You Are Not Being Annoying When You Talk About Your Art
...you're being generous
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I was recently reading a post from writer & creative, Amie McNee, on Instagram…
her post…
Amie McNee, @inspiredtowrite
She then pointed out a few obvious statements we all need to hear…
You are not being annoying when you talk about your art.
You are not cringe when you promote yourself.
You’ve been conditioned into believing that staying quiet & small is the only acceptable way to live. Don’t believe it, you’re not cringe and annoying.
This is your reminder to promote creations for years after they launch. They deserve more than a few weeks in the sun.
Stop hoarding your art. It will never feel totally ready and the circumstances will never be perfect. Share it. Now.
and she finished with…
Self promotion can often feel self aggrandizing or immodest but it is generous to promote your art. Your creations are needed and it is your duty to back your art.
We live in new times and old ways don’t promote this new era.
In the past… writers, artists, painters, sculptors and the general creative class were often celebrated and valued more after they passed.
Even still, the Leonardo da Vinci’s, Michaelangelo’s, Teslas and Rodin’s were of the 1% who made a living while still alive…
in part because they worked their way (and deeply earned it) to the notoriety of the entire population of the community for which they lived…
and in part because once they became “known” for their work, their popularity increased “incessantly” (without interruption).
Now, I want to point out that most of the above mentioned examples of creatives lived during the Renaissance so art, technology, innovation and creativity were highly encouraged.
By the time we moved to the Industrial age… manufacturing, distribution, line workers and professional services such as legal, medical and engineering moved a bit more to the forefront.
Understandable as we were in an era of building and growing…
And while there were great artists to emerge over the past 50 to 75 years, ALL artists didn’t have the same playing field they do today.
The Internet changed the game for everyone, period.
The Age of Information ushered in new ways of doing everything…
business, marketing, sales, public relations, hiring (HR), research & development (R&D)
and it also ushered in…
educating, learning, creating, connecting, sharing, personal development and more.
In fact, the Internet ushered in the convergence of one’s passion and art with business (sales & marketing) making it possible for ANY artist to thrive, and not just the ones deemed popular by PR (public relations).
However, just as any generation or time in history, humans will be humans, and even with a tool like the Internet, people may still find themselves struggling to promote their work.
Whether they…
compare themselves or their work to others
stress over how much they’re doing or have done
deal with imposter syndrome
struggle with perfectionism
or simply cringe at the idea of “promoting” their art/work…
…you have to make your art and share it with the world at every stage, period.
Then you have to continue promoting your art even when it’s not new.
Question, would you buy an original piece from Picasso, da Vinci, Rodin, Michaelangelo or Velazquez if it was one of their very first pieces?
Without a doubt, you’d have no problem saying yes.
In part because of how far their career expanded and owning any piece of their history matters,
and in part because it was their earliest work before they became who they were destined to become.
So, why can’t you do the same?
This took me a little while to understand myself.
I’ve put out thousands and thousands of pieces of content featuring my writing but I often didn’t continue to promote it after it was posted.
And this doesn’t just happen with our writing or art.
This happens with your business, podcast, courses, workshops, coaching, books, merchandise, products and other services.
Be proud of what you’re doing at every step of the way and promote it.
Now, I get it… no one wants to feel annoying so here are a few thoughts to consider:
Promote don’t sell… I believe in Gary Vaynerchuk’s rule of Jab, Jab, Jab, Hook - give value, give value, give value, ask.
Consistency is the only way the world will hear about you, continuously promoting your work is how they’ll know where you’ve been.
Treat yourself like an “art museum” - There are always new people learning about you and coming into your world… both your previous and current work should be on display.
Not everyone sees your work at the launch of it. I wish they did, but they don’t. Promote your current work several times in the beginning and then continue to trickle it in later on. You’ll be serving two audiences at the same time… new admirers and faithful followers.
No matter how “big” you get, I want your 1st edition.
The world doesn’t know it needs your support unless you ask. This is a big one. We think everyone automatically knows to leave a “review” or subscribe to our work, but more often than not you need to ask them. They may be intimidated or shy about approaching you, but you can’t be about approaching them.
So, as an artist, a creative and an entrepreneur, let me remind you…
Imperfect and impactful is better than perfect and unseen.
New people will always find you but make sure you share where you’ve been.
If “they” (Internet platforms and companies) can make money from your content, you can make money from your art.
Let’s expand here👇🏼
Imperfect & Impactful is Better Than Perfect & Unseen
I know a lot of people struggle with promoting their work because of perfectionism, the “right” time and “it’s never finished.”
Obviously, much of your work needs to be “finished” but there’s a stark difference between it being done and it be perfected to the point the world never sees it.
Your work will always be evolving… publish it.
Your work will always be expanding into new territories… publish it.
Your work will have many different seasons and focuses… publish it.
You’re not looking for perfect, you’re looking to impact the world with your value.
And once you’ve published it, promote it.
In fact, the sheer act of consistent publishing is the reason you’ll stop worrying about it being perfect or the right time and more concerned with your work serving the world.
👇🏼
New People Are Always Finding You, Show Them Where You’ve Been
As I mentioned above, you’re like a “museum.”
You’re a collection of experiences, seasons and works of art.
People who are just becoming familiar to you are now wanting to know more about you AND where you’ve been.
Promoting yourself isn’t just about what’s new in your world, it’s about sharing how you got there and what you’ve been through…
Additionally, while you may have changed and your work has changed, a newer audience might find your older work just as appealing.
A creator’s work has proven to be timeless, even if that time has passed.
👇🏼
If “They” Can Make Money From Your Content, You Can Make Money From Your Art
This is a big one.
If you’re stuck in the “lack of promoting yourself” phase, I want you to consider this.
While you put up more of your work online, whether you think it’s good enough or not, or are shy in promoting it, the big Internet platforms are not shy and they are making money from your content.
There are people constantly “staying” online to view content that resonates with them… and your content just might be it.
And the longer people stay on their platforms, the more advertisers and promotions they push.
So, if “they” can make money from your content, I want you to consider that you can earn money for your work.
👇🏼
Simplify, Multiply, Diversify below…👇🏼
SIMPLIFY…
When you stop worrying about being perfect, you start caring more about helping others.
The more you care about helping others, the more likely you are to promote your work.
MULTIPLY…
Not everyone sees your work at the launch of it. I wish they did, but they don’t. Promote your current work several times in the beginning and then continue to trickle it in later on.
You’ll be serving two audiences at the same time… new admirers and faithful followers… the compound effect of this will thank you.
DIVERSIFY…
You’re more than one thing… promote that as well.
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*Bringing your message (passion, professional work, voice, ideas and more) to the world for your business or personal brand can be difficult, unclear or confusing. It doesn’t have to be.
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In the meantime, tell your friends!
I remember when you shared Aime's post on Instagram and how it totally caught my attention!
I have a feeling it's going to resonate with so many.
I've definitely done a lot of work in this area, but I have a ways to go. That's why they call it growth, right?
I'll be coming back to re-read this one for sure. Thank you, Matt! I absolutely love your perspective on this!