Mad artists – another myth heading for the dust

Another myth bites the dust: we creatives are no more moody and unhinged, than the rest of humanity.  There is no proven scientific correlation between mood disorders and creativity. But is the pressure off? 

Conforming to the myth can help your career

Those creatives savvy enough to conform to the myth of the mad artist, are often deemed to be more newsworthy; concurrently their creative endeavours accrue value. This is good marketing strategy.  Still, to fit the stereotype you would have to be eccentric, elusive, temperamental, emotional, self-absorbed, lecherous, difficult, depressed and disorganised.  Sanity doesn’t sell – it’s just not romantic enough.