Balancing Creativity and Financial Stability: Lessons from 'Big Magic’.
In the music industry, and indeed in any creative field, the path is rarely linear. We often find ourselves juggling multiple roles, wearing different hats, and exploring various avenues to support our creative pursuits. It's a dance between passion and practicality, between the heart's desire and the need for financial stability.
As Liz Gilbert beautifully articulates in her book, "Big Magic," creativity is a fascinating journey, but it's also one that requires courage, persistence, and a healthy dose of realism. It's about embracing the magic of creativity while also acknowledging the realities of life. Gilbert explains it like this: 'To yell at your creativity, saying 'You must earn money for me!' is sort of like yelling at a cat; it has no idea what you're talking about, and all you're doing is scaring it away… I held onto my day jobs for so long because I wanted to keep my creativity free and safe…'
In my own journey, I've found that balancing creative pursuits with financial stability is not just a necessity but also a source of strength. It's what allows me to keep my creative spirits high without the constant worry of financial strain. It's what gives me the freedom to explore, experiment, and express myself without the pressure of commercial success.
But this balance can be challenging to achieve. It requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and sometimes, the willingness to step outside my comfort zone. It's about finding creative ways to support myself while staying true to our artistic vision.
So, look after your creative spirits by finding your own balance. Embrace the nonlinearity of the creative journey, diversify your skills, and remember, financial stability doesn't have to be at odds with creative fulfillment. In fact, they can go hand in hand, each supporting and enhancing the other.
As we navigate this fascinating journey, let's remember Gilbert's words and strive to keep our creativity free and safe. Here's to finding our balance and creating our own big magic.
For more insights on this topic, I recommend the book "Big Magic" by Liz Gilbert. It's a wonderful exploration of the complexities and joys of the creative journey.
May we keep going, growing and learning 🥷
Blessings,
Milan