Two open letters flashed virally across the internet this past week offering sound advice for young creators in different fields of entertainment.
Long time comics writer, editor and publisher Mark Waid addressed freelancers on the subject of of industry bully tactics and famed, Irish singer-song writer, Sinead O’Conner pleaded with Miley Cyrus to stop allowing herself to be pimped by the music industry.
Though each letter targeted specific, perceived injustices in distinct forms of media, they had a lot in common and need to be recognized as great resources of advice from experienced creators to young talent in any creative field and certainly need to be read in their entirety.
Without intending to trivialize any points regarding the very real threats and dangers of bullying and the sexual exploitation of women, focusing on the common traits of both letters reveals a clear message not to commercially exploit yourself that is equally important.
1. Delivered from the perspective of an experienced, caring, respected and objective mentor.
Mark Waid: “All I can give you, an up-and-coming comics freelancer trying to make a living in 2013, is my honest, absolute admiration at your fortitude and perseverance, because It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way.”
Sinead O’Conner: “So this is what I need to say … And it is said in the spirit of motherliness and with love.”
2. It is your responsibility to watch out for yourself.
Mark Waid: “the only one watching out for your future is you.”
Sinead O’Conner: “No one who cares about you could support your being pimped.. and that includes you yourself.”
3. The Industry will use you and discard you in a heartbeat.
Mark Waid: “I can–purely off the top of my head–think of at least a dozen freelancers who hit every impossible deadline ever asked of them… who were pleasant to work with and always professional even if their editor was a jerk…and who always did exactly what their editors asked them to do, even if it was obvious to a blind man that the quality of the finished work was lessened, because they were trained to believe that their first priority was to serve their editor and do so in a timely manner, and whatever creative voice they brought to the table was secondary. They were good soldiers. They were great soldiers.
All of those people have been unemployed for years.”
Sinead O’Conner: “The music business doesn’t give a sh– about you, or any of us. They will prostitute you for all you are worth, and cleverly make you think its what YOU wanted.. and when you end up in rehab as a result of being prostituted, “they” will be sunning themselves on their yachts in Antigua, which they bought by selling your body and you will find yourself very alone.”
4: Respecting your talent insures your career.
Mark Waid: “The quality of your work is all that matters. That’s what buys you longevity.”
Sinead O’Conner: “I felt I would rather be judged on my talent and not my looks. I am happy that I made that choice, not least because I do not find myself on the proverbial rag heap now that I am almost 47 yrs of age..”
The bottom line is that it is easy to sell yourself out to make a buck. Too many young artists are quick to be exploited, anxious to break in, make some money and enjoy their fifteen minutes of fame at the expense of their own dignity and a long, respected career.
The unfortunate thing is that there are few mentors as distinguished as Mark Waid and Sinead O’Conner that will take this caring position and actively share their experienced advice.
Even more unfortunate is that few young creators will even listen. Like a defiant teen rebuffing advice from their parents they will have to learn from their own mistakes.
Miley Cyrus has already proven this with her rude and unappreciative response to Sinead O’Conner’s letter that has since escalated to a public feud. The irony is that Miley had viewed Sinead as an idol of sorts until Sinead showed that she actually cared. Miley’s actions seem to confirm her own rejection of self respect and unwillingness to be firmly embraced for her talents and who she is.
There is no substitute for the experience and astute observation from an objective and respected mentor who is willing to unconditionally share their knowledge. The first road to self respect is to respect those that are willing to help you rather than exploit you.
In the end it is you and your work that will ultimately be judged so choose wisely those that you are willing to trust. Most importantly trust yourself, your instincts, and your talent and never exploit yourself.
Gerry Giovinco
