Thanks for taking the time to write this Anna. You have reminded me of what I believe, but had been about to neglect. As a knitter I know the slow-mo it takes to produce something. I will attend that local holiday market I was eyeing instead of whipping out to Homegoods. And will feel much better for it. Happy Thanksgiving 💕
Always nice to hear from other artists to remind myself that while I may be a one person show, I am not the only one experiencing it. Keep going artist friends! Make the art you want to see in the world.
"It’s essential for any artist or creative to decouple their sense of worth from sales (as well as social media likes), but that becomes much harder to do when it’s part of your livelihood." -- I'm feeling this HARD this year (after 15 years as a freelance photographer this year has been the worst and it has me questioning my own worth, even though the fewer clients I've had have made me feel like I'm still doing what I'm supposed to be doing). Anyway thank you for every word of this incredibly thoughtful post. Hugs to all of the artists & creators (I've been hugging my baristas, too, because they also look harried).
I’ve been actively looking around my small rural community daily for acts of democracy. The things folks do that keep systems and networks in our community up and running. This piece gives me so much more to think about related to this intentional looking around I have been doing (it’s become essential to my day following this election season). After I post this I am going to ask my son if he wants to stop by the “Little Entrepreneurs” craft fair his school is hosting today. The table fee is $10 dollars and kids 5-16 can participate. After the entry fee they keep the rest of their profits. Seventeen kids are participating today and I hope the kids and community members stop by experience what Anna said: “creative community in action”.
So fun! But also be sure to remind him that it’s great to make art without selling it to ❤️ and please report back on what the kids are selling, I’d love to know!
I cannot tell you how much this resonates for me. This year has been hard for self-employed creative folks and unfortunately, I do not see it getting any easier. Daunting, when our capital is derived from our physical labor and our ability to dream/recharge. At least it's a community-wide issue... there is some commiserating in that. 🙏🏼
I appreciate all of this so much. This is why I publish a financial review each year. I want to give folks an idea of the background costs of running a business as an independent artist in a world where every platform is trying to get their cut from your labour.
I appreciated this! I just scaled up my very longtime DIY thing into more of a business-shaped thing, and am experiencing my first holiday season like this. I'm reading this the morning after my first big weekend-long event of the season, getting ready to start my day job work this Monday morning. I was really struck by the point about how contrary to normal biological rhythms it is to amp up at this time of year. Thank you for writing this!
Thanks for taking the time to write this Anna. You have reminded me of what I believe, but had been about to neglect. As a knitter I know the slow-mo it takes to produce something. I will attend that local holiday market I was eyeing instead of whipping out to Homegoods. And will feel much better for it. Happy Thanksgiving 💕
Very fun to also read you and this writing in Suleika Jaouad’s Substack this morning. Double morning gift we might say.
Oh that’s so nice to hear ❤️
Always nice to hear from other artists to remind myself that while I may be a one person show, I am not the only one experiencing it. Keep going artist friends! Make the art you want to see in the world.
Thanks for sharing this, Anna.
"It’s essential for any artist or creative to decouple their sense of worth from sales (as well as social media likes), but that becomes much harder to do when it’s part of your livelihood." -- I'm feeling this HARD this year (after 15 years as a freelance photographer this year has been the worst and it has me questioning my own worth, even though the fewer clients I've had have made me feel like I'm still doing what I'm supposed to be doing). Anyway thank you for every word of this incredibly thoughtful post. Hugs to all of the artists & creators (I've been hugging my baristas, too, because they also look harried).
Oh yeah, I know you know that sentiment very well!! The baristas also need hugs for sure ❤️ sending good energy your way!
I’ve been actively looking around my small rural community daily for acts of democracy. The things folks do that keep systems and networks in our community up and running. This piece gives me so much more to think about related to this intentional looking around I have been doing (it’s become essential to my day following this election season). After I post this I am going to ask my son if he wants to stop by the “Little Entrepreneurs” craft fair his school is hosting today. The table fee is $10 dollars and kids 5-16 can participate. After the entry fee they keep the rest of their profits. Seventeen kids are participating today and I hope the kids and community members stop by experience what Anna said: “creative community in action”.
So fun! But also be sure to remind him that it’s great to make art without selling it to ❤️ and please report back on what the kids are selling, I’d love to know!
thank you for talking about the issues artists face on the holidays ❤️ we need to have this conversation more often
I cannot tell you how much this resonates for me. This year has been hard for self-employed creative folks and unfortunately, I do not see it getting any easier. Daunting, when our capital is derived from our physical labor and our ability to dream/recharge. At least it's a community-wide issue... there is some commiserating in that. 🙏🏼
This is so good, and I now have many many tabs open to check out all these wonderful artists!
I appreciate all of this so much. This is why I publish a financial review each year. I want to give folks an idea of the background costs of running a business as an independent artist in a world where every platform is trying to get their cut from your labour.
I appreciated this! I just scaled up my very longtime DIY thing into more of a business-shaped thing, and am experiencing my first holiday season like this. I'm reading this the morning after my first big weekend-long event of the season, getting ready to start my day job work this Monday morning. I was really struck by the point about how contrary to normal biological rhythms it is to amp up at this time of year. Thank you for writing this!