QuoteProject
I think the moment you start trying to please a fan base is when you start going downhill. I'm going to always, always write about what I want, even if it doesn't necessarily cater to most of them.
Ed Sheeran
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Focusing on personal expression rather than audience expectation leads to authentic creativity.

Ed Sheeran emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself as an artist. He believes that when creators focus on pleasing their fan base instead of expressing their genuine thoughts and feelings, they risk compromising their artistic integrity, which can hinder their growth and creativity. Sheeran's commitment to writing what he wants, regardless of public opinion, highlights the need for authenticity in creative work.

Themes

AuthenticityCreativityArtistic ExpressionSelf-IdentityIndividuality

In practice

Example use cases

During a creative writing workshop, I shared this quote to encourage others to write from the heart.

More from Ed Sheeran

But once you've made a song and you put it out there, you don't own it anymore. The public own it. It's their song. It might be their song that they wake up to, or their song they have a shower to, or their song that they drive home to or their song they cry to, scream to, have babies to, have weddings to - like, it isn't your song anymore.
Ed SheeranRead
The tongue has no bones, but can break a heart.
Ed SheeranRead
Music is a powerful tool in galvanizing people around an issue. There's no better way to get your point across than to put it in a beautiful song.
Ed SheeranRead
I think I need to accept the fact that I am where I am today because fans have shared my music illegally and legally, but I wouldn't be here today without the Internet, so I can't speak out against it.
Ed SheeranRead
And I know these scars will bleed, but both of our hearts believe all of these stars will guide us home
Ed SheeranRead

Similar quotes

To be an artist you have to give up everything, including the desire to be a good artist.
Jasper JohnsRead
The best comedy and horror feel like they take place in reality. You have a rule or two you are bending or heightening, but the world around it is real.
Jordan PeeleRead
Poetry is not truth, it is the resurrection of presences.
Octavio PazRead
I feel like everything you learn as an actor growing up is wrong. You're supposed to hit your mark, find your light and know your lines. Those are all things that just make things wooden, dull and boring.
Joaquin PhoenixRead
I hate acting when I see it. I don't want to feel it, I don't want to see it, I want to be taken away with the story - I don't want the actor's ego in front of me. That's what I try to live when I do the work.
Rutger HauerRead
The subject should be observed more for shape and color than for drawing... precise drawing is dry and hampers the impression of the whole, it destroys all sensations.
Camille PissarroRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.