I find it intriguing that there is a difference in the mind of a creator and the perception of the creation in the eyes of an outsider. If I can explain that a little more, it is amazingly curious that an artist or creator can see and feel the final product before it comes to life. While on the other hand, the person on the outside, who doesn’t understand the vision, can shoot it down before it gets great.
It’s not a bad thing, but I do feel like there’s something here worth exploring.
Missing context
When I am in the process of writing, my thoughts are often incomplete. They are pieces that I pull out of the creative ethos and try to fit them onto the canvas of reality. It’s like I’m trying to leave myself breadcrumbs from unconscious processes happening in order to transform them into something concrete.
To the outside world, all that can be seen is randomness. It’s hard to get the bigger picture without key contextual components. Knowing that this will mean X, or it relates to Y is a huge part of understanding. It can translate a huge world of difference between encouragement and discouragement.
There is a sweet spot to bringing people, that are not part of the creative process, into the fold where it will make sense. I haven’t figured out what that is just yet, but if I had to guess it’s definitely not in the early stages 😆.
Bringing people in too early
If you bring people in too soon, you will either fly or fail depending on your character.
I’ve heard a handful of stories where early on people didn’t get something but the artist had faith it was the move, so they took a dive and it landed. Imagine if Wiz Khalifa had listened when they said that “Black and Yellow” wasn’t a hit. While I’m sure Wiz would’ve found another way, he wouldn’t have been catapulted to stardom if he hadn’t believed in his vision.
You have to remember that not everything is for everyone, but some things are for some people.
In these moments, you need to examine your reasoning behind the creation. Is it a form of expression or are you trying to please people and get external confirmation. If it’s confirmation you need, then my advice is to get more than one opinion. If the general consensus is similar, you may want to listen.
The counter point is that if you are doing something for your own expression, you have to have thick skin. Not everyone will get it in the moment, but there will come a time when it will resonate. Sometimes art needs life experiences for people to be in a place to relate.
Keep pushing the line.