As of right now, I don't have many subscribers. But the other day, someone liked a post I had written some time ago. The fact that people are finding and reading my older work is a good sign that it's all worth moving forward.
Here's the twist, anyone who has creative in nature cannot just quit. This applies to artists and musicians as well as writers. You can quit for the day, or for years... But you never quit entirely as long as you draw breath. It's just not possible.
Monatary success is not an artistic goal. Van Gogh, Poe, Kafka and many other great artists (writers are artists), sold none or very little during their lives. The goal of an artistic work is to move people. If a work moves one person it has achieved its SACRED mission; its goal.
On quitting:
Quitting is not an option for most artists. We make and we make, then we make some more, ad infinitum.
Personally, I've had success in many of life's endeavors: fatherhood, business, love; and now, in the winter of my years I write and I write a LOT.
And, according to the above criteria I'm successful at that too, as hundreds of people have enjoyed my efforts and said so.
But success dictates that I must have millions not hundreds, or at least tens of thousands. And honestly, I don't care. I really don't and I don't think any other artist should care, because you can't serve two masters as an old book opined a couple thousand years ago.
If success is the focus the art will suffer. If making moving art is the goal, chasing "success" will get in the way. So, like every other mother's child who wants to move people, who wants to make something so well that people clap and cheer, we need to choose and really that choice is an illusion because every artist I've ever known, and I've known a ton over the course of my life, hasn't had a choice; we are compelled to make. To create. Because to an artist the making is the life and success is never the driver. Need is the driver. Artists need to make. Period, end of story.
Thank you for this post! You’re right! Picking it up putting it down for a season then picking back up again isn’t the same as being done. I did a lot of drawing off and on in my life but now is the time where I practice my art everyday! I’m making progress and It’s become like breathing for me. I love it!
Oh, that’s so true. When I first got here, I had a nature profile picture, three subscribers, and honestly no idea what subscribers even meant or how this platform worked. I’d just peek in occasionally to see what people were doing here. Now it’s become a place where I learn and grow every day. I’m not sure how long I’ll stay, but I’m enjoying it while I’m here. Thanks for the encouraging post, Mullin!
l e I will be publishing my first edition of my quarterly magazine on January 1st of 2027 I am asking for participation from artists that I have encountered on sub stack that I Revere subscribe to and follow I know your big deal hell you're the cat's pajamas I absolutely love your art I love your writing I love your thinking of your philosophy I love your approach
on October 1st of this year I will request and send out a general call for participation writing art illustration photography etc etc if you would like to participate I would like to have you
there will be no digital copy available this will be no screens no screens no screens no screens people will have to buy a actual print copy of this magazine
then in 6 months they will receive a one-time PDF file for them to do with as they will
I absolutely refuse to accept the lower standard that has been prevalent in the world as of the last 20 years
I'll raise it myself I've seen me do it
my publishing House Locate New Gods Press
is just starting and it began with my book inhabit. that's available on Amazon on the greatest Western American poet walk in the fucking planet Sir.
I'm going to be the biggest publishing house within 5 years I will be presenting writers illustrators photographers columbists this etc Right down the Line
Many times I’m tempted to walk out through some door, but when you can only breathe on your own solitary archipelago, you realize there isn't a door there at all. I can’t imagine the Condor giving up, for example—donating his suit and his brave mask, giving them away for a costume party or a garage sale. You’re lucky to be the Condor, a hero who occasionally wears jeans and a t-shirt; my character, on the other hand, usually suffers from a light wallet or gets overly excited in his bones, and very few people care for his company. I’m looking for a good suit, even if it's invisible, just to keep going—because giving up could only ever happen on the road to Hades.
I agree with Gretchen, if that dawgs in ya…quitting…well…that doesn’t happen. But if the last 10 years told me anything it’s this…visible or invisible your persistence is tied to your need. Inexpressible, irrational, and ever present…it does go through some cycles of waxing and waining. Success or obscurity, like lotteries- there is no statistically relevant formula - we keep going because we need to. I need to…damn…that kinda stung to admit out loud.
Interesting and forgiving perspective. I quit ballet at 22. I have a dance audition in the next few weeks... 21 years later. So, did I quit, or just take a pause to think? Giving myself space to imagine a world where she didn't quit makes me feel really nice inside, so I appreciate your post today.
As of right now, I don't have many subscribers. But the other day, someone liked a post I had written some time ago. The fact that people are finding and reading my older work is a good sign that it's all worth moving forward.
That's awesome, Seth. Keep moving!
Here's the twist, anyone who has creative in nature cannot just quit. This applies to artists and musicians as well as writers. You can quit for the day, or for years... But you never quit entirely as long as you draw breath. It's just not possible.
I agree, Gretchen. There's something inside us that just can't stay quiet.
Follow me too pls😍
“Failing your way to success”
That's the attitude, Eduard .
It’s the caption on my life.
A Luke Combs humor song “When it Rains it Pours”
“The thing I thought was the end of me was my saving grace”
Where can I buy your first book? Do you still have them for sale? If so how much?
Thanks
Brent
Hey Brent. Here: https://www.amazon.com/Flight-Condor-Sunday-Strips-Year/dp/B0FPBHQPMV/
I put it in my shopping cart. Hopefully I can pick it up next month after vacation!
Cool, man. Hope you enjoy it.
Ministry
Monatary success is not an artistic goal. Van Gogh, Poe, Kafka and many other great artists (writers are artists), sold none or very little during their lives. The goal of an artistic work is to move people. If a work moves one person it has achieved its SACRED mission; its goal.
On quitting:
Quitting is not an option for most artists. We make and we make, then we make some more, ad infinitum.
Personally, I've had success in many of life's endeavors: fatherhood, business, love; and now, in the winter of my years I write and I write a LOT.
And, according to the above criteria I'm successful at that too, as hundreds of people have enjoyed my efforts and said so.
But success dictates that I must have millions not hundreds, or at least tens of thousands. And honestly, I don't care. I really don't and I don't think any other artist should care, because you can't serve two masters as an old book opined a couple thousand years ago.
If success is the focus the art will suffer. If making moving art is the goal, chasing "success" will get in the way. So, like every other mother's child who wants to move people, who wants to make something so well that people clap and cheer, we need to choose and really that choice is an illusion because every artist I've ever known, and I've known a ton over the course of my life, hasn't had a choice; we are compelled to make. To create. Because to an artist the making is the life and success is never the driver. Need is the driver. Artists need to make. Period, end of story.
Much love,
Your art has moved me. Thank you.
Brad Meinecke
I'm glad it has, Brad. You're welcome.
Thank you for this post! You’re right! Picking it up putting it down for a season then picking back up again isn’t the same as being done. I did a lot of drawing off and on in my life but now is the time where I practice my art everyday! I’m making progress and It’s become like breathing for me. I love it!
That's great, Theresa. One of the good things of persistence is that it leads you to get better over time.
Oh, that’s so true. When I first got here, I had a nature profile picture, three subscribers, and honestly no idea what subscribers even meant or how this platform worked. I’d just peek in occasionally to see what people were doing here. Now it’s become a place where I learn and grow every day. I’m not sure how long I’ll stay, but I’m enjoying it while I’m here. Thanks for the encouraging post, Mullin!
You're welcome, Maryam. This is a very interesting place, indeed.
l e I will be publishing my first edition of my quarterly magazine on January 1st of 2027 I am asking for participation from artists that I have encountered on sub stack that I Revere subscribe to and follow I know your big deal hell you're the cat's pajamas I absolutely love your art I love your writing I love your thinking of your philosophy I love your approach
on October 1st of this year I will request and send out a general call for participation writing art illustration photography etc etc if you would like to participate I would like to have you
there will be no digital copy available this will be no screens no screens no screens no screens people will have to buy a actual print copy of this magazine
then in 6 months they will receive a one-time PDF file for them to do with as they will
I absolutely refuse to accept the lower standard that has been prevalent in the world as of the last 20 years
I'll raise it myself I've seen me do it
my publishing House Locate New Gods Press
is just starting and it began with my book inhabit. that's available on Amazon on the greatest Western American poet walk in the fucking planet Sir.
I'm going to be the biggest publishing house within 5 years I will be presenting writers illustrators photographers columbists this etc Right down the Line
That's a great idea, Daniel!
Congratulations!
Thanks, Michael!
I am wondering when the condor will arise on my substack
The Condor's whereabouts are a mystery.
Maybe you dont realize he is walking behind you, heroes use to hide in the shadows, but they are everywhere, they dont like tik- tok
Many times I’m tempted to walk out through some door, but when you can only breathe on your own solitary archipelago, you realize there isn't a door there at all. I can’t imagine the Condor giving up, for example—donating his suit and his brave mask, giving them away for a costume party or a garage sale. You’re lucky to be the Condor, a hero who occasionally wears jeans and a t-shirt; my character, on the other hand, usually suffers from a light wallet or gets overly excited in his bones, and very few people care for his company. I’m looking for a good suit, even if it's invisible, just to keep going—because giving up could only ever happen on the road to Hades.
That's right, Francisco. There are no good things in the future for those who give up.
Very thought-provoking post!
Glad it provoked something in you, Aegon.
I agree with Gretchen, if that dawgs in ya…quitting…well…that doesn’t happen. But if the last 10 years told me anything it’s this…visible or invisible your persistence is tied to your need. Inexpressible, irrational, and ever present…it does go through some cycles of waxing and waining. Success or obscurity, like lotteries- there is no statistically relevant formula - we keep going because we need to. I need to…damn…that kinda stung to admit out loud.
Yeah man, though I’m usually two steps out the door . Just gimme two steps🤪
You know what they say, Gilosan, admitting it is the first step.
Interesting and forgiving perspective. I quit ballet at 22. I have a dance audition in the next few weeks... 21 years later. So, did I quit, or just take a pause to think? Giving myself space to imagine a world where she didn't quit makes me feel really nice inside, so I appreciate your post today.
I think it counts just like a long pause. Good luck in that audition, Madison!
I have quit on numerous occasions if you look at it one way - or took breaks if you look at it another. I always come back to create more, though.
Because art? It's in my heart, it's in my soul, it will be my breath should I grow old.
The longer the break, the greater the comeback!