The fabulous comedian Jeff Foxworthy has made a whole routine about “You might be a redneck if…” Funny and ashamedly enough I have found instances where I was indeed a redneck. One of the jokes goes something like “You might be a redneck if you have several cars in your driveway but the only thing mobile is your home” this was in fact true for the first few years of my life. I have managed to accept some my Texas redneck ways, but one thing I sort of struggled with was identifying myself as an artist, I mean artists are painters, sketch artists, musicians, certain types of photographers, and writers, I am none of these. But friends and family have told me that being the photographer that I am did indeed make me an artist. This last week I realized how much of an artist I am…No this is not me bragging on how gorgeous my latest portrait is, in fact it is me making light of the silly habits I have. So here is my spin on a classic comedy set up.
You might be an artist if…
You sometimes entertain the idea of being homeless.
No not the have to sleep in cardboard box kind of hobo, but the kind that jumps on trains and takes up odd jobs so you can travel and see the world…even if it isn’t so glamorous.
You constantly worry that you are just a hack, and anyone with half a brain could do what you.
What if I’m just not original enough???
The idea of packing it all in and getting yourself a “proper” career crosses your mind daily.
Consisent pay and benefits are quite tempting.
If you keep a notepad full of artistic ideas, but honestly it’s mostly gibberish.
What the heck did I write???
A nervous breakdown is commonplace for you.
A little sobbing is therapeutic right?
You understand why artist are often drunks.
It’ll help my art right? I’ll drink to that.
After all the horrible insecurities manifest you realize you have unique point of view, and decide to stick it out like a beast, because nothing makes you happier than your art!
So whether you are a worldwide success or merely accomplished by your own standards, understand that you worked hard to get where you are, or that you are working to get somewhere. Know your worth and keep your head high because it’s so worth it!
I hope you all enjoyed this post, and if you have any similar feelings please feel free to share. I love feedback! Happy Friday and an equally happy weekend to you all!
Sarah Forshaw's Blog 
Woo Hoo! The first to like your wonderful post. Perhaps by these standards I too am an artist. Yay!
Thanks for liking and commenting you’re so sweet! And if you feel that you are an artist then you most certainly are!
Maybe I’m an artist by default as I can relate to a lot of these! Great post! And when I look at something I write the next day and hate it, I know it’s good – I just get mad at myself because I shouldn’t have stopped where I did…
I am so pleased you enjoyed the post! I find that I am always my toughest critic, which is something we have in common I suppose. But it’s good because we will continue to push ourselves to greatness…just so long as we don’t push ourselves over the edge haha.
This is by far my favorite of all your blog posts! Maybe I relate a little too much w/ the subject matter? ha ha
Well it only makes sense that an artist such as yourself would experience the side effects of your profession 😉 I am so pleased you enjoyed the post!
I like to spit at my own reflection in the mirror in disgust when I feel something I wrote was a piece of crap.
hahaha Oh my I almost want to adopt this act now 😉