visual poem #1

I have been reading QuestLove's book 'Creative Quest' and questioning various aspects about my own creativity.

​In creating any video, there is usually a purpose. Videos are typically created for clients and when they are made in the form of art, such as film and television, they're usually purpose driven then too.

Whereas the photographer is able to set up a shoot and create just because they want to, and can sell the product of their creativity, no matter what it is. The videographer can not. The intersection of art and commerce for the videographer is capturing the shots that a client needs. There are elements that HAVE to be in there and the videographer just knows how to make that happen.

There are very few moments, I feel, where videos are just pieces of art in it of itself. And even then, there is little profitability. For instance, I can't post a video that I made just for fun on YouTube and then someone who really wants to cherish this video Venmo's me $20 to have this video forever. The value of a video becomes the amount of likes and views it receives.

However, videos are often overlooked on the internet because there are videos everywhere, from everyone. With so many videos from so many people, it can be a little difficult to pay attention. What is the videographer to do?

Most sell their services, their ability to merely make a video becomes their day to day. But when do we get to flex some muscle? When do we get to set something up just because? Not to make a music video for someone, or to record an event, or a vlog, or tell a defined storyline.

When is a video ever just a piece of art that can be purchased? And with the over-saturation of video on the main video platform, the internet, when will it ever be?

Furthermore, who's actually watching?