Make More Art: Occupational Hazards

Occupational Hazards

As you become more prolific, you’ll become less tolerant of anything that prevents you from making art. Should you choose the path of the prolific creator, you should be aware of its occupational hazards.

Impatience

You will become less patient. Whether you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or dealing with an incompetent service person on the other end of the phone, you’ll be annoyed by anything that gets in the way of doing your work.

Depression

I’ve wrestled with bouts of depression on and off through my time as a prolific creator. At moments, you’ll wonder if it’s all for nothing. But I know that when I’m not prolific, I’m not happy.

Criticism

If you make a lot of art, someone will hate it. The more people you reach, the more likely you are to reach someone who hates your work. One of my books has almost 300 5-star reviews. The only one I remember is from the woman who said, “I hope this guy is a better surfer than he is a writer.”

Material

When you’re prolific, everything and everyone in your life is at risk of becoming material for your work. Once you start to see the world through this lens, it’s impossible not…