Sunday, January 17, 2021

Letters to a young artist: Fame

 






Dear Young Artist:



Let us talk about fame.

Because of the nature of the market, some measure of fame is required for a person to be a successful, full time professional artist.

You might think "That's okay. I am ready to be famous. I am even eager to be famous."

Oh young artist, fame is not all it's cracked up to be.

Or so I have heard. Somewhere. Though who knows from who. It's not like I know anyone famous, aside from Bob Dylan, who never talks about it, like, ever.

Also, I'm not famous.

"Hey!" You cry out in disagreement. "What about those two times you were featured on the front page of the Metro Section of the second biggest daily newspaper in your midsized American midwestern city?"

That's very sweet of you.

But we're here for you, young artist, to help guide you.

So here is what I say:

Go ahead and be famous.

Not that anyone will likely offer it to you. Sorry, but as Davy Crockett said:

Fame is like a shaved pig with a greased tail, and it is only after it has slipped through the hands of some thousands, that some fellow, by mere chance, holds on to it!


And if you do become famous these probably aren't the letters you'll need.


But it's nice of you to read them anyway.




















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