Create & Share; Rinse & Repeat

The ART of Entrepreneurship
by Jason Torres

One of the most important moments for an artist is when they realize that the work they create in their respective space is not for them. It’s meant for the world to receive. I realized this when I had the opportunity to take the stage for the first time in a college play.
 
(Thank you Todd McNerny for believing in me)
 
After seeing the reaction of the audience after each show, I realized that I wasn’t doing this for my personal pleasure, I was doing this for the audience members that took the time out of their lives and gave their hard earned money to experience live theatre. Therefore, it was my responsibility to do my part to ensure that the audience left a little better than when they came in.
 
Of course, we create because we want to fulfill our personal desires, but I believe the true fulfillment comes when you share your creativity and see the reactions of the people that you touch with your art.
 
As artists, we have not only an opportunity, but a responsibility to utilize our gifts to heal others, to provide everlasting experiences for others, and to unite people. Now, I think it’s important to note that this is not always an easy thing to execute. Often times fear and doubt creep into our minds. If this is you, it’s okay because you are not alone.
 
As 2016 gets going, always remember that there’s no point in creating anything if you are not going to share it with others. I’m often reminded of something that one of my mentors said in a social entrepreneurship class that I had the privilege of co-instructing with him. He said,
 
The meaning of life is to find your gift, but your purpose in life is to give it away.
 
That resonated with me on so many levels. I challenge artists out there to share your gifts with as many people as you can because that’s when you will be rewarded the most. Your art can provide an experience for someone that can possibly change their life forever.
 
It’s like I’ve said before, the work you do as artists is absolutely fun, but it’s absolutely serious! Serious in the sense that there are people who are missing something in their lives. Your creative mind and the things you create with it may just be the thing that they’re missing.
 
Go create stuff in 2016 and then share it for others to experience! Show the world what is possible.
 
-JT