Being a Creative is fun. I can't think of any greater joy in this life than sitting down and making something where before there was nothing. Composing, arranging, writing ... even drawing ... it's all a wonderful way to spend my time.
But how does a Creative take that fun, that entertainment, and turn it into something that others are willing to pay for? In short, how's a Creative supposed to make a living?
The answer is both simple and difficult -- He has to work hard.
As the end of 2011 starts drawing to an end, I can look back at this year and see just how profitable my year has been. In terms of exposure and networking, it's been a really good year. More people know my name, know (and seem to enjoy!) my music, and are playing my pieces. The financial side of things looks rosy, too. I won't give specifics, but let's just say that composing has been very good to me this year. It wasn't a "let's buy a vacation house in Hawai'i" year, but it was definitely the sort of year that, were that income taken away, our household finances would take note of it.
The funny thing about composing, though -- the income I get this year is a direct result of my hard work from the past 12-36 months or so. I could start today and work my tail off for a solid month, and I wouldn't see the fruits of that labor for probably at least a year and a quarter, possibly longer. Such is the nature of the beast.
But as I look at the numbers from this year, I can look back and remember all the time I put into making those pieces, all the hours staring at my computer screen or sitting at the piano, or going over proofs note by agonizing note. It was a great time, don't get me wrong, but for the sort of success I've been blessed with this year, I had to really work for it.
I think of two of the most successful composers I know -- both have a significant number of pieces published, far into the triple digits. Both are able to make a living from nothing other than their composing and the activities that go directly along with it. Both write wonderful music and are wonderful musicians.
These are also two of the hardest-working people I know. For either one, on the occasions I send an email, I have a response within a day, and in many cases, within the hour. These two seem always to be working. Despite their great talents, despite their incredible success, neither one is slacking off and riding the wave of their success. Both are still very much out there in the musical world, both still publish numerous pieces each year (again, easily in the double or triple digits). They don't work hard because of their success; they have their success because they work hard.
As you look at your own creative live and work, ask yourself if you're enjoying the level of success you'd like. Many creatives are in it just for the joy of creating -- if that's you, then I wish you that joy for years to come. But if you want more out of your creative life, look at your work habits and ask yourself if you're truly giving your creative life everything it wants and asks for.
On the door to my office is a wooden over-the-knob hanger my wife painted for me many years ago. On one side, it says "Working Hard." On the other side, "Hardly Working." Which side are you showing to the world ... and which side do you want to show? If you choose to change, the first step is as simple as flipping the hanger over the other side.
The other steps, I'm afraid, will require quite a bit of hard work.
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