Don’t Ruin The Thing You Love Doing

Today, I want to dive into a topic that has been brought to my attention countless times—the fear of turning your passion into a source of income. I’ve heard people say, “Don’t try to make money with your hobbies; you’ll ruin them.” Well, I’m here to challenge that notion and share some insights that might just change your perspective.

First off, I want to acknowledge those of you who have made a deliberate decision not to monetize your art. Your creative space is sacred, your escape from the demands of everyday life. I get it, and this podcast isn’t aimed at convincing you otherwise. What I want to address are those who hesitate to explore the idea of turning their passion into a source of income due to the fear of losing the joy and authenticity associated with their craft.

Let’s talk about our relationship with money. From a young age, we’re conditioned to associate money with tasks we may not enjoy—chores, responsibilities, jobs. It becomes a reward and punishment system. Fast forward to adulthood, and many of us view money as something stressful, tied to bills and obligations. So, when contemplating monetizing our passion, we carry this baggage into the equation.

Here’s the key: it’s not the act of making money from your hobby that’s the issue; it’s the mindset you bring to it. Your pre-existing relationship with money can either enhance or detract from your creative experience. This doesn’t apply universally—some people navigate this effortlessly, while others find themselves trapped in a cycle of stress and resentment.

Klee and I have dedicated years to understanding this dynamic. The first time you sell a piece, you’re forced to confront your emotions around money. If you harbor negative feelings, they can seep into your artistic journey. It’s not about making money; it’s about the deeper emotions and habits associated with finances.

The trap lies in treating your art as a transaction rather than a passion. The moment your goals shift from creating meaningful art to making money, you risk losing the essence of why you started in the first place. This slippery slope leads to stress, resentment, and a feeling of selling out—creating solely for profit, not for the love of the craft.

There must be a balance. While financial stability is crucial, your motivation should extend beyond money. If you’re solely chasing dollars, you risk forgetting why you create art in the first place. The art you produce should be a reflection of what you want to see, not a product designed solely for profit.

It’s easy to get lost in the noise of analytics, marketing strategies, and the pressure to “build a business” like a “professional.” But as artists, our primary job is to create meaningful art. Don’t fall into the trap of chasing trends and trying to replicate someone else’s success. Your authenticity is your strength.

So, as you navigate the intersection of art and commerce, keep your why in focus. Remember why you started creating art—it wasn’t about making money but expressing yourself and sharing your vision. Don’t let the pursuit of profit dilute the passion that fuels your creativity.

Thanks for tuning in! Your dedication to your craft inspires me, and I’ll catch you next week. Keep creating authentically!