I was recently having a discussion with someone via Twitter about the difference between amateur and professional.
My personal opinion is that if you want to make it as a filmmaker, screenwriter, or other creative endeavor, you need to think like a professional. It's also one of the first things they teach you in the UCLA screenwriting program. You need to think of yourself as a professional.
Here, in my humble opinion, are some examples of the differences between amateurs and professionals:
1. An amateur hates criticism and avoids anyone who doesn't like their work. A professional enjoys criticism and enjoys getting feedback.
2. An amateur listens to advice from anyone who gives it, especially if it agrees with their world view. A professional takes advice with a grain of salt and considers the source of advice.
3. An amateur will take anyone on as a mentor who is willing to help. A professional limits their mentors to one to three people who are successful and knowledgeable, who have been in their profession for ten years or more.
4. An amateur looks for shortcuts and ways to cheat the system. A professional figures out the way the system works and uses it to their advantage.
5. An amateur talks about the things they are going to do. A professional does them and lets the work speak for itself.
6. An amateur considers they know everything after doing something once or twice. A professional is constantly learning and growing.
7. An amateur assumes people are successful because they just got lucky. A professional knows that most people are successful because they put in the hard work required.
8. An amateur gives up after a couple of tries and assumes things are good enough. A professional tries to do everything to the best of their ability and does not give up.
9. An amateur does not plan or prepare. A professional plans, prepares and then executes.
10. An amateur is quick to take credit for others' work and thinks they can do everything by themselves. A professional is quick to give credit to others and tries to hire the best people to compensate for their weak spots.
So those are some quick thoughts on the difference of mindset between amateur and professional. I haven't even mentioned money which is a small part of the equation. I'm sure I will think up more in the future. Any other ideas on the difference between amateurs and professionals? Leave me a comment.
4 comments:
This is an awesome "how to" list for folks aspiring to stop "Amateur Hour."
I would disagree with the wording on #1.
I think it is more a case of professionals knowing they need criticism and feedback, and appreciate getting it from honest and knowledgable readers. But "enjoy" is pushing it a bit much, because it's isn't always fun. Just sayin'.
Yeah, you lost me at number 1. I've been paid to write and draw comics. I avoid crazy people on the internet who say nasty things about what I do, and don't know any creators who are professional--inasmuch as nobody likes negative, stupid criticism, while I love people suggesting ways to improve what I do, whether I agree with them or not. Anyone with any passion for what they do gets mad and/or sad about bad critique--the 'professional' part is not showing it. Subtleties, man.
I think there is a difference between criticism and stuff crazy people say on the internet.
Maybe "enjoy" is a strong word. Perhaps I should say appreciate.
But my overall point is that if you only listen to people who love everything you do, you can't really grow as an artist. I appreciate negative criticism as much as positive criticism.
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