The Best Pieces of Advice I've Been Given on Running a Creative Business
CHALLENGING REWARDING ALL CONSUMING INTENSE DEMANDING TAXING
Running a creative business can be all of the above!Sometimes the 'to do' list can be so overwhelming, it can be tricky to not to get bogged down with all the paper work and forget to keep your creative head above water!
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However despite all these things, I find running your own creative business can be one of the most rewarding, satisfying and exhilarating rides of all time.So I thought I would share with you some tips I've been given recently to help KEEP YOUR BUSINESS CREATIVE HEAD and avoid being stumped by numbers and accounts (which lets face it, can sometimes make you want to bury your head in the sand...!)
CREATIVE EXERCISES TO GET YOUR CREATIVE THOUGHT PROCESSES FLOWING
Concentrate on the Little Steps Rather Than Get Fixated on One End TargetSometimes it can be very easy to focus on one large goal rather than taking time to carefully complete all the smaller steps which are equally essential in order to help you get there.
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Don't spend time comparing your own creative journey to others - instead, be inspired and encouraged by those successful around you and be influenced by their energy and positivity.
Make a Target Board of all your Aims and Objectives, Large AND SmallDo you have a list of people you'd like to work with? Ideas on collaborative partnerships? Magazines you'd like to feature in?Sometimes placing your main goals and ambitions on a picture board can hep you visualise these goals and make them look more achievable - it's all about the visuals when thinking creative business!
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feeling on top of the world
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Break Away from RoutineBreak away from EAT. SLEEP. REPEATSome of the most rewarding and accomplished creative thinking days I have had recently have been where I have got up early to watch the sunrise over the Pentland Hills. There's something very fresh and revitalising about experiencing the warming glow of the early morning sun on your face - it certainly lifts your spirits and makes you fully charged for the day ahead. It also makes you feel extremely productive when you arrive back home at 9am and you have already completed a photoshoot!Here's a video I filmed doing just this! I really wanted the warm sunny glow from an early morning sun rise for the warm, flattering, natural light.[embed]http://https://vimeo.com/157427483[/embed]Get Active!Walk up your favourite hill - there's nothing better than reaching a summit to make you feel on top of the world and gain a sense of achievement!A definitive way to get your creative thinking processes flowing.Love What You Do & Do What You LoveIt's very easy to stop carrying out your creative profession simply just for the love of it. Sometimes giving yourself a creative exercise every week can be brilliant to help encourage new artistic direction and avoid the creative block. For example - for all you photographers out there, remember to take a camera everywhere you go!Remember to direct your creative skill set to personal occasions and not just focus on work related tasks. Giving your own family gifts can be one of the most rewarding projects you can carry out!Get Inspired By Those Around YouVisit a Gallery or ExhibitionGo on a MasterclassLearn a New SkillJoin a Creative Network - I am a member of Creative Edinburgh which is the largest network of creatives in the city, dedicated to helping creative business and individuals meet and collaborate. Their events and support have certainly been key to helping my business grow and progress.
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Keep Tapping In To Your Inner Creativity As well as giving yourself creative projects within your own skill set, it's also so much fun to get stuck in on a completely refreshing, alternative creative exercise within your own time. For example, maybe you might want to up cycle an old piece of furniture or start a scrapbook of new ideas, restyle a mantelpiece or make a birthday card for a friend.
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CREATIVE POWER POINTS
Believe in yourself and your own creativity
Don’t think about things too seriously, just go with what feels right
Be open minded to new ideas - don't get fixated on one end goal
It doesn't matter if you get it wrong, just have a go!
And finally, as Einstein once said:
Logic will take you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
SO GO FOR IT!
I hope you've found the above helpful!Do let me know your own thoughts and ideas. It would be great to find out how you have found your own ways of keeping your creativity alive!X