Creating for Yourself: The Power of Art for One Soul
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Chapter 1: The Drive of Individual Passion
In the realm of cinema, few directors have had as profound an impact as SS Rajamouli, known for his exceptional storytelling in Indian cinema. His film, Bahubali 2: The Conclusion, achieved an astounding USD 278 million in global earnings, securing its place as the second highest-grossing Indian film ever. Remarkably, Rajamouli's work primarily falls within the Telugu language, which isn't the mainstream focus in India, where Bollywood dominates. His ability to transcend linguistic boundaries showcases the universal appeal of his narratives. Rajamouli once mentioned that if he is captivated by a script, he believes the audience will feel the same way.
Many creators, from artists to fashion moguls like Ralph Lauren, often embark on their journeys because they find a gap in the art or fashion that resonates with their own essence. The deeper implication is that genuine success stems from crafting what fulfills your own spirit; this kind of achievement is organic and cannot be replicated at will. The potency of having an audience of one—yourself—outweighs the pursuit of mass appeal, as it reflects a mastery over your own desires rather than a futile chase for validation from millions. However, life often presents a nuanced reality, as illustrated in the following sections.
This common struggle between creating art for personal fulfillment and producing work that pays the bills is familiar to many artists, including writers on platforms like Medium. Personally, I've had the privilege of writing without financial concerns; I create for my own enjoyment and exploration. My writing flows from a passion for the subjects I find intriguing. Yet, I occasionally ponder the tempting "what if": what if I catered to popular demand to rapidly gain a massive following? This thought is usually quelled by an inner voice that cautions against inauthenticity, which would feel like selling out to me.
I deeply admire artists and writers who manage to create works that resonate with their passions while also appealing to a wider audience. My writing has garnered a following, but my main goal remains to express my thoughts authentically, hoping they resonate with others.
This essay delves into the complexities of what defines "good art." A pivotal moment for me was Neil Gaiman's commencement speech from 2012, which inspired my journey as a developing writer. The term "developing" underscores that I feel I am still in the early stages of my craft, as my soul remains unfulfilled.
Start With What You Love, and the World May Respond
Market research can serve a purpose; it helps entrepreneurs gauge whether their products will resonate with potential consumers. Businesspeople typically seek data to minimize risk, rather than relying solely on intuition. However, some innovators, like Steve Jobs, launched products driven by their instinct, disregarding prevailing trends. For instance, when the market favored Blackberry's keyboard, Jobs introduced a touch screen smartphone. Which approach is correct? While conventional wisdom suggests a middle ground, those who launch creations born from personal passion often build remarkable enterprises, exemplified by Ralph Lauren's iconic brand. Therefore, I believe in starting with designs that fulfill your own desires.
Many have pursued their passions relentlessly, and the world has rewarded them.
Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, cultivated a unique design philosophy focused on simplicity. His life, as chronicled by Walter Isaacson, reveals his dedication to aesthetics. An interesting anecdote captures Jobs' approach: despite his admiration for the Bauhaus design school, he kept his own home minimalist, believing that furniture should only occupy space if it enhances the environment. Similarly, I find myself overwhelmed when choosing an image for my Medium story, often opting for minimalism.
Jobs had a brilliant partner in Steve Wozniak. Wozniak's technical prowess complemented Jobs' artistic vision, resulting in products that astonished consumers worldwide. Jobs symbolizes the relentless pursuit of an unfulfilled soul, a drive perhaps rooted in his childhood experiences.
Ralph Lauren's journey is another testament to the power of personal aspiration. Driven by a desire to embody the elegance of Hollywood icons like Fred Astaire, he began creating wide ties in 1967 without conducting market research. His vision stemmed from a singular desire—to dress as he wished. Lauren's rise from humble beginnings to a multi-billion dollar empire reflects a perfect alignment of personal ambition and market demand.
By 2015, Ralph Lauren's company generated USD 7.62 billion, and in 2021, it reported revenues of USD 4.4 billion across apparel and hospitality sectors worldwide. His story exemplifies how determination and dedication can transform dreams into reality.
The most crucial question remains: what if Lauren had ignored his instincts, abandoned his unique vision based on market feedback, and never pursued his passion?
Stephen King: From Darkness to Light
Stephen King, born in 1947, faced adversity early on when his father left the family. The struggles of his mother shaped his creative spirit, inspiring him to write some of the most haunting tales in literature. King's journey into horror began when he discovered H.P. Lovecraft's work, igniting his passion for storytelling during his school years. He juggled various jobs to finance his education, including working as a janitor and gas station attendant.
A pivotal episode in King's life illustrates his unwavering love for writing. At one point, he struggled financially, lacking even a typewriter. His makeshift writing space was cramped between laundry machines. When offered a job that would pay him enough to cover groceries, he faced a choice—would he have time to write? His wife, Tabitha, reminded him that writing was his passion and he ultimately chose to pursue his craft. Within a year, his novel "Carrie" was accepted for publication, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. To date, King has sold over 350 million copies of his works, a testament to the power of following one's heart.
Stephen King's memoir, "On Writing," encapsulates the journey of an artist navigating through darkness, fueled by hope and determination. His story highlights the importance of staying true to one's passion, regardless of external validation.
The Counter Argument
While many artists achieve commercial success, countless others die without recognition or financial stability. The nature of art—and life—is unpredictable, lacking a definitive formula. Many creators chase financial gain first, hoping to later pursue their true passions, while others remain steadfast to their ideals yet live in poverty. Numerous renowned artists, such as Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, and Vincent van Gogh, experienced financial struggles during their lifetimes, only to be celebrated posthumously.
Vincent van Gogh sold only one painting while alive, relying heavily on his brother for support. Yet, he left behind a legacy of over 2,000 masterpieces before his untimely death at 37.
El Greco, a unique figure in the Spanish Renaissance, faced ridicule and scorn during his life, ultimately passing away without recognition. His art, characterized by elongated figures, only gained appreciation long after his death.
Similarly, Emily Dickinson's genius was largely overlooked during her lifetime; only a handful of her poems were published, many altered to fit contemporary norms. Her true voice was revealed posthumously, thanks to her sister's efforts to share her work.
The reality is that one may never know if their unique contributions will be valued. The only way to find out is to persist in the hope that the world will eventually recognize your art.
Leave Your Own Mark
Life rarely unfolds in a predictable manner. Whether you pursue commercial success first or prioritize authenticity, one truth remains: life is finite. Embrace mortality as a powerful motivator to create art that inspires you.
I encourage you to stay true to your own soul. If you wish to leave a legacy, ensure it reflects your vision, not merely what the market demands. Starting with a higher purpose—beyond mere profit—often leads to greater rewards over time. For instance, a YouTube creator I admire produces educational content in personal finance for those in need, driven by a desire to make a difference rather than profit.
Ultimately, our education systems and society often push us to master external challenges, while the most critical skill lies in mastering ourselves. True mastery of self is the key to realizing our potential as individuals.