🎨💗 Return of the "Lifestyle Artist"
+ I'm hosting a Men's Gathering, June 8 in San Diego
For a decade my business card said, “Lifestyle Artist.”
It still says it on my long-neglected LinkedIn profile.
But in recent years I lost my connection to that identity.
What does “Lifestyle Artist” even mean anymore?
Now that social media has become ubiquitous, it seems redundant to say, “my life is my art.”
EVERYONE is sharing their lives publicly — putting themselves as the protagonist of the online story they tell.
The folks that *don’t* post photos of their meals, pets, and daily lives are the exception.
A quarter century ago, that type of sharing was so bizarre, people assumed the subject was a narcissist or “cocky bastard.”
In the current landscape, consistent personal sharing is a mandatory promotional tool for most professionals.
When everyone is a creator, the amount of content has exploded. We have access to a billion times more stuff than we have the capacity to ingest. And with AI content creation, it’s even more bananas. Competition for attention is fierce.
“The inspiration to create” is easily overshadowed by “The tactic to get noticed.”
There was a time when the things you saw in your feed were simply the most recent posts of the people you followed.
Now a mysterious algorithm pushes content to you, prioritized to keep you scrolling (and advertisers happy).
***
When I started my journey of public Radical Self-Expression back in the 1900’s, my whole intention was to be vulnerable. If I noticed I was embarrassed or ashamed about something, then I would confess out loud. If I had an inspiration, I would follow it and share the process.
I wanted to share the art of making choices and living authentically. Yes, I would share things like drawings, photography and writing, but also the thoughts and struggles around the creative process. The art pieces were the by-product of my *real* art: Artistic Living.
It’s why I chose to live in a webcam house for 2 years. (Twenty-seven cameras broadcasting 24/7 with audio and night vision. Yes, showers and bedrooms, too.)
It’s why I shared the decision process behind my vasectomy, sperm freezing, and eventual bio-dad adventure.
It’s why I share all my stumbles and my triumphs. My self-love and my self-doubt.
My Patreon page doesn’t offer my supporters extra content as perks. It simply says, “Thank you for seeing me and supporting me. Thank you for encouraging me. If you find value in what I gift to the world, and trust me to gift on behalf of you, become my Patron!”
***
In the late 90’s I had a life-changing experience with personal sharing. I posted a revealing story about a sexual problem I was having on my site, Prehensile Tales.
I got several emails from men who said, “Oh my god! Me, too! I thought I was the only one.”
I had a visceral experience of tingles throughout my body when I got the first response. I had the clarity, “I’m supposed to do this. I am going to share as authentically and transparently as I can. And have faith that it will be healing for the people who need to hear it.”
***
My “Life As Art” has taken many forms. Following the muse is part of the art.
Sometimes I am obsessed with Burning Man outfit-creation.
Other times I am lost and navel-gazing.
Or painting with water colors. Or playing with AI music creation.
Sometimes I am a community builder. Other times I feed the needy.
I’m a Burner.
I’m a Men’s Work coach.
I’m a podcaster.
I'm a romantic partner.
I’m a philanthropist.
I’m a brother, bio-dad, & son.
Almost every life coach I’ve ever worked with has told me that I need to focus on ONE thing. “Pick one of your projects and dedicate yourself to it.”
The logic makes sense…and I often see colleagues find traditional success doing just that.
So a part of me feels like my multi-passioned path is a failure.
When I spend 2 days making a silly song for Asher or filming puppet videos, I can feel a subconscious pang of guilt.
Imagine how successful 1st Saturdays could have been if I had made it a priority?
Or if I treated my YouTube channel like a full-time job?
Sure, I am failing to be a non-profit CEO…or a professional content creator.
But I am succeeding fabulously at being a Lifestyle Artist.
I feel a relaxing shift in my energy as a re-connect with that identity.
Like a chiropractic adjustment to my spirit.
Yes… this feels lighter. This feels right.
Time to get some new business cards printed. I know exactly what they’ll say.
I hope you are finding things to be grateful for every day.
Have a sec? Reply and share something good with me!
Love,
John
p.s. for more info about the Heart-Centered Men’s gathering in Solana Beach on June 8, click here or reply with questions.
