The Hustler vs. The Artist: A Survival Guide for Creators Who Want to Matter
There are two versions of me in every piece of content I make: The Hustler. And the Artist. One wants to make money. The other wants to make something honest. And they don’t always get along.
If you’re a founder, a marketer, or anyone building in public, you’ve probably met both of these people in your head too. Let’s break them down.
The Hustler:
Thinks in funnels, KPIs, and CTRs
Loves a strong CTA
Obsessively checks analytics
Treats content as a tool to sell, to grow, to convert
Gets stuff done—even if it’s not inspired
Can pitch anything to anyone
Motto: “Let’s make content that works.”
The Artist:
Loathes the word “content”
Wants to say something real
Cares about craft, not clicks
Gets stuck chasing the perfect idea
Wants the work to feel personal—even if it never scales
Would rather be misunderstood than sound like everyone else
Motto: “Let’s make something that matters.”
Who’s Right? Both. And Neither.
The Hustler keeps the lights on. The Artist keeps you from becoming a soulless growth-bro echo chamber. The trick isn’t picking one. It’s learning when to let each of them drive.
For a lot of creatives—especially the ones raised on “originality at all costs”—this balance is hard. Because the Artist isn’t just chasing attention. They’re defending their identity. And the Hustler? The Hustler just wants to ship the damn thing. Neither path works long term.
How to Harness the Hustler and The Artist
Here’s how I’ve learned to manage the tension (without losing my mind or my integrity):
1. Know Which Hat You’re Wearing
Before you start a project, ask:
Is this for the real? Or for the meal?
If it’s the meal, let the Hustler do his thing.
If it’s the real, give the Artist room to speak up.
2. Don’t Market Like a Vampire
I’ve worked at enough agencies to know when someone’s just trying to suck every last dollar from a client. People feel that energy. Build trust. Say something real. Offer actual value. You’ll sleep better.
3. Say the Thing You’re Scared to Say
The most powerful content I’ve ever posted is the stuff that felt too weird, too personal, or too “off-brand.” But that’s the stuff people remember. The stuff that gets shared. The Artist knows this. Listen to them—at least for the first draft.
4. Let the Hustler Clean it Up
You don’t need to pour your soul into every LinkedIn post. Let the Artist lead. Then let the Hustler edit it into something that moves the needle.
The Real Job is Walking the Tightrope
If your work feels soulless, the Artist has been locked in a closet. If your work never ships, the Hustler’s been kicked out of the room. You need both. Not for balance. But for tension. That’s where the good stuff lives.
Trying to find your creative footing without selling your soul?
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