Which drives up coming artist most, passion or fame?

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Let’s acknowledge the fact that every upcoming artist is filled with dreams, encounters struggles, and carries great ambition. These are natural parts of the journey. But the question remains: is it the love for the craft—passion—or the hunger for recognition—fame—that drives most of them?

Passion is what pushes people to create or take action even when no one is watching. It’s the deep love one holds for a particular skill or calling. John Mason once said, "Nothing significant was ever achieved without passion." That says it all. Passion is the heartbeat of achievement. Leave it out, and you leave success out.

As a passionate seamstress, I remember an outfit I made for myself that drew so much admiration and attention. It was only six months into my apprenticeship. I didn’t wait for formal training to teach me everything, I turned to the internet, practiced on my own, and eventually created a piece that even surprised my mistress. That’s what passion does. It pushes you to learn, to try, and to excel, without needing applause. And interestingly, that’s often when the applause begins. When your work is outstanding (which only comes through passion), people take notice. Fame follows.

Still, we can’t overlook how powerful the desire for fame can be. Naturally, humans crave recognition, validation, and a certain lifestyle. For many artists, the thought of being celebrated, admired, or even “trending” can be a major motivator. Social media has only amplified this desire. Likes, followers, and viral moments have become symbols of success.
But here’s the truth: fame without passion is short-lived. It burns bright for a moment and then fades. Passion, on the other hand, sustains. It fuels late nights, keeps artists going through rejection, and births consistency, the very thing that eventually attracts lasting fame.

In the end, passion and fame don’t have to be enemies. Fame is a wonderful reward, but passion must remain the root. It’s what keeps the work real, the heart invested, and the journey meaningful.
So, what truly drives upcoming artists? Maybe it’s a mix of both. But the ones who go the farthest are those whose passion leads the way, fame simply follows behind.

Thanks for reading.
Stay inspired, stay true.
Your girl, Rita.