by KIMBERLY SMITH
We’ve all seen it, people turning on others because they’ve “sold their soul to the devil”. Bloggers bad-mouthing other bloggers over Twitter for accepting sponsored posts or being involved with brands in some way.
Fans turning on indie bands when they secure a record deal and “go mainstream”.
The masses rolling their eyes when an actor promotes the latest sports drink/fancy watch/perfume.
We’d like to think that we’d never sell out, that if we were in the same position we’d hold onto our integrity and say no. The truth is, we probably wouldn’t.
It’s extremely hard to earn an income in the creative arts. I know dozens of talented actors, musicians and writers who are climbing the corporate ladder with a heavy heart because the bills simply need to be paid. The idea of the struggling artist seems romantic to those who haven’t experienced it firsthand. Knowing that someone loves their craft so much that they’re willing to eat 2 minute noodles and sleep on a mattress on the floor to really immerse themselves in it.
It’s not romantic. It’s damn hard work.
We are comfortable with those that are relatively unsuccessful in the arts because it makes us feel better about choosing a “responsible career” over our passion or (if we’re aiming for that artistic goal) relieved because we’re in the same leaky boat.
But as soon as we see someone living our dream and earning a substantial income from it, our inner nasty bitch takes over.“She must have slept her way into that contract”. “They’ve sacrificed their music for the fame”.“His writing is no longer authentic because he’s getting paid to give his opinion on that product.”
Top Comments
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When Marco Pierre White appeared in ads for jellied stock cubes ( or some similar shit ) I cried real tears. SELLOUT SELLOUT SELLOUT! Make stock, people. It's not hard, my 11 year old has been doing it for 5 years.