Art Vs. Commerce? The business of art.

Most of us got into music because on a deep love for making music. We loved doing it so the next logical step would be to figure out how to make a living doing it. As a result, we attempt to move from the ranks of the amateur to the professional.

The inherent rub in this transformation comes when art meets commerce. We are conditioned to believe that the creation of art is a mysterious endeavor...a noble pastime that does not need to be concerned with mundane obligations like paying your rent on time or having enough money to buy groceries. Accepting this idea as fact traditionally breeds internal conflict. But does it have to?

Art and commerce are not mutually exclusive though maintaining a balance as a creative professional is difficult to do.

How do we find that magical middle ground?

Our pain comes from trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. By that, I suggest that we can imbue anything with artistic intent regardless of the circumstance. It all depends on how we perceive the work we do.

If the phrase: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is true then we can find beauty in everything we do, see, and experience. Sometimes it shouts out at us, and other times it requires we look a little deeper from a more detached and objective position.

If we step back from our beliefs and conditioned responses, there will be room for us to see an obstacle as a potential opportunity.

Most times we fight our beliefs rather than the reality of what we face.

What does this have to do with the business of music?

Learning to be objective is the first step in assessing the value of the product or service you offer. Without we continually stumble from one obstacle to another...without having the skills to determine what works or doesn’t work.

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Merry Christmas!

It has been a wild ride this year for all of us. So, instead of a card, I decided that celebrating the fact that I can play again would be the best way for me to share my gratitude for family and friends at this time of year.

Enjoy! 

Best,

CB

visit me at: www.chrisboardmanmediagroup.com

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Amateur or Professional?

Webster defines “business” as a purposeful activity. If we are purposefully in the act of creating art, we are by definition in the business of making art. Where so many of us struggle is imagining ourselves as more than artists. We are, in fact, businesspeople but either we have been conditioned to believe it is somehow beneath the artist or, it is so far out of our comfort zone that is impossible to conceive that we could be more than the act that fuels our creativity.



Business can seem like a foreign language. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

It is only a mystery of we prefer to isolate ourselves in our ignorance.

Moving beyond being an amateur is to accept that business (which includes branding and marketing) is an integral part of our existence as a freelance or independent artist.

Becoming a professional artist requires making a commitment to being accountability for ALL aspects of our lives and our careers.

It requires making the active choice to understand the how’s, the why’s the where’s of making your product exceptional as well as the sales and marketing of our product.

It’s our responsibility.

If we delegate this responsibility, then we are at the mercy of others. And as we move towards a society run by robots and artificial intelligence being a spoke in someone else’s wheel is becoming less and less of a viable option.

Is it easy? No. Is it hard? Yes. The choice is yours.

Read "What's Your Story" to begin your branding process.

Looking Through A Different Lens

Why is it that some people seem to be able to see solutions quicker? Find answers faster? Comprehend complex issues easier?

You can make a compelling argument that this has to do with genetics. True, to an extent. However, the value in this skill is not that you can do it. It’s what you do with it. And, like anything else, with work and dedication you can improve your abilities.

My experience has been that those who see the world differently than others are the ones who put their egos and conditioned responses aside and see life as it is…rather than what they want it to be…or think it should be. This trait is common among highly creative people. Everyone is capable of this…but it requires work…and not the work that you might expect.

We are conditioned to react in specific ways to specific events, people or things. How often do we actually look at our life objectively? How much do we take for granted? How often do we miss the obvious signs and markers that may point us in a different direction?

More importantly: how often do we act upon these seemingly random events?

What I’m trying to say here is that we all judge our current situation by what we have learned and experienced in the past. A good thing when it comes to fire. But, have you ever thought about how your preconditioned responses and prejudices affect the creative risks you take?

To be sure- experience saves time and potential embarrassment. You avoid doing things that don’t work in favor of what you know works. But, if we do not practice objectivity in your creative decision-making process then we all run the risk of taking for granted that only a few correct answers exist to any question or problem(2+2 does not always equal 4 in creative endeavors). Perhaps true…but what about all the other choices that you have ignored?

Objectivity and the ability to measure your results is essential for any creative person. With millions upon millions of people entering the creative class just doing what feels good is no longer good enough nor is there only one answer to any creative problem.

Personally I feel that maintaining my objectivity keeps me fresh and enables me to see new solutions…to seemingly insurmountable obstacles (career, health, personal relationships). Being objective takes longer but if you practice the process speeds up and you will quickly develop confidence in attacking any part of your life that isn’t working.

This is where the creative person has a huge advantage…one worth exploiting to the best of your ability.

For more about creative tips and tricks: http://bit.ly/1RmIwrn

Science vs. Art- is it really all that different?

Why do we insist on believing that the analytical mind is devoid of creativity while the artistic mind is completely governed by emotions? Even though the brain has different hemispheres that are responsible for different functions is it not still one organism working together? Do we have to be resigned to believe that we are either right brained or left brained? Is it our conditioning? Is it our genetics?

Why does one person see the cup half empty and another see the cup half full?

I have to think that the only real difference is where people place their attention. The analytical person sees function and process  where the artistic person sees form and substance. 

Is this an inherent trait governed by dna and genetics? Hard for me, the non-researcher to know. But I know this: perception can change if you shift the focus of your attention. 

Some years ago I was learning to meditate....to practice stillness. One day I decided to go to the local park and sit on the lawn and sit absolutely still for as long as possibly could. 

Seemingly an easy task this proved to be one of the hardest things I have ever attempted to do. I was aware of my mind going a zillion miles an hour for the longest time. I was consumed by my thoughts and completely oblivious to my surrounds....my thoughts dominated my existence in that moment. 

Then, as if by magic, my awareness changed. I suddenly became aware of the breeze, the sounds in the park and most dramatically the grass I was sitting on. Out of nowhere I saw a teeming ecosystem beneath my body....just beneath the top of the grass I was sitting on. It was obvious to me that I was missing out on life as it was happening all around me. 

What caused that shift? 

My mind slowed resulting in a shift in my perception. The only thing that changed was the focus of my attention. Nothing else. I was in the same physical space, wearing the same clothes. I hadn’t moved...and I was unaware of the passage of time. I had entered a state of flow where anything was possible, where I saw unlimited choices. So perhaps creativity is nothing more than having the ability to perceive multiple options and using our mind in a different way to decide which choice would be the most satisfying or appropriate. 

The trick to creating on demand is training yourself to shift your awareness at will to enable a vast array of potential options to present themselves. In the meditation example it is clear to me that slowing the mind, focusing on the moment is the gateway to creativity. So, the challenge for the artist (or anyone for that matter) is to not think of it as creativity or something outside of their body. The challenge is to shift the focus inward to slow the rapid, patterned responses that govern our thinking mind. And, as you move away from the instinctual automatic mind your state of consciousness will shift and be replaced by seemingly infinite choices. 

Better not to try to game your art. Better to use the journey inward to enable the gift of abundance and infinite possibility.

White Oak Sessions #5

We used to take long walks on the far side of Leo Carillo Beach. Now that I live in Nashville I wistfully recall the beauty and peace found in that simple spot.

Working on my record I came across this snapshot taken the last time I was there.

Today I wrote this piece thinking of those times.

More posts soon!

Enjoy.

Similarities between art and extreme sports

Believe it or not their are more similarities between extreme sports and creating than you might imagine. Athletes routinely create a state of "Flow" to enhance their performance.

Are you in a state of Flow when you create?

“Flow” is a psychological term defined as being a state of optimal consciousness. Normally applied to extreme sports I wonder if the most powerful and effective art is not achieved through the same state of being? From my personal experience I would have to say yes. Is it possible to apply practices used by athletes to the creation of music? Absolutely. I think it is essential for any creative artist moving forward.

Extreme sports require near perfect decision making because the stakes are high. It requires acceptance of limitations and the exploitation of personal strengths. Lack of awareness can be the difference between life and death. 

Is making art a life or death decision?

Music as a profession has been hit hard by disruptive technology and will continue to be challenged. Maybe it is a life or death decision after all?

If you watch someone who is about to jump off a bridge, free climb 2000ft or surf a 100ft wave there seems to be a calm about them. They are focused and relaxed. They are not distracted because they know if they aren’t ....well you know.

If you look at great performers they have a similar aura about them. Focused, relaxed...in the moment. Any person who performs at a high level has learned how to put themselves in a state of “flow” on command.

Watch how athletes prepare themselves in pressure situations. Most adopt a preshot routine to put themselves in a state of flow. Do you have a pre-shot routine before you begin to write? If you don’t you might consider creating one. The better decisions you make the more efficient you become and...the better art you will create.

Top Ten Myths about being A Film Composer #1-If I were just like John Williams life would be easy!

Truth be told? Creating a Top Ten List about art is a dubious and pretentious endeavor at best. My goal was to create a format to be able to share my life and experiences in an effort to spur your mind and help you on your way.

Dreams. Goals. Desires....

...we all have them. Maybe you want to be famous? Maybe you want to be rich? Or, maybe you have such passion for the work that all you want to do is to have the opportunity to be engaged in the process of doing it  more regularly.

If I were presumptuous enough to give you advice it would be these two things:

• be yourself!
• never, ever, stop learning

Think about it. There is only one of you. That, by definition, makes you unique. Celebrate and embrace your individuality. This is what will differentiate you from everyone else!  The hardest thing for any artist to do is to understand and be clear about who they are. Give yourself some time for reflection to figure out who you are and what you want to be.

What do I have to do to "make it"?

If there is a "myth" we haven't discussed it would being successful in life (let alone being a film composer) is not a destination to reach. It is a process to engage in! 

There will always be new challenges to face, hurdles to leap and mountains to climb. Embrace these as problems to solve. Remember that very few problems do not have answers....they may just be difficult for you to see. I am very confident that if you are engaged in writing music for film that you are a "creative problem solver". Learn to apply this special skill to everything obstacle you face and I guarantee you will be surprised at the results.

I've talked about branding, marketing and sales...methods to help you reach your goals.

NEWS FLASH!

There are no guarantees in the music business OR life! It may sound trite but remember that expectations not met create disappointments.

• Be engaged in the process without attachment to a specific result.
• Be in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or fantasizing about the future.
• Be kind and generous with everyone you meet...you never know when they will re-emerge in your life.
• Being an artist is a noble endeavor...one that feeds your soul and affects all who listen to your work.

Most of all: enjoy your life!

Monday Musings: Am I Good Enough?

Am I good enough? 

Whenever I hear this phrase I want to ask: “by what standard?”

The value of a person’s achievement can be rated in many ways...most often it is winners and losers with the glow of winning being the motivation for endless hours of hard work while the losers feel the shame and disappointment of defeat. 

Regardless whether you win or lose the race there will be another day, another challenge to face. And doesn’t this notion ignore the fact that the value of working towards a goal is what you learn about yourself along the way rather than the destination you are trying to reach? 

Am I good enough? 

What? To earn my praise? To earn my validation for your efforts? 

Being dependent upon the opinions of others forces us to take the safe and narrow path of least resistance and restricts us from attempting the truly risky for fear of being rejected. Who better to please but ourselves? Who better to judge our individual progress than ourselves?

All too often our artistic heroes  attract us by their sheer force of will and presence. And why is that? 

They don’t seem to care what others think about them. They just go their own way seemingly without regard to consequence or rejection. We find them irresistible and mysterious. Some call this charisma. I think of it as strength of character.

Are they (our artistic heroes) good enough?

Depends on who you ask. If you ask them they’d probably say rarely if at all. Despite their self-doubt and anxiety they push on...to feed the master of their passion-their inner voice.

Most every great artist I have known will find inspiration not from the mind but from the soul. It is the connection to the inner voice that distinguishes the exceptional from the ordinary. 

They know the difference between mind and body. They have cultivated a relationship with their creative energy (one friend even gave it a name: “Shirley”). They have learned how to embrace their connection on command. They answer to their inner voice...not the adulation or admiration of others.

Finding your voice is not easy. But, the irony is that it is with you every minute of every day. We just find it hard to listen and accept.

Am I good enough? 

The only person who can answer that question is you. Are you listening?

“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.”

Buddha

Top Ten Myths about being A Film Composer #3...The jobs will just come to me!

Who  sells your services?

Your manager? Your agent? Your publisher? Your friends? Sales happen organically...I'm a musician....not a salesperson.

Let me ask you a couple questions: Do you want to be paid for your services? Do you want to make a living by making music? Do you want to be respected for the work you do? Do you believe that you are worth the money you are asking for?

Like it or not if you want to make money at making music you will be much better off if you accept that you are running a business. And, like playing an instrument, the more you practice,  the better you will become.

Here is a dirty little secret:

You have to value yourself before anyone will value you.

What is your elevator pitch?

One of the hardest things for the creative individual to do is to succinctly describe and express who they are and what they want. If I were to ask you: "who are you? what do you want? "how can I help you?" can you answer in 25 words or less?

My attention is the most valuable resource I have. I don't like to waste it. Neither does a potential boss. When you find yourself in a networking situation have your elevator pitch rehearsed and ready to go. It's a sign of respect and competence. It will give you confidence too.

Much like a first date it will be apparent in a couple of minutes whether or not there is any possibility of a good fit. The thing to remember is that timing is everything. Nothing may happen at first...but- if you are successful at making a connection you leave the door open for something in the future. And, you never know, a chance encounter may be the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Be Prepared. Be respectful. Interpersonal skills are a must. I'm sure you know people who seem to effortlessly schmooze with anyone. Let me tell you- it is a skill that can be learned. I've found that listening, paying attention, being attentive are great skills to nurture. Remember: it's not about you. It's about the relationship.

"People work with people they know....who they feel they can have a relationship with.

There are the rare instances when someone will hire you because they "have" to have what you do....but that is the exception. And, even if they did hire you....they still have to get along with you.

How do I improve my networking skills?

Think of it this way- you would never dream of performing in public without practicing first? This holds true with networking too.

• Practice your elevator pitch.
• Ask questions....about them! Most everyone likes to talk about themselves.
• Pay attention- make eye contact, have a firm handsake. Pay them a compliment.
• Focus on how you can help them....not how they can help you.
• Be authentic.

...it's all about making the connection.

How does this get me a job?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. There a lot of people out there. If you stay within those people you know your opportunities will be limited. And, you just never know where potential opportunities will come from.

Besides- you may not want to work with just anybody.

A successful creative collaboration requires intimacy and trust. It is next to impossible to share those amazing moments of discovery and invention without it.

"I have the artist's disease- I want everyone to love me."

Truth be told I hear "no" more often than I hear "yes". It took me a long time to realize that my self-worth didn't depend on what others thought of me. This is so important let me say it again: my self-worth doesn't depend on what others think.

This gave me the freedom to be myself and just go for it...and risk rejection. And, if someone says "no" then I just remind myself that "I must be talking to the wrong person".

Monday Musings: The most famous selfie of the famous...ever!

It was bound to happen. The Oscars and their advertisers have joined the dark side. For the first time in history an Oscar telecast incorporated a “selfie” distributed to the world over Twitter.

At first glance this may not seem significant. But, if you pull back the covers several issues come to the forefront.

Advertisers are desperate to find ways to reach an audience that doesn’t want to be bothered.

Every last one of the actors portrayed in the selfie seem desperate to be relevant and or share in a collaborative experience with billions of people. 

And, rather than elevate the craft and promote excellence the Oscars have descended from a professional class to the massive group of 2 Billion people who use social media everyday. If I were a cynical person I would say that the Wizard’s curtain has been drawn exposing that they are only people after all. Even Pharrell Williams wore ruby slippers! Greatness is no longer out of reach...it's at the end of your arm. 

Where do we go from here? 

The democratization of media creation will surely continue to erode the professional class but that is not a bad thing. Rather than have your media and movie experience controlled by the powerful few that dictate taste, you, the individual, now have the opportunity to shape the world as you see fit. And, if your message is powerful enough you will break through the noise and find your audience. No longer will artists be the pawns of those who flaunt their power and control.

Do I know where this will end up? I haven’t a clue. But this I know: art will survive as it has for thousands of years. 

At the end of the film “Monuments Men” President Roosevelt asked George Clooney’s character: “Do you think art is worth the loss of life?” To which Clooney said: Yes. I believe so. 

So the only question that need be answered: what is YOUR level of devotion?

Top Ten Myths of about being a Film Composer #4- "I'm going to be rich!!!

What drives you?

Do you want to make a lot of money?

Do you want to be famous?

Do you crave attention?

What drives you to do what  you do?

Even though I have had my share of success I really don't think about any of that. I chose to be a musician because I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else! Some one once said of me: "You didn't choose music, music chose you". My motivation wasn't derived by anything in the material world. I was obsessed by the process of making music...that was where I wanted to be. Consequently I did everything I could to put myself in situations where I could satisfy that desire. I practiced, I studied incessantly, I listened to music constantly all the while thinking that if I was the best I could be...then that was all I could expect of myself (Thanks Mom!). I kept my standards high...focusing on making the rewards of my journey intrinsic and unaffected by the outside world.

There are no guarantees in life, or in art.

Call it ignorance or naivety...the beauty of being young is that your lack of experience is actually a benefit rather than a detriment. It's easier to take risks simply because you don't know any better!

At 18 I joined a quartet (2 were my high school counselors) that worked a lot doing weddings, parties etc. The third member was a jr. high school band leader. He was one of the most bitter, disillusioned people I had ever met. How did that happen? He didn't have the courage to fail. Rather than risk being rejected or failing he chose to take the "safe" way out. In the process he gave himself a lifetime sentence of self doubt. Poor guy. It just ate him up. At that moment I knew that I would rather fall flat on my face than not know if I was good enough to make a go at being a professional musician. I applied to Cal State Northridge and promptly left the small town I lived in. I figured: "Better to fail spectacularly than to never try".

In my early twenties I was terrified by the prospect of having to make a living in music in the big city. It was my first time away from home. I had no idea how to get a job. I was uncomfortable in social settings. I had no concept of business. I asked my mentor early on one day: "how do I get a job". I was desperately trying to figure it out. His response:

STAY HOME AND GET GOOD!- people will find out about you.

That made absolutely no sense to me at all. Gee thanks!

Even so, I had no reason to doubt him so I accepted his comment and went about my business. I decided to work as hard as I could to be the best I could be and let the chips fall where they may. Soon enough, people started to pay attention and opportunities arose...strictly because of my obsession with being the best I could be. In hindsight I understand the wisdom of his remark. all too well.

It would be easy for me to say that if you followed this advice you'll find success in the music business...that all your dreams will come true. Truth is: no one knows. There is too much that is out of your control.

Success all depends on your definition

Success can be defined in many ways. Looking back at my 43 years as a professional musician, and 53 years as a pianist I can honestly say I am rich beyond words. I have been fortunate enough to know and work with more creative geniuses than I can name. .

Will you be rich and famous? I have no idea. But,

I do know this. 

The first step towards success is to know who you are and why you want to do what you do. For anyone else to be able to understand you, you have to understand this in yourself at a very deep level. AND, be able to articulate it to others.

If you listen to your heart and stay true to what it is telling you it matters not whether you are filthy rich or a pauper. It matters not whether you have fame or live in obscurity. No matter how much money you have, you can't buy peace of mind or a happy heart.

Life happens from the inside out....not by looking outside for validation, self-worth or satisfaction.

So...whatever it is you are dreaming of, just go for it. There is no shame in failing...only in not trying!

5 steps to become a professional.

Such a simple yet powerful word: Trust.

See you at 1pm! What does that mean to you? 12:45? 12:59? 1:05? 1:15? whenever you get there?

I strive for punctuality in my life because being on time is an indicator of the amount of respect I have for the other person. If I am early then I am prepared and ready for anything that may come up. If I arrive with just minutes to spare I will waste time getting myself mentally prepared for the meeting. If I purposefully arrive late I am disrespecting the person I am meeting. In fact, being late always says: “my time is more important than yours- so I will arrive when I’m good and ready”. While perfection is not humanly possible punctuality is my goal.

It is impossible to gain someone’s trust without respect. Without respect trust is impossible. Without trust it is impossible to create and maintain a relationship. In a creative environment trusting your collaborator is essential. No magic can be made without trust. 

1. Be prepared- No one has time to waste these days. Wasting time is just that- a waste. Take the time to be prepared for whatever you may encounter. In the last week I know of a person who had an incredible opportunity who didn’t get hired because of a lack of preparation-even though they had the skills to do the job.
2. Be courteous- perhaps if you were a rock star selling multiplatinum you might be able to get away with being a jerk. Even then- it is not a guarantee. You are not that important.
3. Listen- You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room nor is it appropriate to demand everyone’s attention. Quincy Jones famously said to the cast of All-Stars assembled for the We Are The World sessions: “Leave your ego at the door”.
4. Be grateful. Projecting an image of entitlement makes your immaturity blaze like a bonfire in the eyes of a prospective employer or collaborator. Never forget that however “cool” you may be there will always be someone whose skills are better suited for the job who is available at a moment's notice.
5. Be service oriented.- Unless we are independently wealthy we will always be working for someone else. A great employee is one who is constantly on the look out for ways to serve. Going beyond the call of duty makes you stick out as being someone to pay attention to, someone who is trustworthy.  Doing the minimum amount paints you as a slacker....thus someone who may waste my time and who is not trustworthy.

A simple yet powerful concept that can be easily overlooked, learning to be professional (even you you don't "like" someone) will serve you well and differentiate you from your competition.