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First of all, I love Christine's whole vibe, look, and work! What an inspiration and talent. This was such an interesting and compelling interview. The bit about social media following playing into book deals has long been a frustration for me. I honestly gave up on trying to get nonfiction published because I don't want to spend all day marketing myself. At least here on SubStack, we can find readers that enjoy our work. I found her transparency so refreshing and it's true that being an artist isn't a secure profession. I remember telling a therapist that I was a writer and she said, "I don't know how you can do a job that relies on someone else accepting or rejecting your work." LOL. It's not an easy path. Thanks for sharing Christine with us.

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Autumn, this is very interesting. Also, for someone who doesn't actually know any rich people, the message is disheartening. I'm sure you're right. It's networking in way that's likely to produce results, get commissions, introductions to people who sit on Boards. Hang with the movers and shakers, for sure.

If a person isn't born to privilege, it could be an issue.

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Hi Zoe! Thanks for your comment. I think it's the reason why people move to cities like NYC or SF or LA, so that they have access to cultural capital. The title for this article is provocative, but Christine's message is actually quite liberating. Most of us aren't going to reach rock star status. If that is something an artist / writer wants, they need to recognize immediately that it's not just by merit / talent that they will achieve this. The majority of us though aren't meant to be famous. We are meant to be conduits for the creative impulses we have that drive us to writer, paint, draw, sculpt, take photos or any other artistic medium. Fame and recognition aren't the same thing, but they both do require networking. Unfortunately, I do think that not being born into privilege - depending on how you're defining that - does impact one's status as an artist in this world. But there is such a thing as luck. But one has to be working hard, building their career / brand, networking, marketing themselves, and also - most importantly - strengthening their craft while taking care of themselves as well. Plus...most of us have to work because the majority of us don't have the privilege to not work.

But I think Christine isn't saying one should despair. She is saying we must continue making art as our communities need this. It is the way we find meaning for ourselves and it's the way we provide meaning to others.

I hope that makes sense!

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