From Obscurity to Stardom: The Untold Secret of Artistic Popularity Revealed

Breaking down the "it" factor

Photo by Mauro Gigli on Unsplash

We need to talk.

I’ve been thinking. Dangerous, I know.

What is it that makes something memorable? I mean what’s that thing?

You know, the thing, the it factor?

Let’s break this shit down.

Turns out, there’s some science behind why some things seem to be permanently imprinted into our minds, while others dissipate like bong smoke.

Here’s the Deal:

The part of the brain that’s responsible for creating memories is called the hippocampus, along with the brain’s emotion center, the amygdala.

Together these two parts of our brain form memories.

Because emotions are linked to being part of the memory-making process, it’s only logical to assume that if your art has emotional qualities, it will be more memorable.

But, how can an artist implement emotions into their art?

It’s simple: storytelling

If you’re not weaving compelling narratives into our artistic endeavors, you’re leaving your audience at the altar.

Why do you think they are coming to you in the first place?

They are looking to have an emotional experience, with you, with your art.

Your art is your opportunity to tell a story, your story.

Here’s an artist who does a badass job at weaving his personal story into his art, Jesse Krimes.

Are you doing your job?

As artists, we strive to create an impact, to move our audience in profound ways. It’s your job as the artist to take your viewers on a ride.

It’s your job as the artist to decide how your art will act as the vehicle of your story.

Through the power of storytelling, we can tap into universal human experiences, evoke nostalgia, empathy, and joy, or even provoke introspection.

Stories become the conduit for emotions, allowing our art to resonate on a profound level.

Art without storytelling is like a song without lyrics—lost in a sea of abstraction.

By interweaving narratives into our art, we reveal layers of meaning that would otherwise remain hidden.

Each brushstroke, color choice, or composition becomes a deliberate stroke in the grand symphony of your storytelling.

Through these narratives, you seduce your viewers to embark on a journey of interpretation, encouraging them to unravel the intricate tales embedded within your art.

Now, you’re bonded forever. Don’t act weird about it. You’re adults.

If you’re not using storytelling in your art, you’re just making decorative shit for people to buy on Wish.

Artists have the best job in the world.

We’re supposed to be getting a response from people. That’s power.

Pissing people off is my specialty. It’s a good time.

Storytelling is the key that unlocks this emotional realm, allowing us to tap into all of your viewer’s previous experiences.

You should be reveling in the opportunity.

By crafting narratives that resonate with our experiences, we evoke empathy, humor, sadness, you name it.

They’re all emotions that make your art unforgettable.

Whether it's a tale of love, loss, triumph, or resilience, stories have the power to awaken dormant emotions and leave an indelible mark on the human psyche.

Gone are the days of passive observers.

This is the era of co-creation, where your audience becomes an integral part of the artistic process.

By infusing storytelling into your art, you invite viewers to step into your narrative world, encouraging them to become active participants in the story you're telling.

This collaborative dance between artist and audience creates a dynamic synergy, as interpretations intertwine, conversations spark, and new stories emerge. It’s what we do.

It is the force that propels our art to transcend the boundaries of time, space, and most importantly, mediocrity.

Fuck that.

Push the limits of your creativity.

This is the difference between artists who seemingly have that it factor, and artists who slip through the cracks.

By mastering the art of storytelling, we empower ourselves to become more than just artists—we become storytellers who shape the world.