Seriously. What is the problem?

There are hundreds, millions, of artists out there. Creatives that just want to make stuff. They want to paint, write, direct, produce, dance, make music and more. Some times even all in the same project.

They feel it in their bones. They feel it deep within themselves. They wake up with a need, a desire, a hunger that can’t be satiated with food or drink. Some times they don’t even wake at a reasonable hour. The Muse strikes at 3 a.m. or 10 p.m. and keeps them up all night with things they must do.

They feel it in their souls. No matter how many times they try to silence it with busy work, or distraction, there is always something there that is pulling. Pulling so hard on their creative heartstrings that it makes them sick to do anything else.

So they finally sit at the easel, or keyboard, a mirror in a ballet studio or wherever they feel their creativity is about to flow onto. They start with one brush stroke. Or one keystroke. Or one chord, one step. Then another and another.  They’re creating something that they have to get out of them. Because it’s not actually coming from them. They are the vessel.

Then when it’s done, they put it out into the world.

And that’s where you come in.

You tear it apart and say how they’re not doing good work. You tell others that they’re not doing the right work. Whatever THAT is. You talk bad about them in front of others. You say how they sold out, cut corners.

Then when this Creative needs your help, has been brave enough to not only make something but has also humbled themselves to ask for your support, you don’t.

You hold tight to your wisdom that could’ve benefited them and you. You have a Kung-Fu Death Grip on your latté money.  So you don’t give a little to contribute to a project, because of what? You weren’t a part of it? You feel it’s beneath you? You don’t even hit Share on your social media to help get the word out.

Why?

What are you afraid of?

Who cares if it’s not a project you don’t fully believe in? What does it matter? Someone you know, you’ve had lunch with, spent time with, hugged, needs your help to do something that could only grow to benefit us all. Yet you hesitate.

I’ve hesitated. I’ll be honest. There were times I could’ve helped but I didn’t. But no more. Because this world is big enough for us and our ideas. All of them.

I will support you. I will help in any way I can. It might not always be financially. Some times it’s best if it’s not. But I will always give you my support. Because you’re doing something.

Here is my promise to you:

1. I’ll hit Share.
2. I’ll click Contribute.
3. I’ll read your stuff with an audiences perspective and not with a jealous glare.
4. I’ll watch your film.
5. I’ll go to your show.
6. I’ll applaud your work.

Because I would expect that because you’re my friend, my Brother/Sister In Creative Arms, my familia, that you would do the same for me.

But here’s what I won’t do:

1. Lie to you.
2. Pretend your stuff is great for everyone when it’s not my cup of tea.
3. Always click Contribute
4. Always click Share
5. Stop you from creating.
6. Talk trash to others when you put something out there.

Because I would expect you to do the same for me. I know everything I write won’t be good. I know every performance I give won’t be either. But I hope to have your support, even if it’s just a little. Because life is too short and Art is too good to not be in the world. Yours and mine.

We’re all creating something. We’re all afraid, or nervous, of putting our stuff out there. The least we could do is help one another. Even if it’s a with a hug, a high-five or Like to let each other know to keep going. Keep making stuff.