Kiara Shanay Lee
We all know those people. The talented ones who don’t get the love they deserve. The hard workers who always just miss the mark. The naturals who may not have the smooze-savvy to work the room, but their gifts will blow your mind. Sometimes, we know them and sometimes, we ARE them.
So often, being underrated carries a negative connotation.
“You’re so underrated” initially comes off as a compliment, but once the words set in, you start thinking about how you must be overlooked, undervalued and unappreciated for some reason. I mean, there must be some reason why you aren’t getting the deals, the gigs, the views, the streams or the applause, right? But I would like to argue that being an underrated creative may be the sweetest of all sweet spots. Being underrated is actually where every creative should want to be to a certain degree — if you value agency and authenticity, that is.
Let me start by sharing that 70% of Americans say that creativity and the arts are “undervalued,” according to NASAA (National Association of State Art Agencies). The majority of people in the US feel that the creative sphere at-large doesn’t get the love it deserves.
Just because creative work doesn’t always get the love it deserves doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve the love. In fact, we (the underrated) already have the love.
So, if you’re feeling underrated in your craft, this one is for you.
The truth is, you’re actually surrounded by love in your underrated-ness. Here’s how to bring it out of your everyday life.
Enjoy this freedom. Take in where you’re standing. Your work. Your wins. Your losses. Take them all the way in, and take comfort in knowing you can do so with little to no (public) judgement. The A-listers, the NYT Bestsellers, award winners and all the other big names in your field have to deal with constant scrutiny — and it’s often broadcasted on tv and social media. You don’t have to worry about that (for now). Go and enjoy it. Start over. Mess up. Thrive. Survive. Speed up. Pivot. Slow down. Do all the things. Be underrated and free.
Remember that your “why” should be clearer now more than ever. If you’re underrated, your passions and interests hold more weight than many other things right now. Other variables that could sway or cloud your focus are less likely to be a huge factor or even be in the mix right now at all (i.e. money, partnerships, legal rights, etc.). Being underrated allows you to be in your own world (to a certain extent) and to create for the sake of creating, instead of for some other reason.
Have fun. This is one of many seasons and like all seasons, this time will come and go. Instead of worrying about the next season, the applause, the audience and other forms of external validation, just roll with what’s in front of you right now — all of your dope ideas, you being your number one fan, and the contentment that your work brings YOU. Enjoy your little cocoon. Enjoy it now while it lasts. Like a moth, you’ll outgrow your cocoon eventually.
Just because everyone doesn’t know your name (yet) doesn’t take away your talent, your skills, and the fact that you are one of one.
Cheers to being underrated. I love this for you.
And I hope you realize why you should, too.
Whether you’re a writer, a painter, an actress, or if you don’t consider any fancy titles for yourself – you are a creative. No matter who you are, to some degree, we all create and we all need space to take care of every part of ourselves. I hope The House of Psalm Magazine inspires you to take good care.
Dr. Kiara Shanay Lee | Editor in Chief, The House of Psalm Magazine
IG: @thehouseofpsalm @kiaraleewrites | kiara@thehouseofpsalm.com
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