"Being an artist doesn't mean that you're a good artist. That was the bargain I first made with myself: I'd say, I'm an artist, but I'm not really very good"

In this quote, Paul Simon is assessing his identity as an artist and the expectations that come with it. He acknowledges that just calling oneself an artist does not instantly make one a great artist. This realization was a "deal" he made with himself, acknowledging that while he might determine as an artist, he may not necessarily be a skilled or skilled one. This might be seen as a kind of humbleness and self-awareness, as Simon acknowledges that being an artist is a continuous journey of growth and enhancement. He is honest about his own abilities and does not let the label of "artist" define his worth or value as a person.