I’ve got a confession to make...
I never thought I’d get paid to be myself. To share ideas. To champion creativity.
But recently, a company knocked on the door of my little YouTube corner and said, “We love what you’re building and we want to support it.”
Now here’s where it gets interesting...
Even though it was a product I actually needed, I didn’t just say yes.
I told them, “I’ll have to test it first. I’ve got to make sure this is something I can truly stand behind as a creator.”
Because here's the truth: All money isn’t good money.
A quick “yes” might put food on your table. But the wrong “yes” can handcuff your spirit. That’s not a metaphor. That’s a history lesson I’ve written about extensively in my notes.
Let’s take a walk back in time...
When we picture art patrons from the past, we imagine saints with deep pockets and soft hearts rescuing starving artists by giving them a funding and a platform.
But real history tells another story…
In reality, patronage was often a way to control the narrative.
The Medici family didn’t just fund Michelangelo because they loved art. They used him as a branding tool to cement their political dynasty.
Turned him into a Renaissance marketing strategy. His brush became their brand. His genius was paid for…but also shaped, censored, directed.
Because power doesn’t just want to be admired. It wants to be eternal.
And many artists didn’t get to paint what they felt. They painted what they were told. A masterpiece born with a leash.
Whole time periods of art history are shaped by what wealthy elites didn’t want depicted. Scandals. Unflattering portraits. Politically dangerous symbolism.
Fast forward to today. We call it “sponsorship.” “Brand deals.” “Influencer marketing.” Different words, same dynamic.
Let me be clear: I’m not anti-money. I’m anti-leash.
This is why I turned down four deals before I said yes to this one.
Because as artists we are free to say: “No thank you. That doesn’t align with who I am.”
Because once you sell your authenticity, it’s one of the most difficult things to get back.
See, we live in the new era of digital patronage. But you? You still have a choice.
Say yes to support. Say yes to elevation. But never say yes to creative prison.
You don’t need every opportunity. You just need the right ones.
Be diligent.
Stay free. Stay dangerous. Stay you.
Side note: This sponsorship is just one stepping stone toward a bigger mission: growing World of Creatives into a self-sustaining universe where we never need outside funding to thrive. I’m committed to that vision with everything I’ve got. But if you're curious who the sponsor is, check out the video I just dropped here.
Stay creative,
