5 Things to Remember When You’re Starting Out as a Creative
Creativity requires a unique blend of qualities: talent, curiosity, and dedication. It also demands risk-taking, innovation, and the courage to challenge the status quo. But creativity doesn't always come easily. Often, it's tempting to focus too much on the end goal rather than enjoying the journey itself.
When you're just starting out as a creative, it's easy to feel overwhelmed while trying to find your footing. Navigating the industry can be tough - something we've covered in detail in our blog post HERE. It's easy to lose sight of some important things along the way. So, here are five key things to remember as you begin your creative journey:
You Will Face Rejection
The first, and perhaps most important thing to acknowledge, is that you will face rejection. It’s part of the process, but two things are crucial:
Don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back (I’ve definitely been guilty of this)
You need to develop resilience.
Don’t Let the Fear of Rejection Hold You Back
Entering a new industry - especially a creative one - can be daunting. But if you expect setbacks, they become less intimidating. Rejection is inevitable, and once you accept that, fear loses its grip. This mindset will encourage you to take risks, seize opportunities, and give your all, every step of the way. Remember, creativity thrives on courage and curiosity, so embrace them without fear.
You Need to Develop Resilience
Since rejection is inevitable, building resilience is essential. Resilience allows you to handle setbacks professionally and avoid being overwhelmed. To strengthen your resilience, tap into your personal strengths and lean on your support network. This will help you navigate challenges and push through difficulties.
For more tips on overcoming rejection, check out our blog post HERE.
It’s Important to Work on Yourself
As a creative, there's always room for growth. This doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough - it simply means there are always ways to improve your skills and refine your craft.
Whether through passion projects or taking up courses, learning never stops. When your livelihood depends on your abilities, continuous improvement is key. Seek feedback, ask for constructive criticism, and learn from others. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you to become better.
I LOVE learning and any opportunity to learn and grow professionally or personally, I’ll take. This has definitely led to more opportunities coming my way. For example, I signed up to a random freelance shift for something I hadn’t ever done before. This then led to further freelance shifts!
Think of it as an exciting opportunity to grow. As a creative, you have the freedom to explore projects that excite you, so take advantage of this. Embrace the journey, and enjoy the process of becoming the best creative you can be.
Confidence is Key
Confidence is vital when starting out as a creative. It fuels self-belief, which in turn attracts opportunities and clients. No one wants to hire someone who lacks confidence in their own abilities.
Confidence enhances your ability to handle challenges, improves communication, and helps you take feedback in stride. It also plays a critical role in leadership and teamwork.
Moreover, confidence ties directly into personal branding - another key component in the creative industry.
A strong personal brand can set you apart in a competitive field. It allows you to showcase your unique style, skills, and values, making a lasting impression on potential clients. It also builds trust, credibility, and professionalism.
If you need help with personal branding, read our blog post HERE.
You Are Your Own Boss
In the creative industry, many are freelancers or business owners - which means you are your own boss. Being your own boss means holding yourself accountable, not just for completing tasks on time, but also for handling administrative duties like taxes and finances.
As a self-employed individual, you're responsible for managing your income and taxes. This can feel overwhelming - that’s how I feel sometimes anyway. But staying organised is essential to avoid penalties, interest charges, or unexpected bills. Keep a detailed record of your earnings and expenses, perhaps in a simple spreadsheet, so you’re well-prepared when tax season arrives.
Connecting With Other Creatives Will Get You Far
This is crucial. The creative industry is built on connections, and forming relationships with other creatives can lead to collaborations, new clients, or exciting opportunities. Beyond that, they provide support in what can sometimes feel like a solitary industry.
You’ll hear the phrase ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ in the creative industry. This doesn’t negate your talent, but ‘who you know’ might open a few more doors.
Use platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram to engage with fellow creatives. Comment on their work, send direct messages, or attend face-to-face networking events and meetups. In-person connections are invaluable and can boost both your career and your mental health.
Starting out as a creative is an exciting, albeit challenging journey. But with resilience, continuous self-improvement, confidence, accountability, and strong connections, you'll set yourself up for success. Embrace the process and enjoy the ride - because the creative world is an exciting one. Want more insider insights into the creative world? Join our newsletter HERE.
