To Those Who Failed To Live Up To Your Dreams - Or Had To Let Them Go

Summary

The video addresses the struggles artists face when life circumstances force them to step away from their creative passions. Adam shares three stories of individuals who chose practical careers over art, emphasizing that being an artist is inherent to one's identity, not just the act of creating. He reassures artists that stepping away temporarily for practical reasons doesn't diminish their artistic nature. The message encourages self-compassion and the understanding that being an artist is more than just producing work—it's a deep part of who they are.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Being an artist is more than just creating art—it's part of your identity and how you see the world.
• 💼 Sometimes, life circumstances force artists to step away from their craft for practical reasons like paying bills or pursuing a stable career.
• 🖌️ Even if you step away from art for years, it doesn’t mean you’ve abandoned being an artist—it's still a core part of who you are.
• 📧 Many people struggle with the idea of having 'missed the boat' when it comes to pursuing an art career, even in their 20s.
• 👩‍🎨 The speaker's mother shifted from being a fine artist to a successful career in computer science to support her family, yet remained an artist at heart.
• 🧑‍💼 People who leave art for business careers can feel unfulfilled or meaningless because their identity as an artist remains unexpressed.
• 🛠️ The value of an artist isn’t measured by the practical standards of productivity or financial success, but rather by personal fulfillment and self-expression.
• 🌱 Life experiences, even non-artistic jobs, can enrich an artist’s perspective and growth, adding value to their creative journey.
• 💔 Surrounding yourself with non-artistic people can make it harder to appreciate your artistic value and may lead to feelings of worthlessness.
• ❤️ The speaker emphasizes compassion for oneself and encourages artists not to fear stepping away from art when necessary—being an artist is ingrained in you and will always be there.

Q & A

What is the main message the speaker wants to convey in the video?

The main message is that being an artist is not solely defined by the act of creating art, but by who you are at a fundamental level. The speaker emphasizes that stepping away from art for practical reasons does not make you any less of an artist.

Why does the speaker believe it is sometimes necessary to step away from art?

The speaker believes it can be necessary to step away from art when practical responsibilities, such as earning a living or providing for a family, take precedence. They highlight that making responsible life choices, like finding a stable career, doesn't diminish one's identity as an artist.

What prompted the speaker to create this talk?

The speaker was prompted by two personal experiences: an email from someone who pursued a non-artistic career and now questions if it's too late to return to art, and a conversation with someone close to them who felt worthless after stepping away from her artistic ambitions.

How does the speaker respond to the person who emailed asking if it was too late to return to art?

The speaker reassures the person that it is not too late, emphasizing that the individual never truly stopped being an artist. They explain that stepping away from the profession of art does not mean abandoning one's artistic identity.

What is the significance of the story about the speaker’s mother?

The speaker's mother was a fine artist who had to step away from her art to provide for her family. Despite choosing a practical career in computer science, she integrated her artistic skills into her new field, illustrating that one can still be an artist while pursuing other professional paths.

Why does the speaker suggest that some people feel like failures when they stop pursuing art?

The speaker suggests that many people feel like failures because they compare themselves to non-artistic standards, such as professional success or financial achievement. When they step away from art, they may feel as though they’ve abandoned their true selves.

What advice does the speaker give to those who feel they’ve failed as artists?

The speaker advises these individuals to understand that being an artist is part of who they are, regardless of whether they are actively creating art. They encourage people to stop evaluating themselves based on non-artistic metrics and to see themselves through an artistic lens.

How does the speaker view their own experiences of stepping away from art?

The speaker views their experiences of stepping away from art, such as working in a call center or as a waiter, as valuable life experiences. They don't regret those chapters because they helped them grow in different ways and reinforced their identity as an artist.

What does the speaker say about being part of an artistic community?

The speaker highlights the importance of being part of an artistic community, where peers can provide validation and support. This helps artists recognize their value and purpose, which may be harder to see when surrounded by non-artistic professionals.

What is the speaker’s final message to the audience?

The speaker's final message is to reassure artists not to fear stepping away from their art for practical reasons. They remind their audience that being an artist is part of their identity and that it's okay to take breaks without losing that core aspect of themselves.