Right Brain Vs. Left Brain - The Mythical Battle
The empowered artists of tomorrow are those who work hard to cultivate all of their faculties, not just their creative side.
I have known many talented artists who have defined themselves as “Right-Brained” - by the visual, creative, non-linear, emotion-centered part of the brain.
On the surface, there is nothing wrong with this, especially since those characteristics are those that inspire our art in the first place and are celebrated by fans, media, and almost everyone around us.
What is equally interesting is that most artists who I have worked with are also highly intelligent - they have the “Left-Brain” qualities as well (linear processing of information, drawing conclusions from facts based on logic, etc.)
As artists, we need to develop both sides of our brain and not be defined by either one.
Even if the “Right-Brain” faculties come easier to us or we’ve spent more time developing them, a “Whole-Brain” approach is integral to our success.
The “mysterious artist” persona is great for the stage and for interviews but what will really set you apart is what you do in your day-to-day life to advance your career.
We need to learn about what it takes to start and run a successful business, basic leadership, legal, management and marketing principles as well as how to effectively assemble a team.
Many sit around and hope for a manager or record label to come in and handle all of the “Left-Brain” aspects of their career…and they wait…and they wait…
The more we accomplish without a manager or a label, the more attractive we become to third parties who can take our careers to the next level.
The “Whole-Brained” artist is the empowered artist of the future.
Tags: Left brain, Right brain, whole brain