Every industry has its myths—stories insiders repeat until they sound like truth. But behind the slogans and the spin are unspoken (and sometimes unnoticed) realities – we asked some of the wisest folks we know to share what lies they’ve noticed in their industries.
Chris Rust
I believe one of the most misleading trends in the autograph signing world is guys/gals claiming to have autograph signings set-up themselves, or making it appear this way, when they are attending or participating in someone else’s organized event. A lot of times event promotions are portrayed to the public in a way to make one believe they’re doing more than they’re actually doing. Read more>>
Nick Pantano
The biggest lie in the music lesson world is the idea that learning an instrument is easy. It is not. And pretending that it is does a real disservice to students. Learning an instrument is challenging, and that is exactly what makes it rewarding. Read more>>
Marvin Lim
As someone in politics, I can say one of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that people aren’t paying attention and, that, as a result, we have to dumb things down for them. Of course, it’s true that in today’s society there’s information – and misinformation – overload. And we should aim to communicate clearly. Read more>>
Alexis Brown
The biggest lie my industry tells is that stretching yourself thin—for exposure, for clients, for “opportunity”—is the only path to success. But true success isn’t born from burnout or constant busyness; it’s born from alignment. Success is staying rooted in your values, not chasing what others label as worthy. It’s refusing to shrink yourself, bend your boundaries, or dilute your strengths just to fit in. Read more>>
Elizabeth Gottshall
The biggest lie the film industry tells you is that there’s not a place for you, especially if you’re a woman or part of another marginalized community. It used to be more exclusive for white men and there was a lot of gatekeeping, despite film being dominated by women in early years. Alice Guy-Blaché, Dorothy Arzner, Maria P. Read more>>
Adara London
The entertainment industry has long sold the illusion of progress while maintaining the same gatekeeping structures that keep Black women on the margins. The biggest lie it tells itself is that it’s inclusive. When it still struggles to believe that a Black woman can lead, can sell, can redefine the mainstream. Read more>>
Michaella Martin
One of the biggest lies the art world tells itself is that you have to be perfect in order to show up — that your work, your style, even your image has to fit a certain mold or meet someone else’s standard. But the truth is, perfection doesn’t inspire people — authenticity does. Read more>>
Emma Page
That social media matters. I have seen so many INCREDIBLE stylists with full books that don’t use social media well or at all. And, to be honest, I’ve seen stylists with incredible social media followings that I watched turning out sub-par work with my own two eyes. Social media is marketing, not reality. Read more>>
Daniel Shub
That “good design sells itself.” It doesn’t. Design only matters when it’s connected to a real strategy — a clear story, a purpose, a system that works in the real world. Too often, the industry celebrates aesthetics without accountability, confusing clever with effective. Another lie is that faster always means better. Read more>>
