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How Creative People Can Stay Ahead and Thrive with AI

Person with umbrella reflected in a puddle

Many creatives are feeling threatened by artificial intelligence (AI). There are stories of jobs vanishing, and of AI automating anything and everything. Some of that is true, AI is automating various aspects of work. There’s no need to become a postmodern Luddite. There’s still a significant role for human creativity.

Here’s how creatives can not only respond but thrive in this changing landscape

Continue reading “How Creative People Can Stay Ahead and Thrive with AI”

Making changes: From Freelancer to Employee

Embarking on a creative freelancing journey can be an exhilarating experience, filled with dreams of independence and artistic fulfilment. Yet, not all paths unfold as expected. If you find yourself transitioning from freelancing to seeking traditional employment, know that you’re not alone, and this shift doesn’t diminish your creativity or worth. It’s a chance for growth, learning, and a renewed perspective on your creative journey.

Initially, freelancing might have seemed like the perfect platform to showcase your talents and carve your niche. However, challenges in client acquisition, inconsistent income, and the business side of things can sometimes overshadow the creative joy. As you reflect on this transition, remember that setbacks are part of any creative venture. They don’t define your artistic abilities or creative potential.

It’s okay to feel a tinge of embarrassment or uncertainty as you consider traditional employment. But rather than letting this emotion overshadow your next steps, use it as a driving force for self-discovery and reinvention. Remember, your creative skills and experiences gained during freelancing are invaluable assets that can enrich your new professional endeavours.

Here are a few strategies to embrace this transition: Continue reading “Making changes: From Freelancer to Employee”

Your Creative Journey: Living Your Best Life

We all want to live our best lives, but it’s not always easy to know how to get there. The days seem to blast past at a dizzying pace, leaving us little time for finding meaning, fulfilment, and purpose.

For creative professionals, the ‘living your best life’ mantra takes on a unique dimension. Living your best life doesn’t just mean indulging in luxury or adventure – it’s about nurturing your creativity while undertaking your unique journey. Here’s how you can infuse this mantra into your creative practice: Continue reading “Your Creative Journey: Living Your Best Life”

Overcoming Barriers in Your Creative Career

Navigating the Glass Ceiling

For many people in creative roles, the concept of the glass ceiling is all too familiar. Talented individuals with boundless creativity often find themselves facing barriers. These barriers hinder their ascent, be it due to age, gender, nationality, or any other factor. The question is not whether these barriers exist. Rather the question is how to shatter them and rise above the limitations they impose.

First, recognise that your worth and potential are not defined by any label or stereotype. Your creativity knows no bounds. This unique perspective is a strength, not a liability. Equip yourself with the confidence to challenge assumptions and showcase your capabilities. Continue reading “Overcoming Barriers in Your Creative Career”

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

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”

Diversity and Representation in the Creative Industry


The creative industry has historically lacked diversity. This has led to a lack of representation of marginalised voices and perspectives in the work that is produced. This is an ongoing concern for many creative professionals, who are working to address these issues and promote diversity in the industry.

There are a number of reasons why diversity is important in the creative industry. First, it allows for a wider range of perspectives to be represented in the work that is produced. This can lead to more creative and innovative work, as different perspectives can offer new insights and solutions. Second, diversity can help to break down stereotypes and prejudices. When people see themselves represented in the work that is produced, it can help to challenge negative stereotypes and assumptions about race, age, and gender profiles in their group.

There are a number of things that can be done to promote diversity and representation in the creative industry. Continue reading “Diversity and Representation in the Creative Industry”

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”

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”

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”