How to Become a Great Artist and Not Lose Yourself in the Process

I recently watched the documentary, "Get Me Roger Stone," on Netflix. What a revelation! One of Roger's golden rules is, "You have to be outrageous to be noticed!" How many really, amazing artists are there out there that lack (or don't want to pursue) the marketing expertise to market themselves? Millions of artists are selling their art online. How do you stand out in the crowd? Stone's number one rule is "Better to be infamous than famous!"

So, many artists have successfully become "performance" or other artists to separate themselves from the masses. What I've noticed is the potential to lose yourself in the process. Case in point, Roger himself, who was just fired (who quit first or got fired is up for discussion) from the Trump campaign, and is now watching the action from the sidelines. One of Roger's rules "morality equals weakness," might have got him in trouble when he denied he was involved in (and later admitted to being involved in) a sex scandal.

So, how far is too far? It seems - the ONLY way to win anymore - with all the sports performance scandals including Lance Armstrong, that "winning at all costs," IS the only way to win!

Looking back, the "morality = weakness" ideology might have backfired on Roger! Maybe there is - even in politics - something to say about character!

I recently read a book by Jim Loehr called "The Only Way to Win." Dr. Jim Loehr, is co-founder of the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute and his book is based on his work with world-class athletes and global business and political leaders. Dr. Loehr argues that leadership with purpose - with integrity, honesty, humility, optimism and compassion - is the most effective way to create lasting success and fulfillment in life. Jim signed my book by saying, "Character above all else."

Any creatives out there trying to "make a name for themselves," and "get discovered" would be well advised to read Dr. Loehr's book AND another Netflix documentary, "Icarus," about the doping of the Russian athletes.

I think - with everyone clamoring to reach the top at any cost, the "downside" of that thinking has to - and IS being presented. Now it's up to each of us to decide how we proceed!