In the book The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway, the author suggests we follow our talent, not our passion. I, for one, tend to agree with this philosophy because typically, those who advise us to pursue our passions are already rich. The author wisely states it's important to have a primary source of income and have a side gig we are building in the process. We have to pay our bills while building a side hustle and not only that, it provides diversified income.
I must confess that most of the time over the last decade, I have relied on income from my window washing business to get me from month to month while building (and continuing to build) my graphics business which is, for now, drawing caricatures at live events.
In fact my "passion" does not even rest with drawing caricatures, logo design or illustrating and it certainly isn't window washing or any other labor for that matter. If I were to "follow my passion" as they say, it would probably be related to cooking
but don't expect to see me behind
anyone's counter as a short order cook.
My passion for cooking can be better described as a hobby and would be more outdoor cooking with a fishing rod in one hand and a drink in the other. Nearly everything else I do, including commercial art, is a means to an end and that is financial security.
Once that end is realized then I may
be free to pursue that passion abundantly.
When it comes to creativity I most love drawing what I want to draw and then maybe try to sell it but this method has a slim chance for financial success. In fact, that's where the expression "starving artist" originated and the galleries and art shows are full of them. My modus operandi is to draw what people ask me to, then draw it, and they buy it. This formula has a 100% rate of success for me and while I'm at it I can still pitch my other works of art and merchandise.
Good one, Bob!
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