Substance Over Celebrity...Always!

Okay, so recently, my Facebook fan page reached the 250 point milestone. I expressed how deeply appreciative I was and how I couldn't have made it to where I am in my journey without the love and support of all those who stand behind me. Needless to say, I got some great feedback from some supporters and they reassured me of something that I started to realize about what I want to represent.

During my little thank you post, I stated that I may not have as many likes on my page as some of my friends have on theirs, but that I am extremely grateful for the likes that I DO have! I was told that it was better to have 250+ likes from people who GENUINELY like my work and what I do, then to have 1000+ likes from people who see other people like something and they just want to feel like a part of the crowd without even knowing what I'm about.

That's what I appreciate about my hustle. I work hard, regardless of the fact that money coming in is consistent or not. I do it because I LOVE IT! Imagine what it would be like if everyone woke up and went to a job doing what they LOVE to do. Don't get me wrong, any source of money coming in from my artwork is not only appreciated but also a bonus. No point in me even trying to express to people how important it is to keep up with bills. We're all adults. THIS IS A GIVEN...BILLS NEED TO BE PAID, FAMILIES PROVIDED FOR...

The thing that I like most about my 250+ supporters... is the fact that I EARNED all of them. They weren't BOUGHT likes, or people who decided to like my page just because I begged them to. I earned all of my supporters by showing my craft, putting myself out there, vulnerable to the world and criticism... Not many people understand how big of a step it is, or how much it takes for someone to put themselves on camera and reveal themselves and their craft to the world. I do it because I love it.

I love art, I love the process of creating, I love all the ways that I can present it. Whether it be through progress photos, speed drawings or paintings, video blogs, or live painting events. I love everything about what I do. The interactions and personal relationships that I've developed are unmatched. The publicity and the overall exposure that I've been getting has taken my artwork and myself to a level that I never thought imaginable before. My artwork was always done for self enjoyment. But now that I see how my work touches others, I'm more and more devoted to making this something that I do for the rest of my life.

So in conclusion, though I am starting to be a more recognizable figure because of what I do, I'd much rather be respected and admired for what I do. I don't need to have thousands of likers, followers, etc. in order to feel like I'm successful. I don't need an INSANE amount of money in my bank account to verify my success as an artist either. All I need is my dream, a clear vision of the road ahead to get to my ultimate goals, and amazing supporters who genuinely like and support those goals and dreams. Substance over Celebrity... Always!


Until next time...

Keep Creating,
<3 Karii J.

Someday.. this WILL become my reality!