my fear – photography
one of my favorite remix artists is Pogo.
i recently read his entry about “the career conundrum.” basically, making a passion into a career – good thing? bad thing? both? it takes me back to when i was in graduate school and we talked for a few hours regarding intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivations as well as true altruism (no such thing exists to me). i would love to believe in such a purity – a pure love for one’s art and career. a happy balance is nearly impossible it seems. there will always be compromise and no, i don’t think it’s “selling out.” don’t get me wrong there.
i’ve been thinking about this for myself for a long time. photography (and packaging design) is a hobby i love. i wouldn’t mind doing it all day. but for myself. it’s very quite selfish. i love to take photos of whatever i want, whenever, however. maybe what i love is independence and the idea of freelance. but i am not at liberty just pick and choose projects. i have to take anything i can. and i will certainly do it well (self belief and hard work, yeah!!). but if i imagine myself getting regularly hired and paid for photography – meeting deadlines, fitting what i produce into the client needs, becoming “commercial” if you will – will i get burned out like a match? can i really have longevity in it without becoming bitter or somehow resentful? loving my craft comes easy, even during frustrating moments. but adding a big extrinsic motivation such as pleasing others, recognition, money, etc. will probably fade out that wonderful “intrinsic” spark…..
……..right?
sawtelle blvd., santa monica, california.