Money has a definite effect on the performance of our art. It can help you hone an act to perfection over time. Getting paid to do something makes you strive your hardest to do it well.
However, after a while, money becomes an obstacle for a performing artist. Sometimes, the only reason you are performing is because you are getting paid, not because you want to. Sometimes, you would do things differently if the issue of money wasn’t involved. Money makes you abandon the risks you may take otherwise since failure would mean you may not get paid. As much as you would like to try out that new Q&A method, or that new design duplication, the current material is safe and you’ve done it thousands of times. It’s guaranteed to get a great response. Your client wants a great show and you don’t want to disappoint them so you abandon any thoughts of performing new material.
The money is hampering your creativity, but without the money there wouldn’t be a reason to perform would there? A fine conundrum we find ourselves in.
“Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive” – Sir Walter Scott
