Being an artist is creating when no one else is paying attention.

When there's zero momentum or motion external to your creating.

Where you are free of the expectation of a reward for your creation.

Why?

Because the art world isn't a corporate ladder,

it's a world of hit or miss, and the misses often outweigh the hits,

even though when the hits come, they make the misses worth the pain,

or at least that's what we tell ourselves.

Recently,

the art director for the new horror hit Obsession,

came out complaining about low artist fees,

after the film's success took off.

She took to social media to voice her opinion,

and likely ruined her industry chances as a result.

And while I understand her perspective,

(artists are terribly paid by and large, and I've been there)

you have to realise that the motion one generates

from being on a production such as Obsession,

should be handled with the utmost care,

and be used to advance your own art.

Now I'm not going to dive deeper into this case,

because it isn't directly relevant right now,

but my point is that the art world is unfair,

and the only constant, is you.

And you should not expect outcomes in your favour,

in an industry where the work plus effort equals success formula,

doesn't always track.

The only thing you control is your creative direction,

and in all honesty,

this is one of the primary reasons creating art is so important.

The very foundation of the discipline

lies in autonomy and control and expression.

And I'd have it no other way.

The modern age has tried to dampen our individual lights,

but art begs us to use them to spark new creations.

Often,

the artist is someone who cannot stop creating,

so external validation is never in the equation.

We can get swept up in the false notion

that viral fame formulas are the measure of our success,

but creating for an audience has always been a two-way stream,

and the source of that stream is with you, the artist.

So, Reader,

which direction will you take?

Creative Update

This past week,

I began social media rollout for an event that I've been working on for a while with some collaborators,

a project that I'm trying to organise and shape in the best way possible,

for both audiences and those who are taking part.

We're still looking for a few volunteers on the night for basic event set up and so on,

so drop me a line if you are around Birmingham on the 4th July and want to help,

and I'll see if you can fit in anywhere!

The event itself is centred on the story of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, whose case has caught international attention,

and sparked concern within the Muslim world and in humanitarian circles for the past two decades.

Dr Aafia used poetry while in confinement to express herself, which is why we are using poetry to reflect on her story and wider themes of justice, faith, and resilience.

All are welcome.

See Catch Me Next section for tickets.

Upcoming Opportunties

Book Publishing Events & PR Coordinator at Fly on the Wall Press

Location

• Remote Contract UK-based role.
• Occasional travel required for events, festivals and author appearances.

Working Pattern

• 21 hours across three days (or flexible equivalent).
• Evening and weekend attendance required at selected events.
• Ideal start date - Late July/Start of August

DEADLINE TO APPLY: THURSDAY 2ND JULY, MIDNIGHT

Funding For Writers DCYP Workshop With Jonathan Davidson

An Arts Council England's Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) award gives writers, storytellers and performers the time and funding they need to develop their creativity. This two-part workshop is designed to help you work out how you want to develop your creative practice, define your goals and shape a compelling application for the next round.
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The sessions will run on Wednesdays 5th August 2026, 19:00 – 20:30 BST and 12th August 2026, 19:00 – 20:30 BST

Catch Me Next

I hope to see you there!

But until then,

stay well,

stay safe,

and stay creative,

Bilal Psyche Akram