Building Your Creative Business

Are you drawn to time spent creating? Or does the process of creative work appeal to you, but maybe the business aspects involved to monetize your creative pursuits are daunting or feel “out of grasp”? That’s ok! There are a number of ways to monetize your creative work and not get dragged down by the weight of owning your own business.

LOVES vs DISLIKES: Start with 2 sheets of paper. On one, list everything you LOVE to do regarding your creative business (or if you have not opened yet, think of the things you’d truly enjoy or want to do). Do the same on the other sheet for everything you DISLIKE. Continue to add to both lists over time, these should be items front and center, lists that you can refer to when making decisions for and about your business. For items you dislike, consider contractors/freelancers or if that aspect of your business really “needs” to exist!

ZEN & MINIMALISM: Allow yourself to build an attainable business, one you can sustain and enjoy. When thinking about what you “need” to start or maintain your business, consider thinking like a minimalist, or a Zen Buddhist (below is directly from the linked article).

Let go of attachment: Allow your business to measure up to your goals and needs, and not that of others! Allow your business to complement your life and desires, which may mean learning to let go of certain pre-conceived notions of what business ownership really is.
Reducing suffering and increasing happiness: Owning a creative business does not mean all of your time must be spent doing things you dislike. There are Virtual Assistants, Business Agents & Coaches, Freelance Marketing/Legal/Accounting… the list goes on! You can lean on others to maintain certain aspects of your business OR teach you more efficient ways to handle these elements.
Mindfulness and focus: How your time is spent will determine the type of business you own. If you find that it takes you 3x longer to do the accounting for your business, wouldn’t that time be better spent in your studio creating a tangible product along with valuable talent/skills/experience for your creative work? Be wise with how you invest your time in your business.
Kindness and compassion: Show yourself kindness and compassion. It’s been said many times that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”! There are support groups, clubs, mentors, coaches all waiting to offer you support at every stage of your creative career. Be thoughtful about what your business “needs” and celebrate the steps and wins you have as you go.