There are several ways of making money as a performer, one of which is to make commercials. There are, however, people who think that whenever you use your craft to make money, you’re “selling out.” They believe that receiving money in exchange for your work as an artist taints the work. Stains it. Makes it less worthy.

My definition of selling out is different. I’m selling out every time I decide to settle for not giving my all to the work I want to do. I’m selling out when I let fear coerce me into keeping a job I tolerate instead of trying for that lifestyle I dream of. I’m selling out when I do what I do best for free mainly because I don’t have the guts to charge for it.

That’s selling out. I won’t do it.