Forging your own path in the creative industry can be a daunting prospect, but hard work and an open mind will take you far.
Losing the security of working as a creative director or graphic designer for a studio can make taking that leap into freelance life a scary one. But hard work and an open mind can go a long way to being your own boss and having the luxury of working from home. Here are 10 ways to make it as a creative entrepreneur...
01. Have a passion
This difference between regular entrepreneurs and creative entrepreneurs is in the doing. You'll be the one art directing, designing websites or editing video. Ensure you have the passion and drive to want to do these things each day.
02. Become belligerent
Having a passion for creative work is one thing, but having the determination and sheer ruddy-mindedness to pursue it at all costs (if you don't already) is something entirely different.
03. Have a vision
The point of being a creative entrepreneur is to be in charge of your own destiny. Ensure you have at least a rough idea of where that destiny is heading, and direct your efforts that way.
04. Collaborate
Collaboration means understanding and enlisting complementary skill sets. Reach out to other creatives with your ideas, and you'll soon be asked to come on board their projects too.
05. Embrace the late nights
Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone – and certainly not those who prefer the nine-to-five. Embrace the work you're doing, because there will be lots of it.
06. Never stop learning
There are hundreds of creative learning resources available, and each hour you dedicate to learning a new skill counts towards your business and creative success.
07. Network
It's not about winning new clients, necessarily; it's more about promoting and cementing your reputation as a creative entity. That and meeting cool people.
08. Self-promote
Online, offline, through social media and, you know, in actual real life too. Getting your name and brand of unique creativity to the fore is nothing to be embarrassed about.
09. Keep going
At times it may feel as though you're waging war against yourself. Keep in mind the alternative: slaving for someone else's bottom line on projects you'll never own or enjoy.
10. Do what you want
Seriously. This is what differentiates creative entrepreneurs from serial entrepreneurs. If a project comes across your desk that doesn't feel 'right', don't do it, and spend the time on something you're passionate about.
Tom Dennis is a journalist, editor and content director with more than a decade’s experience working on international magazines, newspapers, and websites. While Tom is an expert on all things tech, having previously edited sister Future sites T3 and Computer Arts and picked up a PPA award for being a 'Digital Native', he still has a soft spot for the printed word. Tom has since moved into digital content marketing.
