I still sometimes get confused by balancing business and art myself.
They are two different beasts, and you need to tame them differently.
Here is a piece of insight from a photographer working on his business for 6-7 years, towards a goal I won’t share right now.
Everything you do is dependent on your mindset.
When it comes to “audience in business” vs. “audience in art”, you need to fix your view about their priorities.
In the context of your business, the audience comes first.
Listening to your audience, following trends, paying attention to what others do… These could make your marketing, thus your business shine.
However, in the context of your art, the audience comes last.
Listening to your audience, following trends, paying attention to what others do… These will cast a shadow over your art soon.
Prioritizing your audience will make your business.
Prioritizing your audience will break your art.
You need to find a fine balance.
Separate the priority of the audience while working on your art vs. business.
While creating art, seek inspiration, not approval.
While doing business, seek validation, not emotion.
