A Few Things I’ve Learned As An Artist Cheerleader — Now

There was a time when I thought cheering for artists meant standing loud in the front row.

Now I know it’s quieter than that.

It’s discernment.

It’s boundaries.

It’s knowing when to clap… and when to step back.

Supporting creatives across cities and seasons of life has been one of the most stretching and sacred journeys I’ve walked. I used to think it was about belief. It still is. But belief alone isn’t enough.

Here’s what I know today:

Creating is intimate.

It’s not just talent — it’s exposure.

You’re asking people to look at your heart dressed up as art.

I respect that more deeply now.

What pulls at my soul matters more than what’s trending.

If it doesn’t move me, I won’t fake it.

Silence is sometimes the most honest response.

Production matters.

Not perfection — but intention.

I understand now how presentation shapes experience.

The details tell the truth about how serious someone is.

Bells and whistles? They’re decoration.

Substance carries weight.

I don’t need to agree with everything to support someone. But I won’t cosign what I don’t believe in either.

Honesty has cost me relationships. I’ve made peace with that. My loyalty is to integrity first.

I keep my circle small on purpose. Access to me is earned now.

When I like someone’s art, it’s harder to critique it. So I’ve learned to protect that line. Personal and professional have to breathe separately or somebody gets hurt.

I no longer chase being needed. Not everyone values what I bring to the table — and that’s alright. The right ones do.

Being misunderstood used to bother me. Now? I let clarity show up over time.

This industry — whether it’s music, writing, media, or business — can swallow your balance whole. I’ve learned that no opportunity is worth losing yourself.

If I don’t react to your work, it might simply mean it didn’t land with me. And that’s okay. Everything isn’t for everybody.

I crave excellence. Not for applause — but because quality honors the audience.

I need honesty. I need loyalty. I need people who don’t steal ideas and then pretend they created the blueprint.

Professionalism with emotion.

Structure with heart.

That’s my sweet spot.

And here’s the biggest shift:

I am no longer just cheering from the sidelines.

I am building my own body of work now.

I understand the vulnerability artists feel because I am one.

Writing daily.

Publishing daily.

Creating something that will outlive me.

Back then, I was writing a book called The Life of An Artist Cheerleader.

Today? I don’t need to finish that book to know I lived it.

Creative experiences are still yours to decide where they take you.

But I’ve learned this:

Make sure they take you somewhere that honors who you are becoming — not who you used to be.

— Lady Flava