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Re: selling out to whatever » christophrejmc

Posted by beardedlady on May 9, 2002, at 9:23:19

In reply to selling out to the new bourgeoisie, posted by christophrejmc on May 9, 2002, at 1:59:19

(This is long, and some of it's about me, so you can skip over that part to get to your advice.)

You ask some tough questions, but I think the most important one is how to get money without stifling your creativity. If you are creative, that shouldn't be a problem—unless your job wears you down and out.

I worked for an ad agency, a graphic design company, a school, or even a non-profit organziation as a secretary. Oh, how I long for a job like that sometimes--but it requires working with and for people.

I decided a long time ago that I didn't like people bossing me around unless they were smarter than I. I just couldn't respect anyone who wasn't and was in a position of power over me. (I'm sure others will argue about this, but it's one of my personality traits.) So I started my own company, got the papers and everything. (Actually, I started two companies; one was a new magazine that was on the local market for about a year and a half.) It's a graphic design/copywriting company, but I do whatever I can--for money! So I did a little house painting, office painting, wallpaper hanging, decorating, mosaics--in addition to my graphics and writing work.

If I were going to get a job today, I would probably work in a bookstore. (I don't like to dress up either, though I sometimes have meetings with corporate clients, and I have to put on something nice.)

And you know? I don't ever feel like a sell out--even when I'm writing newsletters for a famous office coffee-service company or ads for the local grocery store. I just try to do my best and make everything I do fun. And when I'm inspired, which is often these days, I write poetry and articles and stories.

You can do it, Chris. You can do it without a tie. You may not make a lot of money in a bookstore, but those folks have lots of fun. Think of all the places you like to hang out. Think of the places that inspire you. And apply for a job there. It doesn't even have to be the kind of thing you consider a "summer job."

But don't go for a cubicle. Don't get cancer. And, by all means, don't play ignorant. People may want it, but no one respects it! It's all in your attitude. You can do anything creatively--and with fun--if you don't take the job too seriously and don't let it stress you out. Most important, though, is not to treat yourself as if you are selling out.

I knew a great artist who was working for about a decade at the supermarket ringing groceries. He wanted to be a full-time artist, of course, but while he was at work, he was making contacts for sales. So many of his paintings went to people he knew from the store. And he had a job that didn't give him stress or overload his brain, so he had plenty of time and energy to paint. Eventually, he quit, as his commissions were becoming more involved. But those commissions were commercial things like murals for the airport, etc., where he had to do what a client told him to do.

Where do you think he was more happy? Where do you think he felt like a sell out? (Two different answers!)

I had to take a sleeping pill last night, so my paragraph transitions and organization have suffered. Sorry for the less-than-coherent essay.

Good luck. Keep me posted on your search for job and self.

beardy : )>


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