Criticism and Success

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When you work in a creative field - or maybe in any field - how do you measure your success? And what is success? Those artists who are successful in their lifetimes are often forgotten in later centuries; and vice versa. Just think Kafka, who wanted his work do be destroyed ( – though Mozart, as often wrongly assumed, did not die poor.) Many a famous writers are long forgotten. (And who bothers to watch E.T. these days?)
Are those people who are paid most automatically best at their jobs? Is James Cameron one of the best film directors? Or just one of the most ruthless ones?

But more to the point; while you are a struggling artist (be that an Actor/Actress, Photographer, Script writer, Director, or even Producer) – how do you know if you are good at your job (and just not yet discovered)?

I do not know of a definite answer to that one, but I would always listen to what other, experienced people, say about your work. But most importantly: On a calmish day, after a glass of wine, do you feel good about what you are doing? Would you rather have a secure job at a mind-dumbing place, than fighting your very own struggle? And if so, can you picture yourself continuing that struggle for many years more?

And imagine yourself 80 years old. Do you see yourself happy for have chosen a secure life, or to have faught your struggle? Is that a struggle one can actually lose? Or is the simple fact of having chosen this uphill struggle a win in itself?

As for myself, I prefer the uphill climb with the exceptional view over the elevator ride to a over populated sightseeing spot.

How do you feel?