Is Art for the Artist or the Audience?

Thriving artists don’t create to impress an audience, to chase trends, or to make sure our work is palatable for the masses. We create because we have to. Because it heals us, focuses us, and gives us a way to make sense of the world. The outside shouldn’t matter.

Art Is for You, First and Always

When I’m working on a Hypno Bat, an op art pattern, or an uncommon animal design, I’m not thinking, Will this get likes? Will this sell? Will people understand it? I’m thinking, Is this interesting? Am I pushing myself? Does this feel right? That’s the only compass that matters. If you start making art for other people’s approval, you’re already lost.

The Artist Has Their Turn, Then It’s the World’s Problem

Once you create something and set it free, it’s not yours anymore. People will love it, hate it, misinterpret it, ignore it. That’s out of your hands. Your job was to make it. That’s the part you own. What happens after? That’s the world’s turn to do whatever it wants with it.

Failure Isn’t Real (At Least, Not the Way You Think)

If your work doesn’t get critical praise, doesn’t sell, or doesn’t get the reaction you hoped for, does that mean it failed? No. Not if it mattered to you. Your journey is yours to keep. Every piece you create adds something to your story, yourevolution. If you’re focused on impressing yourself, you can’t fail.

So, is art for the artist or the audience? The answer is clear: it’s for the artist. The audience just happens to be along for the ride.