Want to hear something ridiculous? The Olive Garden intentionally overcooks their pasta. They intentionally stay away from food that pushes the envelope. They rename traditional Italian ingredients to Americanize them.
It’s safe to say the Olive Garden is butchering Italian food. And why? They do this to please their customers.
Now it’s somewhat admirable…a restaurant should make the customer happy. But they’re sacrificing their art for an uneducated critic. They’re creating food they aren’t proud of. They’re becoming slaves to the whims of their customers.
Here’s the fact about people. Most people don’t make good art critics. They don’t really know what’s good. I know that sounds very arrogant and demeaning to a large segment of the population, but it’s the truth. People don’t know what’s good until you show it to them.
So when it comes to your art, you can’t always rely on those around you to tell you if it’s good or not. That doesn’t mean you don’t take critiques and criticisms. It doesn’t mean you ignore every opinion. But you don’t need to be subjected to the whims of your peers and friends.
If you feel strongly about your art – the direction you’re heading – go that route even if others don’t agree or understand it. They might be Olive Garden customers. And you can’t always trust Olive Garden customers with fine art – no offense to Olive Garden eaters – well, maybe a little.
But don’t sacrifice your art for the critics. They’ll keep you from greatness.
This is a great post. I still need to hear
this even though I have been at my music for
decades. I have seen many who water their art
down for the market, for a critic or client who quite possibly doesnt even like music. Olive Gardens care about profit not quality.
It never leads to a happy life, pandering in this way, imho.
This is a great post. I still need to hear
this even though I have been at my music for
decades. I have seen many who water their art
down for the market, for a critic or client who quite possibly doesnt even like music. Olive Gardens care about profit not quality.
It never leads to a happy life, pandering in this way, imho.