How can I help?
By Ry
A.K.A
Rhath
G'day, Ry here.
I recently wrote a blog post here about marketing and how much I detest doing it. And I'm not alone in this either.
We're artists and creatives. Trying to sell ourselves and our work as a product feels disingenuous most of the time.
So I've been thinking recently on my long-term goals and how they align with my skillset and mentality. I find it difficult and at odds with my personality to hype myself up. I post a lot of stuff, but it's mostly for fun or, in a sense, as a personal blog. I'm not the kind of person to DM random people to check out my music or walk into a room and immediately start networking. I'm not that extroverted.
So my approach, and the approach Vibe Union has taken, has been to try to offer value as much as possible instead. This is also because I love helping out and making things happen. If I'm not someone who can sell myself in a practical way and build a huge fan base, I'll play a behind-the-scenes role instead.
Instead of having huge numbers, either follower count or cash, slowly but surely we're building an amazing creative network.
And in my eyes, this is the answer to not being good at marketing. Maybe it's a sign your role to play is different. Instead of looking at the scene as 'How can I rise to the top of it?', instead I ask myself, 'How can I support the scene from the ground up?"
How can I offer as much value to creatives I meet (without working yourself to the bone, mind you) in order to build that creative network? One that will allow me to create what I want to create for a larger audience, but also one that I can support other artists with.
And I meet a lot of other artists like this too. Usually, the quieter types in a social setting like myself will offer photography, mixing, or other skills.
I do think this is a slower approach to building a career as a creative; however, I'm hoping it will create a longer-lasting and more stable one.
Now, the next step is asking for more help in return. But one step at a time, aye?
Alright, peace
-Ry
If you enjoy what we do, if you want to support us (Purely optional mind you), consider supporting us on Patreon. A few dollars goes a long way in keeping the lights on, paying for our website and helping us do more cool stuff.
Graphics by Rhath