The Juiciest Peach | Slow Work Series No. 4

walking the tightrope of self-promotion as a sensitive, creative entrepreneur

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Welcome to the Unbusy Revolution.

You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there is still going to be somebody who hates peaches. - Ditta Von Teese

Writing this early in the crisp light of the setting full moon. Thinking about the place creativity, growth, identity, self-doubt and business meet.

How do we reconcile, as creatives, the magic of spinning something from nothing under the cool light of a predawn moon and the necessity of self-promotion?

Is self-promotion necessary? If so, how do we do it?

Should we talk about it openly or keep it quiet? Does promoting our work pollute the creative process itself? Are we making work for an audience or for ourselves? Does being aware of and creating for our audience make our work better or worse?

What should we make of the self-doubt and anxiety that self-promotion brings to the surface? The conflicting messages that make up the water we swim in?

Come to Substack to get paid for your writing. Self-promotion is gauche. Money taints the creative process. Just do what you love and the money will come. Focus on the work itself. You have to put yourself out there, push your comfort zone. Be transparent about your process and your journey. Don’t toot your own horn. Selling is slimy.

What in the world are we to make of it all? What if none of it is true? What if it all is?

I’ve noticed lately here on Substack a flurry of conversations about this tightrope we’re all wobbling on.

There is so much tangled up in there; self-worth and self-doubt, our mindset about money, myths about creativity, inspiration and art, our natural inclinations towards introversion or extroversion, fear of being seen and so much more.

How do we dare venture into that minefield? Do we have to be willing to be blown to pieces in order to make a living with our craft?