The conversation about passion makes me feel like it’s the most important element in the journey of an artist. But why doesn’t art always feel like a burning passion, even to a self-taught artist like myself?
Growing up, art was one of the very few things that struck my interest; still, I never actually enjoyed every second of art-making. It has always been a tough process that triggered many emotions other than burning passion, pure fun, and absolute joy.
A problem created by social media-driven culture
‘Passion’ is one of my biggest pet peeves in the artist world, especially online. No, you don’t have to have a ‘burning passion’. It’s a damaging trope. Yes, some artists do have it! But don’t worry if you’re going to the studio; sitting to create doesn’t always spark joy.
I am so over the culture of selling our lives online as a picture-perfect kind of thing. An artist who shows themselves as a born-to-be artist is a fraud. Nobody will openly admit to something that would make them look bad online or look less cool. Everyone is adventurous, talented, passionate, romantic, sexy, and loves to work out and take care of themselves online. But is it really the case? Are we really operating with passion and desire all day, every day?
Burning passion for art 24/7 is unrealistic
If anything, artists creating on a consistent schedule are pushing through the less passionate moments. Work at your own pace within your own limitations.
I have been an artist my entire adult life and have been gainfully employed as one for the past 3+ years. I have never once felt “burning passion.” It’s a nice thing to have every once in a while, I expect, and certainly artists who have that passion tend to be a lot more prolific than I’ve ever been. But these same artists are also usually the ones that get taken advantage of by people undervaluing them. They overwork themselves and burn out, and then whenever some poor artist dies young, they go crying to the internet about the horrible predatory state of the art industry and all of the tragic ways they’ve ruined their health because they were so “passionate” about their art. They’re not wrong about the art industry; it’s a nightmare. But the “passion” makes these artists vulnerable to becoming grist for that mill.
It’s not a bad thing to be passionate and have an ongoing passion for your craft and the art you make, but it does have its drawbacks. Everything should be done in moderation, I say, and one should always guard against others taking advantage of their personal passions.
Why isn’t art always a burning passion?
Painting, designing, writing, and all other creative forms are a roller coaster of emotions. We, as creative makers, don’t have burning passion all the time. Sometimes we have spurts of energy and motivation to create, but mostly it’s to keep our professional chops up. Sometimes we don’t want to do art at all, and we want to play a video game or binge-watch a show. Life isn’t black or white; if you don’t feel the same way other artists do, you’re still an artist. Just follow the interest you have and give yourself love and acceptance.
Being passionate about art is just like being passionate about another aspect of your life. It comes and goes. It’s not permanent; your love for your craft and your will to keep creating on a consistent schedule are what’s permanent. Show up for the work, even if you don’t always want to do it. You’ll know the value of just improving skills, making bad work, and heck, even doing the admin if you decide to go the creative business route.
Conclusion
With or without passion, you only need to be as good as yourself. Find your style, your working rhythm, and your audience. Don’t worry about how other artists are. And to add to that, please keep in mind that success is very relative and personal. This can be hard to embrace if we see other artists doing well if we aren’t at the moment. There will be good times, there will be bad times, and it’s always shifting. It’s ok whichever way it goes as long as you enjoy creating <3
