Nothing Is Ever Enough
My meeting with Substack about turning paid subscriptions.
Two weeks ago, Multilayered was featured on Substack, which led to an invitation to a meeting about enabling paid subscriptions. Initially, I grappled with mixed emotions. Despite writing my entire life, I'd kept most of it private, with my drawings being more publicly recognized and supported. I questioned how I could ask you, my readers, whether subscribers or not, to invest in my relatively new journey in writing. But first, I had to confront a more fundamental question: Was I worthy of receiving support for this aspect of my creative expression, which is still evolving for both you and me? The resounding answer is yes. Over my eight years as a creative entrepreneur, I've learned that artists and writers are often undervalued. To challenge these misconceptions in the creative culture, I need to affirm my worth and set new standards for myself and fellow artists.
But why pay for a newsletter when you can access it for free?
I firmly believe in the transformative impact of supporting creators. It challenges the traditional institutions and norms dictated by capitalism, which perpetuate the idea that true fulfillment and success can only be attained through relentless toil.Â
Writing, as a universal language, transcends barriers and unites cultures. It can captivate, inspire, heal, and grant permission. It shapes our culture, revolutionizes communication, and serves as a platform for innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible. Through the act of creation, we challenge societal norms, ignite meaningful dialogue, and shape our collective experience.
By becoming a paid subscriber, you support my work and foster reciprocity that enables me to continue sharing my art in accessible ways. It allows me to invest in local communities, businesses, the Earth, and fellow artists. Your contribution is vital in cultivating a thriving creative ecosystem and affirming the value of writing as a transformative force in our lives.
There are 5,645 multilayered subscribers here, and about 5.25K views on average for my letters. That's incredible, and that brings me to my next point.Â
After I did some extensive reading of other publications to see what's happening in the world of paid newsletters, this is what I realized.Â
Nothing is ever enough.Â
From what I've seen, some writers go to great lengths to offer abundant content to their paid subscribers, all in the name of value. They have segments upon segments and countless options. But isn't this newsletter enough? Isn't my time, energy, storytelling, and service to this weekly newsletter sufficient? Now, to seek paid support, do I have to give more to ensure that you, a valued subscriber, feel like you're getting your money's worth? Doesn't that seem unfair? Isn't it a reflection of the hierarchy, class privilege/ discrimination we live in? The reality where those who can pay receive better treatment and service? They skip the line, access juicier content, and get to see behind the scenes, while those who can't pay get "just" my weekly newsletter?
Then there are writers who put their best work behind a paywall. But what exactly constitutes my best writing? Is it the writing I'm personally satisfied with, or does it refer to the letters that get the most likes and comments? Maybe what I'm writing now will be my best work in five years, or the essays I write in the next five years will be my finest.Â
We often find ourselves in a maze of overthinking it all to earn a livelihood. We intellectualize and try to orient ourselves in this capitalistic world, justifying our options so they feel good, knowing that we're all contributing to capitalism somehow.
But I understand why. How else can we keep this going? How else can we sustain ourselves, pay our bills, and survive? Creators aren't to blame here. We diligently follow prescribed methods and adopt strategies that have proven effective for others, because we want to do what works so that we can actually create and not worry about marketing.
Yet, I can't help but question whether, in our unwavering adherence, we inadvertently perpetuate the rules of the system. The system which dictates that we must consistently overextend ourselves, go the extra mile, and continually contribute immense value to be considered worthy of others' support, attention, and connection.
You may argue, "Why don't you then make your art for free?" Because the point I'm making is not that creatives shouldn't be paid. On the contrary, we live in a world of transactions, and we create things to sell them to support ourselves and our communities, at least for now until things change. What I'm saying is that society expects so much of artists, and we’re still undervalued.
It's the artists that rewrite realities. It’s the artist that takes risks. It's the artist that pushes society to engage thoughtfully and non-conventionally towards social progress. And for that, I think that artists should always get paid regardless if our offerings are free or paywalled. Support the artist and their choices because we have to make difficult ones every day to fight the system and pour our hearts out there in the world, no matter how frightening and unstable our paths may be.
Because, for me, it all starts with a desire to carve out spaces where we can dare to do things just a bit differently. A space that's partly me, partly you, a space that guides us beyond our ever-evolving edges with love, imagination, and authenticity.
Here's what I can say right now to everyone who reads this newsletter:
I'll write and make art as long as I'm able to. Whether you're a paying subscriber, free subscriber, or haven't yet subscribed, you'll get the same material. You have a choice to support me. No one gets preferential treatment, but your financial support means a great deal to me, as it keeps this creative journey going, supports my career, and my family.
I'll write what and when I want to. My promise is that I won't make promises I can't keep. I'll always write and create art when I feel inspired and well-rested. I can't predict what the future holds in a year from now, whether this path will remain sustainable, or if my perspective will change. But for now, this is where I stand. I can't guarantee every piece will be my best writing; that's not how creativity works.
Whether paid or free, you will find within the pages of this newsletter:
Meaningful topics + ideas
Insights and inspiration drawn from my personal experiences.
Access to "Mini Orbits," my audio notes.
Audio meditations for empathy, creativity, dreams, and synchronicity.
Unrestricted entry to the complete archives and comprehensive essays.
A sneak peek behind the scenes.
Access to all my future creative projects and offerings.
This is a journey we embark on together, where I pour my heart onto every word, and you, as a subscriber, become an essential part of a community that doesn't just value and support the arts; you champion them. Subscribing isn't just about joining a newsletter; it's your pledge to lead a movement that celebrates and elevates the very essence of human creativity.
Your support is one of my main funding sources, so if you enjoy Multilayered and want to see it keep running, please consider signing up for $5 monthly support.
Writing is crucial for my well-being, and I hope, as Ocean Vuong puts it, that my writing helps us build fire escapes for each other.
My experience has shown that being open to support has enriched and expanded my creative horizons. We're on a journey where vulnerability ignites creativity, and our collective connection empowers us to thrive together.
Love,
Vanja
While my publication is free for everyone to read, I'd like to invite you to support in other ways that keep my creative journey possible. Your backing fuels my work and enables its continuity. If you enjoy this newsletter and find it valuable please consider:
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