?
I think that this is where as an artist you have to take one of two roads. Not to sound like Robert Frost… blah blah blah… road less taken.
Great poem, but very hard to do when it involves your income.
Painting on commission involves more of a creative challenge many times because it’s not your same old thing. On the other hand, never branching out and creating a new work just because of your heart robs you of the joy that that can bring.
I would content that both have significant value. One more for your bank account and the other for your state of mind and overall happiness. Determine what you need most and take the road that will get you there. If you are an exceptionally happy person already, challenge yourself creatively by taking on a commission or going for what you think might sell. If you are slightly depressed, just do it for fun, and let your creativity soar. You’ll be much better for it in the long run. Who knows? it might sell anyway!
I love the idea of being able to sell what you create and still find the time to keep creating. Sometimes my most creative inspiration comes when I am totally wrapped up in family, friends, and other projects. My husband and children are such a support and creating jewelry for myself or others is such a joy, I would hate to see the day I “had” to make a piece of jewelry. Enjoy the process, it is part of the journey… Blessings,
Here is my correct contact e-mail. Thanks
Thanks Melinda and Angela. I can see that a post about the influence of family in art is going to come soon….lol. Art is just one of those areas that must be influenced by our surroundings. If it isn’t, I might be hesitant to call it art…right?
I agree, I don’t think I ever want to be in the place where I have to paint or draw.
By the way, I love your guitar picks jewelry. I am going to have to get my wife one of those sets.
…and Melinda, Mother of 9?! wow! I applaud you. I get distracted by my kitties, I can’t imagine that many kids.