A\N:It's been a while since I last updated. There were a myriad of reasons for this, but mostly it was laziness. I apologize to my readers, and I promise to be more regular from now on.
So we've covered a few of the problems associated with licensing in art. But we still haven't arrived at the crux of the issue: Is it worth it?
Personally, I feel that it all comes down to the creator, and how much they're willing to let go of their creations. Some claim they suffer something akin to post-partum depression upon allowing licensing, while others staunchly swear by it and its advantages in the modern byte-for-your-thought world. In other ways, it also boils down to how we as a society allow artists to profit from their creations.
For some reason, the introduction of money instantly dilutes the product, and we immediately criticise the artist for "selling out". But is it really selling out? Haven't we all sold out, just by joining a certain corporation or endorsing a certain product? What makes artists better (or alternatively, worse) than us that they simply aren't offered the option to make money without someone calling them out on their credibility? At the end of the day, artists are just human beings, and human beings need to eat. Since when has someone being allowed to make a fair profit for their work become the work of the devil?
So let's get back to that question of ours: Is it worth it? To tell you the truth, I think it probably is. After all, there's no reason for you to not have control over the licensing itself, and in the case of creations like Garfield, the adapted versions may surpass the original. Sure, you may be occasionally unhappy, but I'd rather cry in a Porsche than fake a smile in a Prius. Probably. I haven't done either, so I can't really say for sure. As to any questions on whether I've sold my soul or not, I haven't. This blog is one hundred percent by me, and I will not allow it to be influenced by anybody, ever. I've managed to keep it this free by powering up my brain through the invigorating deliciousness of Kellogg's Cornflakes! This out of the blue endorsement is completely authentic, because eating Kellogg's products and praising them doesn't come from the allure of money. It comes from your heart.
So we've covered a few of the problems associated with licensing in art. But we still haven't arrived at the crux of the issue: Is it worth it?
Personally, I feel that it all comes down to the creator, and how much they're willing to let go of their creations. Some claim they suffer something akin to post-partum depression upon allowing licensing, while others staunchly swear by it and its advantages in the modern byte-for-your-thought world. In other ways, it also boils down to how we as a society allow artists to profit from their creations.
For some reason, the introduction of money instantly dilutes the product, and we immediately criticise the artist for "selling out". But is it really selling out? Haven't we all sold out, just by joining a certain corporation or endorsing a certain product? What makes artists better (or alternatively, worse) than us that they simply aren't offered the option to make money without someone calling them out on their credibility? At the end of the day, artists are just human beings, and human beings need to eat. Since when has someone being allowed to make a fair profit for their work become the work of the devil?
Perhaps we wish for artists to be the anti-establishment voices of dissent that we never were. Considering the amount of analysis and thought that goes into the discussion of the creation, it's only natural that we pour our own souls into the creation, and we'd prefer not to tarnish pure imagination with something as practical as money. Maybe we’re all clinging on to that inner artist of ours, just
waiting to be let out. We know that the artist in us would never compromise on their principles, no sir. So we project our
dreams and wishes onto our favourite creators, and with the inevitable
disappointment comes the even more inevitable backlash.
Perhaps it is not our right to question our favourite creators on their decisions. So, to all you Star Wars, Garfield, heck, even Peanuts fans, let go. Relax. Don't try to control the ride. After all, it was never yours to begin with.
Oh Snoopy. What would Woodstock say?
But seriously, watch this show. It's awesome.
So let's get back to that question of ours: Is it worth it? To tell you the truth, I think it probably is. After all, there's no reason for you to not have control over the licensing itself, and in the case of creations like Garfield, the adapted versions may surpass the original. Sure, you may be occasionally unhappy, but I'd rather cry in a Porsche than fake a smile in a Prius. Probably. I haven't done either, so I can't really say for sure. As to any questions on whether I've sold my soul or not, I haven't. This blog is one hundred percent by me, and I will not allow it to be influenced by anybody, ever. I've managed to keep it this free by powering up my brain through the invigorating deliciousness of Kellogg's Cornflakes! This out of the blue endorsement is completely authentic, because eating Kellogg's products and praising them doesn't come from the allure of money. It comes from your heart.
Seriously, buy them. You won't regret it.
