I love your lists Debra and the entire premise of your essay. There is so much information coming in and even more swirling in our heads. Curating what we share is important. (It's also important to curate what we take in). As long as it's rooted in authenticity, that's the basis for all for me, both incoming and outgoing. If I feel I can stand behind what I say and imagine I am looking people in the eye when I do so, then I let the rest take care of itself. Thanks for your thoughtful reflections. I enjoy them.
I disagree on politics and religion, a little bit: some artists' themes for their work are politics or religion, and in that case, they should share it. If the art has nothing to do with it, though, I will admit that it can be off-putting.
You are absolutely right. Again, I'm only sharing my personal list. It will be different for everyone. But those topics are things that I believe - once you commit to share about them, you have to be all in for eternity, and I personally after 63 times around the sun, have learned that life tends to sand off the rough edges, so I end up being right in the middle on just about any complex or trending topic. So for me, it's dangerous to commit to anything other than trying to make folks smile.
Stop worrying. Be real. Your feelings are important, but your audience is sacred...If your art does not lead them into positivity, does not encourage them, don't share it. If art is not Fun and Beautiful, it's worthless. I hold myself to these premises. Politics is a blackhole, you're right. Religion is, too. Religion is distorted humanity's attempt to monetize The GOOD News. If you've GOT good news, shout it from the rooftops!
Thanks for reading and commenting. I love your positivity. I do hold space for those who choose to share their anger and pain and negative emotions, but I also don't need to like, look or follow. We all have choices and that's what I love about this business!
I thought your piece struck a thoughtful note, a voice I strive for in my newsletters (for which I get lots of compliments.) I will internalize this like so much of your good advice
This was useful— I thank you for a very good list of quidelines you use when you post. I believe that as artists selling our work, we are in a way, public figures. If we post our religious or political views and ANYWHERE, a portion of our carefully built audience is going to be angered or offended. And that’s a tough one to swallow if we feel we should be speaking out.
Historically, artists who remain silent or collaborate during such national crises tend not to fare all that well later on. I don’t think it’s necessary to mix up one’s art marketing with political rhetoric, but hiding oneself is anathema to forming real relationships, can be considered lacking in integrity and might well dampen that elusive artistic energy.
I really like this article Debra.
Thank you David! That's so kind of you to comment.
I love your lists Debra and the entire premise of your essay. There is so much information coming in and even more swirling in our heads. Curating what we share is important. (It's also important to curate what we take in). As long as it's rooted in authenticity, that's the basis for all for me, both incoming and outgoing. If I feel I can stand behind what I say and imagine I am looking people in the eye when I do so, then I let the rest take care of itself. Thanks for your thoughtful reflections. I enjoy them.
Thank you for reading and for you comment Mary. I totally agree. And in this technology age, authenticity is more important than ever!
I disagree on politics and religion, a little bit: some artists' themes for their work are politics or religion, and in that case, they should share it. If the art has nothing to do with it, though, I will admit that it can be off-putting.
Don't be a political artist unless you are a political artist.
Exactly
Sorry for the run on sentence. LOL. I hit reply before checking grammar.
You are absolutely right. Again, I'm only sharing my personal list. It will be different for everyone. But those topics are things that I believe - once you commit to share about them, you have to be all in for eternity, and I personally after 63 times around the sun, have learned that life tends to sand off the rough edges, so I end up being right in the middle on just about any complex or trending topic. So for me, it's dangerous to commit to anything other than trying to make folks smile.
Stop worrying. Be real. Your feelings are important, but your audience is sacred...If your art does not lead them into positivity, does not encourage them, don't share it. If art is not Fun and Beautiful, it's worthless. I hold myself to these premises. Politics is a blackhole, you're right. Religion is, too. Religion is distorted humanity's attempt to monetize The GOOD News. If you've GOT good news, shout it from the rooftops!
Thanks for reading and commenting. I love your positivity. I do hold space for those who choose to share their anger and pain and negative emotions, but I also don't need to like, look or follow. We all have choices and that's what I love about this business!
That is the tranche of your audience most needful...good on you. Blessings.
I thought your piece struck a thoughtful note, a voice I strive for in my newsletters (for which I get lots of compliments.) I will internalize this like so much of your good advice
Thank you, and thank you for putting out into the world art and newsletters that folks respond to!!!!
This was useful— I thank you for a very good list of quidelines you use when you post. I believe that as artists selling our work, we are in a way, public figures. If we post our religious or political views and ANYWHERE, a portion of our carefully built audience is going to be angered or offended. And that’s a tough one to swallow if we feel we should be speaking out.
So true... thank you for reading and commenting Claudia.
Historically, artists who remain silent or collaborate during such national crises tend not to fare all that well later on. I don’t think it’s necessary to mix up one’s art marketing with political rhetoric, but hiding oneself is anathema to forming real relationships, can be considered lacking in integrity and might well dampen that elusive artistic energy.
Thanks for your thoughts Jolyn! I agree - we all have to follow the path that feels right for us.
Love your articles Debra.
Thank you so much Doreen! That's my mom's name. If this is you, hi Mom!!
Nope not your Mom lol