I think we do.
We ask them to create their best art. Which is fair enough.
But we also ask them to be relentless performers for our social media browsing pleasure.
We want them to be available on Twitter and Discord 24/7.
We expect them to like our comments and answer our DMs, without delay.
We think we’re entitled. Wen next collection? Wen live event? Wen print?
How did this happen? How did it come to pass that we demand so much from artists on Web 3?
And what on earth makes us think we have the right to expect anything from them, other than their best art?
Many artists are uncomfortable being marketers of their own work.
As in the physical art world, a few Web 3 artists are born performers and self-promoters. They’re extroverts and love being in the spotlight. The attention and adoration of their fans fuels their art.
But I would hazard a guess that most artists aren’t like that at all.
Many artists are not extroverts. They don’t like being in the spotlight all day, every day. They signed up to be artists, not marketers.
They may enjoy interacting with their peers and collectors… but not all the time.
I would guess that most artists crave more time to themselves. Time to pause and reflect. Time for their art to evolve within them, free from the noise and demands of social media.
But we don’t give them even a minute.
I see artists wanting the pressure to let up, but not knowing how to make that happen.
I follow many artists on Twitter. And in recent months I’m seeing more and more of them hinting they need a break from the demands we place on them.
But artists, by and large, are kind and generous souls. They don’t want to disappoint. They don’t want to let people down. They don’t want to fail to meet the outsized expectations of their followers and collectors.
And maybe some of them are a little scared that if they’re not there for us, 24/7, we might forget them, and their work.
So they soldier on, as best they can. Even when, just below the surface, many want to us to please, please just leave them in peace, even if only for a little while.
If we love art, it’s our responsibility to protect and support artists.
This is about respect for all artists.
It’s about giving them the time and space they need to create their best work.
It’s about recognizing that not every artist likes being in the spotlight. Not every artist is comfortable interacting with strangers. Not every artist wants their life to be seen and examined under a microscope, every single day.
It’s about protecting their mental health.
It’s about love of art.
So maybe, as friends of artists and collectors of their art, we can leave our expectations at the door.
Perhaps we can love artists enough to give them the space they need to focus on their art.