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7, August 2023

The Job Hunt Dilemma

If you’re a creative professional, you know the feeling. You want to get a job, but you can’t seem to get your foot in the door. You need experience, but you can’t get experience without a job. It’s a catch-22. And it’s frustrating.

So how do you break the cycle? Here are a few tips:

Start small. Don’t expect to land your dream job right away. Start by looking for small projects or volunteer opportunities. This will give you some experience and help you build your portfolio.

Network. Talk to people in your field and let them know you’re looking for work. Attend industry events and meetups. The more people you know, the more likely you are to hear about opportunities. It can feel a bit daunting, but be brave. You can do it because other people have done it before you.

Be creative. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Come up with creative ways to get your foot in the door. For example, you could start a blog or create a portfolio website to showcase your work. Really critique and polish your work. Take some free courses – learn new skills, meet new people.

Be sharp. Create an on-point portfolio of work/experience that fits with where you want to be. If you want to work in advertising or marketing, create brand mock ups, web sites, creative work to strut your stuff. If you want to work in gaming – design some games, learn Python or whatever the the current tools are – you need to find out what they are. The key secret is to work your work hard and continually improve it. Quality and work beats all.

Don’t give up. The job hunt can be tough, but don’t give up. Keep applying for jobs and networking. Be open to change. Eventually, you’ll find the right opportunity. Do. Not. Give. Up.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

5, August 2023

Overcoming the Fear of Others’ Opinions: A Roadmap for Creative Professionals and Business Leaders

How often do friends, family, and the countless barely known social media contacts bound up to you like an excitable puppy, wag their tails and shout, “Hey it’s you, fantastic, I love you, you’re doing good, in fact – great. You’re going the right way, this is exactly how I always saw you, doing great! Hold still while I lick your face!”

Perhaps draw the line at letting them lick your face, that’s just awkward; but, generally you’re not going to need to worry. No one is going to be that supportive of you. They might be in their hearts, but they’re not going to tell you you’re going the right way. Sometimes the only way you’re on the right path is the guilt trips are further apart. And so we end up feeling anxious when we have to do something different – outside of our comfort zone.

As creative professionals and business leaders, the fear of what other people will think can often loom like a shadow, hindering our creativity and stifling innovation. However, mastering this fear can be a transformative journey that unleashes the full potential of our creative minds.

Here’s how busy professionals can navigate this common fear and thrive in their pursuits. Continue reading “Overcoming the Fear of Others’ Opinions: A Roadmap for Creative Professionals and Business Leaders”

3, August 2023

Creative Collaboration: Amplifying Your Creativity through Teamwork

In business, creativity is becoming an increasingly valuable asset. Creative professionals and business leaders alike understand that innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve. However, there’s a game-changing strategy that can take your artistic vision and business endeavours to unprecedented heights: Creative Collaboration.

Creative collaboration is a powerful process that brings together diverse talents and perspectives, uniting them under a shared vision to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you are an aspiring artist, a budding writer, or a talented musician, embracing collaborative efforts can open up a world of opportunities for growth and innovation.

It’s never too early (or too late) to build collaborative networks. Early in your journey they can enrich your artistic development and set the stage for a fulfilling and thriving creative career. Later in your career, engaging in group projects, joining creative workshops, or participating in community events can be excellent ways to refresh and re-immerse yourself in the world of creative collaboration.

Collaboration does not diminish your individual creativity; instead, it amplifies and enhances it. Use the power of creative collaboration and watch as your artistic vision soars to new heights, supported by the strength and diversity of the creative community around you. Continue reading “Creative Collaboration: Amplifying Your Creativity through Teamwork”

1, August 2023

Financial Stability for Creative Professionals

As with most creative professionals, your work is your passion. There’s always a ton of work to be done – jobs large and small. But getting paid for your work – now that’s another story. You either already know that it can be difficult to make a living from your art, or you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed. Pro-tip: Take cash over a promise. Many creative professionals face financial instability due to irregular income, gig-based work, or difficulty in monetising their skill set. Finding ways to achieve financial stability while pursuing creative passions is a common struggle.

Here are a few tips for achieving financial stability as a creative professional: Continue reading “Financial Stability for Creative Professionals”

31, July 2023

Balancing Creative Freedom and Client Demands

When you’re a creative person, it’s important to have the freedom to express yourself. But when you’re working with clients, you often have to balance your creative vision with their demands. This can be a delicate balance, and it’s not always easy to find a happy medium.

Here are a few tips for balancing your creative freedoms and client’s demands: Continue reading “Balancing Creative Freedom and Client Demands”

31, July 2023

Rising Above the Shadows: Navigating Creativity After Bad Experiences

Dear Creative Souls,

Life is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, and for us, the artists, creators, and visionaries, it can be especially tumultuous. We know all too well the weight of past bad experiences that can cast a shadow over our creativity. Whether it’s emotionally destructive employment situations, challenging clients, or loss-making contracts, these experiences can dim our creative light. It can feel like a lonely world, and frankly, it sucks.

I don’t mean it to sound cliché, but in the midst of darkness, there is always a glimmer of hope. As creative beings, we possess an innate resilience that allows us to rise above adversity and find inspiration even in the most challenging circumstances. Here are some empowering ways to navigate the aftermath of negative experiences and reignite your creative spark: Continue reading “Rising Above the Shadows: Navigating Creativity After Bad Experiences”

28, July 2023

How much of being a successful creative is luck?

Being a successful creative is a combination of talent, hard work, and luck. While there is no denying that luck plays a role in any success story, it is important to remember that luck is often created by the individual.

Here are some of the factors that contribute to being a commercially successful creative: Continue reading “How much of being a successful creative is luck?”

27, July 202327, July 2023

The Therapeutic Power of Art: Nurture Your Mental Health Through Creativity

It’s crucial to remember the importance of your mental well-being. In the middle of the pressures and demands of our daily lives, there’s a magical realm that can soothe the soul and heal the mind – art. Engaging in creative endeavours holds profound benefits for your mental health. Let’s explore how art can become your therapeutic sanctuary. Continue reading “The Therapeutic Power of Art: Nurture Your Mental Health Through Creativity”

26, July 202326, July 2023

Business Success: Unleashing Creativity in Small Enterprises

Are you ready to discover the secret ingredient that can elevate your small business to new heights? It’s time to unlock the power of creativity. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, harnessing creativity can make all the difference in your journey to success. Let’s explore how small businesses can use creativity to thrive in the competitive world of commerce. Continue reading “Business Success: Unleashing Creativity in Small Enterprises”

24, July 2023

The dark side of creativity

Stories of movie stars and rock stars self medicating themselves into oblivion, chefs and doctors suiciding, and designers burning out are common in the news. There’s an aspect of creativity that isn’t all sweetness and light. Some of the brightest and best end up hurting themselves or taking their lives, and end up breaking the hearts of the people who love them the most. And there’s always that lingering question: “Why? They had everything going for them, they had everything to live for.”

The dark side of creativity refers to the potentially negative aspects or consequences that can arise from the creative process or creative individuals.

While creativity is celebrated and valued, there are several aspects that can be problematic or detrimental: Continue reading “The dark side of creativity”