on jealousy & the Artists of War...

Jul 1

Is it better or do you find it difficult being surrounded by so many creative and talented people that it becomes sort of competitive and intimidating? or is it helpful to have so many people that share the same passion??

This is a great question. It’s actually something I’ve struggled with for many years now.

On the one hand having so many really talented and passionate people creating around you is fun. Having people to bounce ideas off of, ask for advice, or even just commiserate in the little annoyances is so crucial for any creative. Making your living this way is hard because it’s so personal. You have to make yourself vulnerable and then not care when people hate the piece of yourself you’ve put out there. It would be like if parents had to have people tell them on a daily basis that their baby was ugly. I really think my creative friends have kept me sane, and I’ve learned a lot from all their different experiences.

On the other hand it can also make you crazy with jealousy and self-defeat at times. I’m really fortunate to know some of the best photographers in the business, award winning, influential, brilliant photographers. Any creative person would be lying if they said they never have self-doubt. For me there are times when I’ve been frustrated, or feel like a failure, and it’s so easy to start comparing myself to my friends and what they’re accomplishing. It’s really self-destructive, actually, and I hate that I have those moments.

I have a friend named Brett Beadle (google him, seriously) who in my opinion is one of the best photographers in the country. On top of that he’s smart, funny, charming, good looking, and everyone loves him. He’s the type of guy you’d want to hate, but you can’t because he’s just so nice. I often find myself looking at Brett’s work and thinking I have no business being a photographer. Coupled with his best friend Tristan Casey (google him too), another handsome, talented young photographer and I’ve found myself wanting to throw my camera off the nearest bridge.

Over the years I’ve learned how to quell some of my jealous and more dramatic thoughts, but it’s been hard. I read once that you shouldn’t feel threatened by other people in your business gaining success because it shows you have a limited view of available jobs. If you can be truly happy for others in their success then you’ll start to see other opportunities for yourself. I’m sure I just bastardized that, but it’s the best I can remember at 2 a.m.

So yes it’s good, and yes it’s bad. Don’t just surround yourself with artists to be in that scene. Your art is influenced by living, so go out there are mix it up. And be picky about the art friends you have around that they are ones who will support you when you need it, be honest in their opinions, and never steal your ideas.