Personal Demons
(Taken from the E-Book: FROM BRICKS TO CLICKS)
The art, music and entrepreneurial industry has come at a tremendous price for many great minds. It’s no secret that creators look to drugs and alcohol to seek an escape from the world they live in. At times it’s used with the hope of catapulting new ideas into the mind. Other times drug use is triggered by everything that comes with being independent. I’m not here to give you a lesson in morality but I will tell you that for the very short time we’re alive, it’s our duty to live up to our true potential. That potential will be defined not just by the choices we make, but by the actions we don’t take.
International art sensation RETNA has been quoted saying he makes some of his best work when he’s sad. Jean Michael Basquiat has artwork that currently is reaching record high sales. Sadly he’s not around to see it because his personal demons got the best of him. He also lost a beloved friend and mentor, Andy Warhol, which emotionally took a devastating blow.
Whether you welcome it with open arms or not, you’re going to be faced with enormous adversity. Dealing with that adversity in ways that could harm your body and mind won’t do much good for your future. You’ll be surviving off of an emotional roller coaster. So if you absolutely must, then pick your poison wisely. I’m speaking on this topic from personal experience.
When I began my voyage with Artist Replete, the first two years were extremely difficult. I felt alone and against all odds. These feelings are to be expected, just not spoken about often enough. Many hide under a mirage of confidence trying to fool as many people as they can while they’re slowly dying inside. That’s a feeling that most people don’t want to be stuck in. Just like many others on an entrepreneurial path. I felt if I could find a coping method to make everything easier, than my life in general would become easier. The reality I had to face is that it’s not true. Masking the pain will come at a great cost. It will create massive highs and unimaginable lows. Stability will be a tight rope walk. So I personally recommend dealing with any struggles head on. Developing a strong coping mechanism now will set you up for the long term success that I hope you’re striving for.
There are some immensely talented artists out there that have the potential to become widely recognized. Many of them you’ll never hear about because their personal demons are so strong and their surrounding circles keep it that way. Who you let into your world while you’re creating your vision will have a major impact on your coming years. Personal demons can be heightened or can be destroyed depending on who you spend your time with. Some of the most talented artists I work with today didn’t get to where they were by themselves. They worked alongside great minds which heavily influenced them. I’ve also worked with artists who don’t have access to higher tiered talent. So they devote time to reading about affluent creatives instead.
The best education is hands on experiences.
