CRAP, redux

(This is a slightly altered repost from several years ago…I think some people need reminding…)

Do you believe you are a creative; that is, a person with a gift, a talent, a set of abilities like no other person? Believing that is an act of faith and, rather surprisingly, it’s damn hard for some creatives to do. Are you one of those creatives who honors that gift or one of those who acts almost embarrassed or ashamed of it? Do you put down your abilities, your gift? Ever catch yourself saying things like “Oh, it wasn’t anything special” or “I just kinda shot it–got lucky with the light?” Do you refer to yourself and your path as “the guy who liked to draw as a kid and ended up in art school” or “the adult version of the kid who liked taking pictures for the yearbook but couldn’t do anything else?” Do you feel, on some level, like apologizing every time you get a check for your creative work? Are you waiting for the day when someone finally tells you you’re a no-talent hack who has only managed to fake it this far?

If you answered “yes” to any of those statements, you’ve got Cognitive Reduction of Art Pathology…or CRAP*.

One of the main signs that you’re afflicted with CRAP is that you refuse to use the term “artist” for who and what you are. The popular variation “commercial artist” is often used as a work-around, as if that makes you somehow less of an artist. If it’s commercial, it’s not real art–-that’s what you tell yourself. Your art’s value is downgraded in your own head, and yet you admire people like Annie Leibovitz, Frank Gehry, and Chip Kidd; people who are (commercial) artists. Famous artists in any field, no matter how commercial, are somehow different and are (real) artists, but not you. Not in your CRAP-filled head. No sir!

CRAP Facts
CRAP afflicts many people in the creative industries: designers, photographers, writers, architects, illustrators, musicians, actors, etc.
CRAP can bog you down just as sure as walking in a muddy, well-used cow pasture in a pair of high heels. After all, if you’re not a “real” artist you don’t have to push yourself creatively, right?
CRAP can be insidious; it’s one thing to be modest (a good thing) but one step too far and you CRAP all over yourself.

But you can rid yourself of CRAP. Here are some simple steps you can start today:

  • Call yourself an artist and what you make art. Do it out loud, every single day.
  • Remind yourself that if an ad costs $300K just for its space (placement), the art for that ad is worth a hell of a lot more than $2K.
  • Most people will not like your art, after all, most people like Wal*Mart and lawn ornaments; but the ones that will like it are the only ones that count and they’re the ones to market to.
  • You have every right to get paid and paid well for your abilities, just like a doctor or a plumber or any other pro; your skills are just as rare and valuable.
  • And, most importantly, you deserve to be happy–you are doing what you love, what you should be doing in this life–don’t crap on it.

[* CRAP was, of course, entirely invented by me. That makes it no less real in many ways.]

12 Replies to “CRAP, redux”

  1. Leslie that was CRAPtastic!

    This was a great posting when you originally wrote it. I remember thinking about what you had said and what I could do to turn myself around.

    Last night I was the only photographer at an AIGA meeting and introduced myself to the group by saying, “I’m Tony Blei, I”m a photographer and recovering photojournalist. I’ve shot architecture, but I love photographing people and capturing their unguarded moments for editorial and advertising clients.”

    When I was done, someone stopped and said, “Wow, that was a great introduction.”

    What we do for a living is a business. A photography business relies on it’s photographer to be the engine that powers the machine. If we are not that engine, we need to find another career.

  2. The reaction of others to how your refer to yourself or your business is real and part of marketing. If the general reaction of others to the term “artist” is negative or dismissive, how does it help your business to use that term? Many people call themselves “artists” as a way to differentiate themselves from business people. If you are trying to make a living as an artist, how you market your talent is vital. If the public perceives someone who identifies themselves as an “artist” or “creative” to be a poser, how can that help your business? If the term “artist” is so important, is the term “creative” a workaround? That term seems to be in vogue in the arts community – and perceived as snobby “by non-creatives.”

    1. I think the important thing to remember is not to be a poser. Make art, be creative, show a vision, then don’t worry about what others think. Most people will not like your art… accepting that is liberating. The people who do like it are the ones to go after, rather than trying to fit what someone else wants you to be/make.
      -Leslie

  3. I think I agree in full. Those who see the term “artist” or “creative” as snobbish or in a dismissive way probably dont share my viewpoints on a lot of things.

    Do I want to do business with people who will never understand me or my way of thinking? Or, should I focus my marketing and networking on those who do? I believe the latter is the more correct answer.

    I became self-employed because the world is full of people who want to pay me to do things their way, and I’m no longer interested in doing things their way.

  4. While I agree with most of the post, I don’t believe the labels we use with others define our self-worth as artists. Self inflicted labels do matter for someone with CRAP, but the use of terms other than “artist” is not the cause of CRAP, even it is an indicator.

    Labels are the currency of posers.

    Art is the currency of artists.

    A contract that is clear, understandable, brief and effective is art (and like art, very rare). Such a contract is inevitably drafted by someone who takes pride in their craft. An artist. For the drafter to tell the world they’re a lawyer is not an apology in their mind. It is not a cover for their feelings of inadequacy as an artist.

    When two unlabeled persons go to the Antarctic to take photographs, we could call both photographers. If one goes to create fine art photos (such as JPC) and the other goes to document the condition of the ice, the first may call himself and artist while the second may call herself a scientist. Both may capture stunning images. Both may be equally engaged in the creative process (scientists are creatives too). This post seems to say the person who calls herself a scientist is diminishing her own self worth by not calling herself an artist. I disagree.

    It is usually the poser who cares fanatically about labels and brings harm to the label (does anyone dispute Rod Blagojevich is a politician?). Photojournalists and sketch artists should be able to use those labels without apologizing for not use the term “artist” for it’s purity.

    I am an avid follower of this blog and have tremendous respect for Leslies’s willingness to share her wisdom. I don’t mean to be posting to criticize, only to seek another way to look at problem of the perception of artists and the arts.

  5. @Peter: Great response. I wish you would have posted a link to your site — not because it would give you credibility — you have that. You are clearly a smart person whose work I would probably enjoy.

    (Enough butt kissing. I’m going back to work now.)

  6. What a great piece of righting (pun intended)! I was struck by the comment by Brad. At first I didn’t think of other artists as my market & went looking for “customers” for my photographic art. But over time I began to realize that a very large proportion of my art had actually been bought by other artists, or photographers, or people who were artists, designers, or taught art appreciation. I came to realize two things. One it’s a great compliment to have such people like your work enough to buy it. Two, I should be paying much more attention to my “fans” & less to seeking non-artist customers. Maybe this results from what Brad said. These are people who get & appreciate what I’m trying to do. I also have always billed myself as a “Photographic Artist” even when selling head shots to business people. I do that because I believe it elevates their appreciation of what I do & distinguishes it from “any guy with a camera”.

  7. This is brilliant and I am guilty of many of the CRAP afflicted thoughts and habits you’ve described. I love your practical steps to fight CRAP and I appreciate the KITP (Kick in the pants). It’s kind of nice to know that I’m not alone in the affliction or in the fight against it! 🙂

  8. Thank you for this I too am aflicted with CRAP!
    I plan to change that. Yes I am a Photographer and Artist, check my website and let me know what you think! (you can put my website on my reply).

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