In this episode, Xero reflects on a quote often attributed to Rick Warren: “If you live for the approval of others, you’ll die by their rejection.” He explores how this idea applies not only to everyday life but especially to the challenges of being a creative person.
He argues that modern culture publicly criticizes the desire for approval while simultaneously encouraging it through social media, where likes, shares, and algorithms reward external validation. Although creators often chase engagement for practical reasons, he believes the underlying danger of tying your self-worth to other people’s reactions still remains.
The discussion shifts toward art and ministry. Drawing from a recent Bible study, he reflects on the idea that God doesn’t need our creative work; instead, creativity should naturally flow from a relationship with Him. He recalls that his favorite music came from songs written as prayers and worship rather than attempts to impress people.
From there, he challenges what he sees as a growing sense of entitlement among creators. Whether it’s appeals to support someone because they’re Black, Christian, or part of another identity group, he argues that audiences are never obligated to buy or support work simply because of shared demographics or beliefs. Creators earn audiences; they don’t own them.
A significant portion of the episode examines his own experiences making comics. He describes years of investing money into commissioned artwork that received little attention, leading him to adopt AI tools as a more affordable and practical alternative. He discusses the realities of commissioning artists—high costs, inconsistent quality, long waits, and communication frustrations—while acknowledging that AI also comes with trade-offs and isn’t a perfect solution.
He concludes that artists shouldn’t make every decision based on gaining universal approval. Instead, they should accept that every creative path involves compromises, create work they personally believe in, and stop seeking permission from communities that may never accept them. The episode ends with encouragement to choose an audience intentionally, avoid entitlement, and continue creating without letting rejection determine one’s identity.
Timestamps
00:00 – Rick Warren quote and introduction to the theme of approval vs. rejection
00:01 – Social media, algorithms, and the pursuit of validation
00:05 – Creativity as an outgrowth of a relationship with God
00:06 – Why worship-inspired music became his strongest work
00:06:40 – Creator entitlement and why audiences don’t owe anyone support
00:09:20 – Artists don’t choose their audience—the audience chooses them
00:11:00 – Personal experiences with indie comics and feeling ignored
00:12:00 – Why AI became a practical tool for comic creation
00:14:20 – Problems hiring artists: portfolios, pricing, and communication
00:17:00 – Feeling rejected by parts of the art community
00:18:40 – Making art for personal fulfillment instead of external approval
00:19:30 – Every creative workflow involves trade-offs
00:20:20 – Finding the right audience instead of pleasing everyone
00:21:30 – Criticism over AI and refusing to seek permission
00:23:15 – Closing thoughts and teaser for future projects
