Closing the Gap: Creativity, Work, and the Changing Landscape of Art and Writing

Closing the Gap: Creativity, Work, and the Changing Landscape of Art and Writing

In the world of creativity, there is a common struggle that many beginners face. It's the frustrating gap between their taste and the quality of their work. Ira Glass, the creator and host of This American Life, described this phenomenon perfectly when he said, "For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be. It has potential. But your taste -- your taste is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you."

Glass's quote resonates with many artists and writers because it captures the essence of the creative journey. When we start out, we have high expectations for ourselves. We have a vision of what our work should look like, but we lack the skills to execute it. This discrepancy can be disheartening and often leads to self-doubt and frustration.

However, Glass offers a glimmer of hope in his advice. He emphasizes the importance of doing a lot of work and putting oneself on a deadline. By consistently creating and completing projects, we can close the gap between our taste and our abilities. It's through practice and repetition that we improve and eventually produce work that meets our own standards.

Creativity is not just about being "creative." It's about the act of creating itself. This idea was succinctly summarized by Glass during a talk at SXSW in 2017 when he said, "Don’t wait. Just make the thing. Make a version, and then make it better and then make it better." This philosophy applies to all creative endeavors, whether it's writing, painting, or any other form of art.

But the landscape of creativity is rapidly changing, thanks to advancements in technology and the rise of platforms like TikTok. The market dynamics and algorithms now play a significant role in determining the content that is created and consumed. James Patterson, the bestselling author, understands this well. He recognizes that he has a product to sell, and he leverages the economic incentives to his advantage.

The emergence of TikTok's BookTok community is a testament to the power of algorithms in shaping consumer attention. With over 77 billion views globally, BookTok has become a driving force in book sales. Retailers like Barnes and Noble and Indigo have taken notice of its influence. However, this shift towards algorithmic recommendation feeds raises concerns about the quality and substance of the content being produced.

In a world driven by attention and algorithms, the holders of consumer attention have become the new gatekeepers. To succeed as an artist or writer, one must create work that resonates with the internet audience and aligns with the algorithms' preferences. This shift in power dynamics has led to the democratization of creativity, allowing more people to become artists. However, it also raises questions about the future of the traditional writer archetype.

As technology continues to advance, tools like Sudowrite and GPT-3 from OpenAI are becoming increasingly prevalent. These tools have the potential to revolutionize the creative process, but they also pose a threat to the traditional role of writers. Mega-prolific authors, armed with carefully crafted TikTok plots and strategic advertising, may become the winners in this new landscape.

So, how can aspiring creatives navigate this changing landscape and close the gap between their taste and their abilities? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace the power of practice: The only way to improve your creative skills is through consistent practice. Set deadlines for yourself and commit to completing projects regularly. By doing the work, you will gradually close the gap and produce better, more satisfying results.

• 2. Understand the market dynamics: While artistic integrity is important, it's also crucial to understand the market forces at play. Study the platforms and algorithms that shape consumer attention. Find ways to create work that resonates with the audience while staying true to your artistic vision.

• 3. Adapt and embrace technology: Technology is not the enemy of creativity; it's a tool that can enhance and augment your creative process. Explore the various tools and platforms available to you and leverage them to your advantage. Embrace new technologies and find innovative ways to tell your stories or express your ideas.

In conclusion, the journey of creativity is filled with challenges and frustrations, but it's also a realm of infinite possibilities. By embracing the advice of Ira Glass, understanding the changing landscape of art and writing, and taking actionable steps to improve, anyone can bridge the gap between their taste and their abilities. The future of creativity may be uncertain, but with determination and adaptability, we can continue to make what matters and create meaningful work.