To Share or Not to Share?

If you are an artist of any kind, then like me, chances are you have shown your finished work (or work-in-progress) to your family and friends. You may have even come to regret doing so when you didn’t get the reaction you wanted. The truth is, sometimes the people you expect to receive the most support from are not going to understand your vision. Unless they already share an appreciation for your style of music or art, you may find their feedback disappointing or uninformed.

While I believe it is wise to remain open to constructive criticism, it’s much easier to receive it if you truly respect the opinion of the person giving it. Otherwise you may find yourself frustrated with the feedback you get, or it will get in your head and have you forever second guessing everything you do. As they say, you can’t please everyone. This is especially true with art, as it is extremely subjective and everyone expresses themselves in their own personal way. No matter how hard you try, you simply cannot create exactly what someone else would, nor should you aspire to. You have something unique to share with the world that no one else can, so that should be your focus!

At times I am astonished by how quickly or flippantly some people can be regarding music which I have poured my heart and soul into. They don’t always consider the long hours and multiple phases it took to create even one song. To give you an idea of what’s involved; I have to begin by writing the melody and lyrics, then compose the music, record the vocals (which includes performance and composing other vocals parts). Then there is the tedious task of editing and mixing the vocals, and finally it has to be mastered. I usually follow that up with graphic work for promotion, which requires another avenue of creativity altogether.

Now a song exists where once there was none. By the time the process is complete I can’t help but be a little proud of that accomplishment. Naturally I am eager to share this with my closest loved ones, in part to receive a bit of support and encouragement. Yet there were times it just became something they played in the background, only half listening to, then offering a thoughtless comment (whether good, bad or indifferent). If I then allowed myself to take their lack of interest to heart it would absolutely crush my creative spirit, despite the long, passion-filled hours I put in.

For this reason I am learning who to share my work with and who not to. I have found it is best to go where your art is celebrated and appreciated. Not that people have to love everything you create, but that you know their feedback is coming from a place of genuine interest. I encourage any artist to do the same if you have experienced this disappointment from some of the people in your own circle. Think before sharing your precious creations with those who will not see the value in it, and don’t listen to the advice of those who don’t know what they are talking about. Surround yourself with like-minded artists and supporters who celebrate your flavor of artistic expression, are encouraging and represent the audience you wish to reach. Otherwise you may find yourself seeking approval from people who you’ll never find it from…and frankly, may not truly want.

“A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” -Mark 6:4