I've mentioned that I'm a filmmaker. Let me tell you about my biggest success, a 16 minute short film called "Worn Down," which I produced.
After more than six months of pre-production, it was shot over a 9 day period (not all in one block) around Memorial Day weekend of 1998. It took the better part of two years to edit. It cost a total of $11,000 US, of which I contributed a third (I had two partners). I cashed in a 401k to get the money.
Like I said, it was called "Worn Down." It made it into a couple festivals, the most prominent of which was Black Maria, an international festival. It also was shown at a fetival in Portugal, much to my surprise. Of course, there was no way I could afford to travel there.
Ever hear of it?
I didn't think so.
I'd bet more people have seen your work on Dusk than have seen my film work. I knew getting into film would most likely result in my remaining anonymous. I did it because I love movies, and I wanted to take a whack at it. It was a bit of a gamble, I guess, but the fact is I don't think I've failed simply because the world hasn't beaten down my door. I produced a damned good film. I'm proud of it. I've done a couple of other projects, none as successful, but I still feel that I'm a filmmaker. So what if nobody has seen my work? It was worth it simply for me to be able to express myself artistically. I'd like to do it again, sure. I'm working on it.
The lack of response or notice to one's artistic endeavors can be a drag. What's important is to keep trying, or find another outlet for one's creativity. Don't get mad or frustrated. If you think a project is good, take it to completion - and only you can determine when you've reached that point. After that point, move on to the next project. Let go of the frustration, or channel that energy into another project of some kind. It's all really about one's quest for satisfaction with one's work, and shouldn't hinge upon public notice.
Just a few thoughts, offered from someone who can understand how you feel.