“Hey, sorry I’m late getting back to you. I wanted to take some time and think about my response before hitting you back – I think it's a good idea to start something new. I mean, I don't really have any comments or thoughts about the entire first half of what you said, I think if you're looking for an opinion, or insight… I think the most valuable feedback I can give is about your hesitation to admit that you’re afraid of being judged or embarrassed when creating something outside your wheelhouse. I think that's a pretty common theme amongst all people who create anything.
I mean, I deal with that, even with the type of things that I make. I deal with that with The Newsletter sometimes as well. Not often, but sometimes I'll write something and think, “this was probably a little too much.” – and that’s kind of intimidating. But overall, our our goal as people who make things is, in a way – To be embarrassed. And be humbled. And be “judged.” And that’s kind of the beauty in the attempt.
If you wanna do something new and you’re afraid it might be a little too left field or people might not be able to “match it up” with you personality, or the way that you dress, or the way that you talk, or your job, or you know whatever it might be… if you're stuck thinking, “Oh gosh, if I make X, then Y and Z won't add up – I guess I have to make everything add up.” That's kind of a lame excuse for… (?) conformity in your own image I guess.
That’s a weird way to put that, but hopefully that makes sense. If you're only trying to make things that line up with how people perceive you, or even the way you perceive yourself, then that’s not really right.
Y’know… what if you're not the most fashionable dresser? I’m not super into fashion, you aren’t either – so does that mean you can only make the musical equivalent of jeans and a t-shirt? That doesn’t make much sense if you’re “supposed” to make things that align with how you dress or what you do for work. If that was the rule, then everybody would be making really boring art, because there’s not many people that are innately interesting.
Doing things that don't fit into the typical, expected “boxes” that people have for each other is kind of what makes making things great.
To an extent, people are only interesting because of what they made or what they are able to push out from beyond that box.
You know your favorite artist, ███ ███████? Well he’s an average guy, but his music is incredible – so now everybody suddenly thinks, “Wow ███ ███████ is so cool!” But actually, you’re more likely to be underwhelmed with the artists you look up to if you met them in person.
My point is, I think you should take the risk, and I don't think you have to be afraid to do something different. We have this desire to create things – and when I say “we,” I mean people like you and me that are always looking for “the next thing to do.” But it’s how we honor that desire that matters.
You have to be okay with the fact that sometimes your idea won’t stick the landing, and that’s what actually separates the thinkers from the doers. And not just with music, but with everything… that’s what makes an artist – Being someone who’s willing to try something, throw it out, hope it sticks the landing, and be okay with others watching it fall down. And if you’re not doing something that people expected you to do, maybe that’s a good sign to lean into that thing. There might be something fresh there.
I don't necessarily know if creative people are supposed to be embarrassed, but I do think that it kinda comes with the territory. And if you put it that way – then yes, you’re supposed to be “embarrassed” and humbled throughout the process of trial and error. I believe you can’t do anything truly new, or truly fresh, or truly exciting, if you don't fumble – and fumble hard, at least a handful of times.”
Missed the last installment of The Newsletter?
81 – Brain rot, overthinking, and routine
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