So what are my views on the actual feasibility of making it as a creator? Well, I think to answer that question, you have to provide some historical context.
Let’s say a 12-year-old in the year 1990 told you they wanted to grow up to be a professional artist — whether it’s a novelist, musician, painter, or filmmaker. Back then, you would have placed their chances at achieving this dream as extremely low, since it would have required a convergence of factors including talent, opportunity, geographic proximity, and good old-fashioned luck. The barriers to entry for these industries were extremely high.
But if a 12-year-old were to express the same dream today? I’d put their chances at achieving their goals much, much higher. That’s not to say it still wouldn’t be extremely difficult and require years of hard work, but I’m in agreement with Patreon CEO Jack Conte that there’s never been a time in human history when it’s been more feasible to build a career as an artist. The vast majority who try will still fail, but a larger number than ever will actually succeed. That fact alone should give aspiring creators hope.
Let’s say a 12-year-old in the year 1990 told you they wanted to grow up to be a professional artist — whether it’s a novelist, musician, painter, or filmmaker. Back then, you would have placed their chances at achieving this dream as extremely low, since it would have required a convergence of factors including talent, opportunity, geographic proximity, and good old-fashioned luck. The barriers to entry for these industries were extremely high.
But if a 12-year-old were to express the same dream today? I’d put their chances at achieving their goals much, much higher. That’s not to say it still wouldn’t be extremely difficult and require years of hard work, but I’m in agreement with Patreon CEO Jack Conte that there’s never been a time in human history when it’s been more feasible to build a career as an artist. The vast majority who try will still fail, but a larger number than ever will actually succeed. That fact alone should give aspiring creators hope.