"You make something, and you really have fun with it, and you try to put emotion in it, and at the end of the day, you have no idea how the tide is going to fall. You don't know if everyone's going to like it, if everyone's going to hate it, if it's going to be like you're a media darling, or all of a sudden you're a sellout. You have no idea"

Creating art is an act of vulnerability and uncertainty. The process often begins with joy and playfulness, experimentation, exploration, and heartfelt effort all become essential ingredients in crafting something meaningful. The artist invests emotion, perspective, and energy into their work, pouring pieces of themselves into every choice and detail. They might laugh at moments of inspiration and struggle with moments of doubt, but underneath it all is the hope that their creation will resonate.

Yet, when the work is complete, a new layer of anxiety emerges because the creator relinquishes control over its destiny. Once released, art enters the unpredictable world of public taste and opinion, an ocean with unseen currents and shifting tides. The maker becomes an observer, powerless to determine whether their piece will be met with praise, criticism, indifference, or controversy. Sometimes, audiences celebrate it, lifting its creator to fame or reverence. Other times, those same efforts lead to accusations of inauthenticity or commercialization, with supporters turning into critics seemingly overnight.

This ambiguity underscores the emotional risk of putting oneself into art. No matter how much care and sincerity went into the process, no amount of craft or passion ensures a positive reception. The journey of creativity is therefore fraught with insecurity, as even the most honest efforts can provoke unexpected reactions. The unpredictability of response, from adoration to rejection and every nuance in between, reminds creators that public opinion is beyond their control and often contradictory.

Nonetheless, there is freedom in accepting this uncertainty. The artist’s role becomes one of faithful expression rather than calculated outcome. By embracing the unknown, creators can find meaning and satisfaction in the act of making, detached from the fluctuating tides of external validation. This perspective allows for artistic integrity, resilience, and joy, regardless of the reaction the work ultimately receives.