The Art of Authenticity

There's a fine balance between selling yourself and being yourself. A constant assessment of what is appropriate to the audience you are trying to reach along with what is truthful to your own identity. I am constantly asking myself the question, "Do I believe this?" Some days the thought drives me into some of my best work, while on others it paralyzes me into a humbled submission. I like to think that all the work I create has some form of my authentic self attached to it. Even the formulated edits or scripts mapped out by my clients have my personal touch to them. Then again, there are times when I have looked back at a video or photo and knew I didn't have anything invested in it. It was solely created for money and nothing else.

Don't get me wrong, I like easy money as much as the next entrepreneur. And I enjoy the easier projects that don't require too much of my energy when I am generally disinterested in them. But I do love a good project that I know will help pay the bills and feed my soul. They don't come around as often as their counterparts and maybe they shouldn't. Maybe their absence makes them special. I think every great artist's ideal scenario would be to make a fortune while making a lasting impact. It isn't impossible, people do it everyday. And thats always been my attitude when seeking my next project or job. How close can I get to that ideal scenario before having to say...okay?