“It’s not what you know. It’s who you know,” the cliché goes. (Not one of the quotes.) 

If you’re doing creative work—visual art, writing, music, entrepreneurship, programming, design, amongst the many other forms of expression—it’s entirely about who you know and who knows you. 

These people create supportive contexts for you by working as managers, advocates, fans, patrons, thought partners, etc. 

There is no self-made, mythological, artist. It has always been a team sport. Meeting new people is a big part of the job, and to people who don’t feel like this comes naturally to them, it can feel cringe.

Two quotes have resonated with me lately:

“Being a fan is all about bringing the enthusiasm. It’s being a champion of possibility. It’s believing in someone. And it’s contagious. When you’re around someone who is super excited about something, it washes over you. It feels good. You can’t help but want to bring the enthusiasm, too,” Tina Roth Eisenberg writes. “This, to me, is the real transformation. Confidence is impressive, but enthusiasm can change people’s lives.”

“You aren’t pulled to success by destiny. You’re lifted there by those around you. So acknowledge their contribution, and bring them along for the ride,” Derek Sivers writes in Your Music and People.

You may have thought it was just about the craft—and that’s a big part of it!—yet it means a lot more when other people are involved.