The Perfect Fan
The perfect fan is not made by Dyson, although I’m sure they make perfect fans if cooling air is what you’re looking for. No, the perfect fan is the person who supports all your efforts big and small. They don’t necessarily have to love everything you do, but they quietly back it.
If you can’t visualize the perfect fan you can start by thinking about artists who inspired you. Better yet, artists who are currently alive. One person I can call to mind is Chilly Gonzales. I have fond memories of seeing his concerts and listening to his albums.
I don’t love his comical rapping, and other people might not love his piano compositions, but no matter what shape he takes I will always support him, granted he doesn’t lose his marbles and become an offensive character. I don’t buy tickets to all his concerts, but when the time is right I return.
I might seem like a luke-warm fan, and not the perfect fan of Chilly Gonzales, but I think this is important. We need to deliver ‘bad’ work in order for our work to be complete. It’s unrealistic to think that we can make art, and that everything that comes out of our minds and bodies will resonate with our fans. If that was the case, we would be existing solely for the benefit of others, and we wouldn’t be able to grow and evolve.
You often read about musicians and writers who have a breakout hit album or book, but then have difficulty writing their followup. This is probably because they are now operating from a scarcity mindset. That there was only one chance or way to elicit great feedback.
“The samurai chooses death”, and therefore true leadership in the creative industries means being willing to throw it all away to reach new plateaus. One can only do this if they understand that the perfect fan will still support them at every stage of the game, even if they don’t love this followup work.
Because I believe the greatest work that we can deliver our audiences is the ability to show up and be present. It might be easier to medicate ourselves on junk food and television instead, but the hero gets up to bat day in and day out.
When you are stuck trying to do perfect work, which is never even possible, instead focus on the perfect fan and their ability to respect your effort no matter what happens at this session in the batter’s box.
