The person who messages after you post something. The friend who buys the first one. Someone who shares your work because they actually like it. The person who turns up.
I notice it more now that I’m making something myself. People have come to dinners. Carried tables. Made introductions. Sent ideas.
It hasn’t always been the people I expected. Some of the strongest support has come from people I barely knew. A couple I’d never met. That surprised me. I remember it.
Before I made something of my own, I underestimated how exposed it feels to put something into the world. You spend hours on it. Change your mind several times. Probably talk about it too much. Eventually let it go. Then carry on with your day pretending you’re not checking whether anyone noticed. I check.
Which is probably why I notice the people who make enthusiasm look easy. They tell you when they like something. They book a table at their friend’s restaurant. They go to the exhibition. They buy the first version, even when everyone involved knows the second will probably be better. There’s no calculation to it. No trying to look detached.
Just: I saw what you made. I liked it. I’m here.
I remember those people. The ones who came when it was still small. Who carried something. Made an introduction. Bought the first version. Sent the message. Before there was much to point to. Before anyone knew whether it would work. I don’t think I’ll forget that.
If someone I care about makes something, I want to tell them I saw it. If I like it, I want to say so. If I can turn up, I want to turn up.
I’d like to be one of the people who showed up early.