Maintaining Integrity as an Independent Artist in the World of Brand Collaborations
Integrity, an unwavering commitment to truth, authenticity, and moral principles, serves as the bedrock of artistic expression. For artists, it’s the Morning Star, illuminating the path to creativity and nurturing the bond of trust with their audience. But, the challenges artists face while collaborating with brands make navigating the complexities and maintaining the quality of those relationships very difficult.
I come from a broken home. Broken in the most fundamental sense of the word. I’m only telling you this because, over the years, I’ve come to realise that my responses to certain situations and can initially, be visceral, emotional and occasionally violent. I can’t really change those emotional responses as they’re hardwired by trauma but I can control them when I find myself in situations that enrage my inner child.
So this time around I want to pull on your coattails about something that happened and how using my personal values as a compass to make decisions saved me from another meltdown.
Growing up in the vibrant post-punk and grebo scene of the 1980s, I was immersed in the resolute ethos of ‘indy’, DIY culture. It felt like a cultural anthem echoing through the era, a testament to individualism, self-expression, and the rejection of conformity. In those days, self-reliance and independence were the rallying cry for individuals to seize the reins of their creative pursuits and steer away from the established institutions.
The punk rock movement, with its resolute DIY ethics, left an indelible mark on subcultures and artistic movements, transcending the boundaries of music to encompass a diverse spectrum of independent, self-directed creativity. My formative years within this scene imprinted me with values that have woven into the fabric of my artistic journey. In those raw and unrefined years, we were fueled by our irrepressible desire to create, to break free from convention, and to make our voices heard with a scrappy determination.
Integrity and independence are the twin pillars I hold dear, unwavering, and beyond the reach of compromise.
Jesus freaks, out in the street. Handing tickets out for God.
The landscape where art and business converge is a territory of ever-evolving dynamics, an intersection where passion meets pragmatism, creativity marries commerce, and authenticity dances with profit. It’s a landscape that has been redrawn time and again, reflecting the cultural shifts and economic tides of our times.
But, In recent decades, the seismic shift that has occurred in the relationship between art and business has given birth to new possibilities and challenges.
If you’d taken me back to my youth and whispered into my ear that the indomitable spirit of the ’80s punk and DIY scene would one day open doors to a future where I could craft my very own radio/TV show, a dreamlike reality where money played second fiddle to passion. A tomorrow where our fierce, unbridled spirit could find its place on the airwaves and screens, defying the odds, and the limitations of our wallets. I’d have thought you were peddling a surreal fantasy. The thought of such an artistic journey, carrying us into an age where barriers could be shattered, and independent voices celebrated, would have seemed nothing short of a miracle.
If you’d offered me a glimpse of this incredible voyage, I’d have hitched a ride in your time machine without a second thought, ready to embrace this astounding chapter of our creative journey. And that’s exactly where I find myself today.
Rather than gazing at the future with a sense of awe and wonder, I find myself grappling with a nagging doubt. I can’t help but wonder if the allure of brand deals and the convoluted world of business jargon has somehow tainted the pristine essence of our once idealistic little show. Are we the culprits who’ve, in the immortal words of Joni Mitchell, “paved paradise and put up a parking lot”?
In this intricate dance of existence, this old punk finds himself at a crossroads. The eternal struggle between artistic purity and the pragmatic necessities of the modern world plays out like a poignant ballad. It’s a call to arms, a reminder that, even in a universe clouded by commerce and compromise, the torchbearers of authenticity must remain true to their vision.
In the shadow of business propositions and the siren song of commercialisation, the question is whether we’ll stay the course, honoring the principles that once fueled our passionate journey.
It’s a moral battleground, where the heart of the artist confronts the juggernaut of the marketplace.
Piano man. He makes his stand. In the auditorium.
That Tattoo Show is growing and we’ve have had to adapt as quickly as the growth of our subscriber counts. Decisions chasing the green arrow on the whiteboard chart as it races ever upward and more and more brands come knocking at the door.
Understanding this fusion of artistry and entrepreneurship, where brand collaborations can catalyse innovation is a daunting and quite honestly terrifying for a kid from Birmingham from a broken home who’s only offering to the art world has been some fairly average guitar playing and a bit of colouring in!
This is compounded when ‘followers’ – the very people that you are trying to inform and entertain – are ready to pounce and accuse you of selling out at the slightest sign of anything that resembles it to them. Often, it’s like walking a tightrope, torn between the freedom of pure artistic expression, the economic realities of our show and the impossible standards that your audience holds you to.
Throughout our journey, we’ve held onto a promise. We’ve vowed that if our show ever reached a juncture where it could genuinely instigate positive change, we’d seize that opportunity and etch it into our legacy.
Our mantra has always been clear: Leave the industry better for our presence and be a force for positive change in the complex world we’ve chosen to navigate.
However, the path to real transformation is a rocky one, littered with obstacles. It’s impossible to steer change if your authentic voice is constantly threatened, a victim to the arrows of envy from rivals who hide behind false personas. And let’s not forget the “offended artists,” masquerading as virtuous saints while clandestinely toiling in an industry that could make even Machiavelli blush. It’s a theatre of shadows where artistry and deception often intertwine.
In this paradoxical landscape, our very own followers demand we become a quasi-Messiah, tasked with navigating the treacherous terrain of a manipulative, ruthless, and underhanded industry. The spotlight shines bright, but it also casts a long shadow, and the struggle to maintain our authenticity amidst these challenges is akin to a modern-day epic.
The delicate balance between art and business requires a finely tuned sense of authenticity, where the heart of creativity remains untouched while commerce dances at the periphery. These values are not mere words; they are the voices that have guided me from my teenage, angst ridden teens to the present day. They whisper to me in the quiet moments and they call me to honour my unique perspective, my voice, and the stories only I can tell.
Ballerina. You must’ve seen her.
In the intricate dance between artists, their creative choices, and the ever-watchful eyes of audiences and critics, there exists a fundamental truth – not all will see eye to eye on every decision. Diverging opinions and varying perspectives are woven into the fabric of the artistic journey. It’s a reflection of the vast, dynamic tapestry of human experiences and individual tastes and, lets face it, it’s occasionally a place for bad actors with an axe to grind to share their particular brand of toxicity.
In the shadow of That Tattoo Shows’ eve growing name, the question of balance becomes a recurring theme.
The weight of influence can be both a gift and a conundrum. The siren call of self-censorship echoes loudly in your ears as you navigate the seemly impossible path of public discourse. It’s as if every word, every sentence is a note in a delicate symphony, and one false step could lead to discord, offending the very industry you’re passionate about—particularly the intricate world of tattoo products. Yet, what often distinguishes artists is their resilience and unwavering authenticity in the face of diverse opinions.
Staying true to one’s vision, even when it diverges from the mainstream or faces disapproval, is a testament to the strength of artistic integrity. It’s this very authenticity that often resonates most deeply with audiences. They can sense the genuine passion behind the work, the commitment to a unique voice, and the courage to stay the course in the face of adversity.
Tasked with finding that elusive middle ground—a nuanced choreography that allows your authentic voice to shine while respecting the potential consequences of your words. The delicate art of expressing your thoughts, ideas and opinions meets the challenge of recognising the potential backlash that may arise when delving into sensitive topics or industry matters.
In this symphony of self-expression, your role is not just the conductor but also the composer, orchestrating a delicate balance that speaks your truth while navigating the intricate dynamics of your newfound influence. Ultimately, the role of criticism and public perception is a complex and ever-shifting landscape. Acknowledging and respecting diverse opinions, while maintaining unwavering authenticity, forms the crucible within which artists forge their creative identities. In this delicate balance, artists find their voices, audiences discover new perspectives, and the artistic journey continues to unfold.
The boulevard is not that bad.
Maintaining artistic authenticity and embarking on successful brand collaborations need not be mutually exclusive. Selecting brand partners whose values align with your own and fostering transparent communication can create a harmonious space where art and business coexist. .
In this world where not all followers or critics will see eye to eye on every decision, it’s crucial to address criticism with respect but also with resilience and authenticity. Artists that uphold these often win over audiences, as they intuitively recognize genuine passion and unique voices.
To my fellow independent artists, I offer this message:
Embrace your values and your integrity as your most precious assets. Let them lead you through the intricate dance of art and commerce. Trust in your unique vision, stay true to your art, and find strength in the unwavering commitment to your values. The journey may be complex, but with integrity as your Morning Star, it will be an authentic and rewarding one.
In a world filled with opportunities and challenges, remember that your authenticity is your most potent currency, and your integrity is your shield. Hold fast to them, and your artistic journey will be a symphony of creativity, commerce, and, most importantly authenticity.