We need new ideas. We need your new ideas.
What if we, the creative community, agreed to all adopt a philosophy? What if we all made a quality decision to live and work under the banner “No Hand-Me-Downs?” What would a “No Hand-Me-Downs” (creative) society look like? How would it transform our ideas?
Any of us who have ever been the “proud” recipient of hand-me-downs will understand. Getting your older siblings clothes is never cool. I mean, it’s nice to have clothes and everything (beats not having clothes), but it’s always better to wear something you choose. Everyone likes something new, especially if you have a choice.
You have a choice.
“What about thrift store shoppers? Some prefer that to Express, Urban Outfitters or Neimans.”
Exactly my point – you have a choice. Thrift shopping IS usually creative, because you are doing something new with something old. Making a statement. That isn’t recycling. That’s original.
Even the auto industry has caught on. You can’t buy a “used” car anymore, they are all “pre-owned”. If you want to get really fancy it’s certified pre-owned. It’s still the same thing, but camouflaged. The auto industry gets it that “used” sounds negative. Why don’t we get it?
For the creative community, we can’t disguise it like that. Call it what you want, but used = recycled = pre-owned. Who wants to present a certified pre-owned idea anyway?
You have a choice.
Nobody is forcing you to present hand-me-down concepts. It may feel that way at times, but ultimately it’s your choice. It’s always easier to recycle “Hand-Me-Downs”, but creating is not about easy or hard. It’s about being unique. It’s about pushing some envelope, finding a new way, or saying it different. It’s about personality. Your personality. Not someone else’s.
Will you join me? Will you draw a line in the sand and make a quality decision on this?
Let’s choose to be a “No Hand-Me-Downs” creative society.
Well said, well written – to the point and understandable. Getting people away from imitation is a great help for those frustrated by trying to be someone else. Telling the truth from the place – within you – within your range – means you have to discover your range – which means you may sing a few notes that don't sound real good – but that's the point – you have to know – and then you show – you don't want to settle .
Next week, friday will be our first concert of originals in our new place in Tribeca – New Lewi – will be doing his best to tell his story – to reveal his heart – the way that he does it. We are going to be there to support. Surrounded by his friends – those who will be coming out in weeks to come – a family of truth seekers and story tellers are gathering to find their art. I am happy to provide a spot – a courageous spot – to give these young people a chance to soar – where almost everybody comes to see if they've got – what others will pay for – and that is the heart of Tribeca – New York City.
No Hand me downs? We will see. You never know what's inside until … you let it fly.