An irregular Ratio.
This is a topic that has weighed on my soul time and again. And one that I believe is off overlooked or marginalized in our "hustle= success" culture.
It may hurt some feelings as well.
But I'm just going to go ahead and say it.
Skill does not equal success.
For every A List actor that is lauded in magazines and websites, there is an actor even better doing community theatre or little independent films you've never even heard of.
For every best selling author, there are writers whose sonatas to the soul will make your heart reverberate in ways you never knew possible.
For every Grammy award winner and multi platinum album, there's a musician at your local college or bar whose performances will have you dancing in your seat or bring tears to your eyes.
So what is the take away?
Well, first. Always take time to explore the little side alleys of the arts and entertainment community for little gems that could change your life. And please be patrons to these amazing people.
But more importantly, if you are one of these artists. If you're work brings you clarity, or solace, or joy, keep creating.
Your bank account is not a measure of your worth.
Your number of followers does not dictate your ability to move the human spirit.
Sometimes.... It's just luck.
And does that mean that the rest of us not making millions off our work should hang it up and give in?
Resoundingly no.
There's an old saying that the forests would be silent if only the very best birds sang.
That's not even what I'm saying here.
What I'm saying is, your perspective, your performance, your work will touch the world in ways you'll never know.
And I'm not saying this out of pure theory.
I've seen it. Heard it. Read it.
For instance, at the Cleveland Playhouse in the early 2000s, I saw a play called The May. (At least I believe that was it's name now. It's been ages.)
I remember the cast being uneven and the person playing the husband doing all sorts of "acting stuff" that I found nearly unbearable.
But what I took away from the show was the woman who played the daughter.
Her performance was simple and honest and captivating. And it was one of those performances that made me think "I want to make an audience feel like that."
I worked with a colleague long ago named Bill Davis. (Sorry man. I'm calling you out. 🤣)
His performances in college made me downright envious. I remember watching him from the wings of shows we did together and thinking "I want to be like him when I get better at this."
I'm by no means famous. I'm grateful for every moment I've had on stage and screen. But those two actors, one who's name I don't even know, and both who you'll likely never see, pushed me to want to be more. And hopefully helped me to better entertain others in my own career.
I've read short stories online that have leave me haunted or spell bound.
I've heard musicians in college who's work brought tears to my eyes. (In a good way. 😁😂)
So what I'm saying is, don't quit. Don't stop. Your work adds to the beautiful tapestry of the human experience. And this world would be less without your work in it.
