Focus on the art, not the hustle
disclaimer: this does NOT apply to those of you reading who make a living from your creative work. keep up the amazing, talented, imaginative things you do, you're awesome
My hobby is photography. There is something so magical about the synthesis of art, science, and technology in the photography hobby. I love seeing the world around me resolve into an interpretive scene of color and light, not quite unlike reality but fantasy at the same time. Photography affords me a great respite from my daily work, an outlet for my creativity, and a shelter for my thoughts and perspectives. Every day I spend on photography is a day well spent.
Something I've noticed though, while getting deeper into the hobby: there are a lot of folks out there asking (what are to me disturbing) questions about monetizing their work. A lot of folks who bought an expensive camera, and now want to see some kind of return on their investment. I see posts inquiring what the most 'profitable' subjects for their photography would be, what the 'best' investment in equipment to get a return is, whether or not people online think their work is 'acceptable enough' to charge money for.
here's the thing: I get it. I am sure some of these people genuinely want to turn this work into a career and are doing everything they can to make that dream come true. More power to you. I can't help but think, though, that a lot more people out there are doing this out of some kind of twisted consumer mindset, seeing content posted on instagram and are thinking, how do I get to 300k followers? how do I get my work reposted by Robert Pattinson?
You don't. It's like playing a sport for the sole purpose of going pro. Going pro is like winning the lottery. someone is gonna do it, but it probably won't be you. The same is true for photography or any other art or hobby. If you're practicing with the intent to gain from it in some way other than personal fulfillment, then (in my opinion) you're doing yourself and all of us a disservice.
Just let your art be yours. Practice the hobby or the artistry for the sake of doing it. Expect nothing material from your creations. learn to enjoy the process, the act of making, and the results will speak for themselves. at the end of the day, the only person who needs to be happy with your art is you. Ironically, once you get to that phase, I will bet your work will start to look good enough that others will take notice, too.