Sorry to always bring everything back to AI but I think this is precisely why a certain type of person is drawn to AI as a “tool” to make their creative work “more efficient” etc. This type of person doesn’t see any value in process and work. In fact, they perceive the fact that creative work necessitates craft as a form of gate keeping in and of itself that can be “democratized” and circumvented with the magic word robot brought to you by Sam Altman, champion of the Arts. This type of person wants a moneyizeable result, wants to have written not write, does not have a creative praxis, and, in many cases, doesn’t even have creativity within them. They have ideas they want to se manifested instantly. They do not have a creative urge that needs to be teased out by process, craft and self reflection. Sadly, a lot of these people inhabit the c-suite offices of every major Hollywood studios.
These are the biggest customers of the muscle suit. They want the results - the acclaim, to have their story be heard… but the process doesn’t concern them.
I remember going to a meet-up in London years ago where literally everyone was either a "writer" or an "actor". I quite quickly found out that they write but nothing they wrote was ever made/published and I asked myself can you really call yourself a writer then? Same in LA, every Uber driver I had was either a "writer" or an "actor".
I mean, dress for the job you want, right? I don’t fault folks holding down other jobs and calling themselves “writers” prior to their first professional break while building their skill set. It’s a way to help yourself break out of feeling like an imposter just because you haven’t yet been blessed by gatekeepers. Where that breaks down is when people call themselves writers and don’t actually do the work of writing on a regular basis.
“Success can only come from one of two places: growth or nepotism…” 😭 goddamn it, why can’t there be a third option that’s both accessible and easier to achieve??? 😂
Despite the hard truths in this article, it was dripping with the optimism I really respond to. Loved it!
This also reminds me of one of your articles from last year about the various creative types. I feel like there are some creative endeavors where I want to put in the work and get better, and others where I think/care/worry more about how I might be perceived.
I would just say this: Not every creative type is built for a career.
If you primarily use writing as an outlet or a form of self-healing, that’s not necessarily the same type of writing that builds careers in entertainment.
Hell yeah, John. I have to constantly check myself to figure out which Type I'm being in an given moment. The performative writing is a slippery trick!
Sorry to always bring everything back to AI but I think this is precisely why a certain type of person is drawn to AI as a “tool” to make their creative work “more efficient” etc. This type of person doesn’t see any value in process and work. In fact, they perceive the fact that creative work necessitates craft as a form of gate keeping in and of itself that can be “democratized” and circumvented with the magic word robot brought to you by Sam Altman, champion of the Arts. This type of person wants a moneyizeable result, wants to have written not write, does not have a creative praxis, and, in many cases, doesn’t even have creativity within them. They have ideas they want to se manifested instantly. They do not have a creative urge that needs to be teased out by process, craft and self reflection. Sadly, a lot of these people inhabit the c-suite offices of every major Hollywood studios.
These are the biggest customers of the muscle suit. They want the results - the acclaim, to have their story be heard… but the process doesn’t concern them.
I remember going to a meet-up in London years ago where literally everyone was either a "writer" or an "actor". I quite quickly found out that they write but nothing they wrote was ever made/published and I asked myself can you really call yourself a writer then? Same in LA, every Uber driver I had was either a "writer" or an "actor".
I mean, dress for the job you want, right? I don’t fault folks holding down other jobs and calling themselves “writers” prior to their first professional break while building their skill set. It’s a way to help yourself break out of feeling like an imposter just because you haven’t yet been blessed by gatekeepers. Where that breaks down is when people call themselves writers and don’t actually do the work of writing on a regular basis.
“Success can only come from one of two places: growth or nepotism…” 😭 goddamn it, why can’t there be a third option that’s both accessible and easier to achieve??? 😂
Despite the hard truths in this article, it was dripping with the optimism I really respond to. Loved it!
This also reminds me of one of your articles from last year about the various creative types. I feel like there are some creative endeavors where I want to put in the work and get better, and others where I think/care/worry more about how I might be perceived.
I would just say this: Not every creative type is built for a career.
If you primarily use writing as an outlet or a form of self-healing, that’s not necessarily the same type of writing that builds careers in entertainment.
"no one believes they can pilot one by intuition alone, without training or practice"
Have you met... men?
#NotAllMen, obviously, but, you know: https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/4349573-men-think-they-can-safely-land-a-plane-in-an-emergency/
But that doesn't contradict you overall point at all, though. Great post - a reminder to stay teachable is always welcome.
I should clarify: I wouldn’t want to be a PASSENGER on that plane.
Great essay Jon! Can’t help but to imagine Kafka as the most Type A creative there was: all craft, and virtually no ego.
It’s a tough mark to hit but it really helps with mental health 😆
Hell yeah, John. I have to constantly check myself to figure out which Type I'm being in an given moment. The performative writing is a slippery trick!
Thank you, Jon. You've convinced me to send my muscle suit back for a refund.