How do you cope with being an artist?

Question

My art is toturing me, help! :' (. I don't know if anyone else feels like this, but seriously, it's eating me alive! I'm a musician and I just want my songs to get out there but no one wants to help me do it.... im so alone.

Answer 1

Yup! Sounds like you're an artist all right. Listen, much of what an artist IS- is creating "outside of the box". And by its nature- that's a VERY lonely place. Forget about being "accepted". Your art is who you are...-And if you give THAT up, you're nothing. So, hold on to what you love & do best, ignore the idiots who don't have a clue, and keep on practicing, practicing, practicing... -Sooner or later- your music will find its way across the canyons of the unnoticed, & into the ear of the Discoverer... Play on...

Answer 2

I do not write music, but I love to be creative in other ways, especially with color, words and objects. I want to help, but I'm having a hard time understanding why you're so frustrated. Do you want your songs to get out there so that everyone knows how you think and feel and so that other people can appreciate your creativity, or do you want your songs out there so you can make a ton of money?

If it's about the money, forget it. The chances of that happening are remote.

If it's about appreciation for what you do, there are many venues that will allow you to play. They may not pay you, at least not until you prove yourself, but if you are good and if you can touch people with music, you can earn at least a part-time living if not a full-time one.

We have a friend who used to be a house painter. He started writing songs and playing guitar in libraries, local coffee houses and things like that. I don't know how much he makes now, but he has a decent following in Michigan, where he is from, and he travels and sings full time now. He makes money for appearances and for selling his CDs. He also wrote a couple of books that he sells at his concerts.

He was able to gain recognition because his music is about the Great Lakes, which is something he is passionate about. His passion draws people to him, and obviously he has regional appeal here in Michigan.

I hope this helps you. I am sorry you are tortured. You are going to have to "think outside the box" and explore different avenues. Good luck.

Answer 3

I know how you feel. I really can't give you an answer on how to cope with your art, as I haven't figured that out totally myself. Just keep remembering that it's a passion, not a curse. You control your art and don't let it control and overwhelm you. I compose too, and sometimes what you need to do is just take a break from your music and practice without focusing on when someones going to get your song on a movie or whatever. Just concentrate on one thing at a time so you don't panic so much that you can't focus on what you love about music.

Answer 4

First of all, let me share with you who I am. I'm both an accomplished artists and musician. I live in the Seattle area, I have recorded 10 music projects and have sold art and music all over the world, been on TV, the radio, performed live, I've done it all... I would say this, be true to yourself. Accept your art as what it is but create a connection point so that you can communicate your message to your audience in a way that creates fans of your hard work.

I see that most artists are all about themselves, but if you want to be famous then you need to serve your audience and give them entertainment value. This is very important, all your art needs to please a group, it needs to be consistent, you need to be stable in your ambitions. Your determination and dedication will produce results. It's the "slow drip" effect. A water drip on a stone will carve the stone, you have to be like that. I've been doing this for 20 years, almost everyday, while people mocked me, well my friend, they don't mock me now trust me.

You have to push your music on everyone. In your position, make cds and give them away everywhere you go, yes it is expensive, but promote it, always promote what you are doing until you gain momentum. You are planting seeds, seeds of interest. Invest in your fans and they will invest in you. Then play live, give everyone a free cd. Once you have thousands of free cds out there, things will happen for you if you are consistent and talented. Then your next cd is for sale but keep giving them away as well, build that audience, make it big...

Never think opportunities will come to you if you are a nobody. Make yourself a somebody then all your opportunity will come your way, they will come to you. I cannot possibly tell you it all, but it boils down to this: Believe with all your heart that you will make it and ACT on that belief regardless of what others think about you. And you will make it. It is all up to you, then you will win your admiration and your team.

Best to you and I hope you the best!

Answer 5

hey man. i know exactly where u'r comin from. i am a musician as well as an artist. i can help you out a little if you need it. i had a band that got pretty famous locally, and prolly coulda gone further. i've developed my own kind of formula for it. email me, i dont wanna post everything here.

[e-mail]

Answer 6

unfortunately there are millions like you who want your exact wish. Its an extremely competitive world out there and I can promise you if thats what you want it will involve alot of hard work...maybe start by sending your resume out to bars and/or for things like weddings...live your life now like you are going to be compassionate for the rest of your life. keep your eyes open for auditions. if its what you love, you have to live it and if its meant to be it'l happen...goodluck!

Answer 7

Welcome to the arts!