As a former professional dancer turned business coach, I recently sat down with Phil Better on the "Investing Yourself" podcast to discuss something that's been on my mind lately: the evolving landscape of creative careers and the gig economy. And let me tell you, it's not just about being the next Beyoncé or struggling artist anymore (though if Queen Bey is reading this, call me — I'd love to help write your next book! 😉).
The Truth About Creative Careers in 2024
"I think what we've seen in the past is: if you're an artist, you're famous. Like you're either Beyonce or you're poor," I shared during the interview. "When the truth of the matter is, while it might be less known, there are so many artists and creatives making a living doing what they love."
This hits at the heart of what I see every day supporting independent creatives: there's a vast middle ground where talented professionals are building sustainable businesses doing what they love. According to recent data that I mentioned in the podcast, millions of people are participating in the gig economy – and they're not all just doing it as a side hustle.
Building Your Creative Career from the Inside Out
One of the biggest mistakes I see creatives make is looking everywhere but within when starting their journey. "I am a firm believer in building your career or business from the inside out,” I shared in the interview. “The first place to start is self-reflection."
Here's what that means practically:
- Know your strengths (try assessments like DISC or StrengthsFinders).
- Understand your values.
- Be clear about what you don't want.
- Define what you do want.
- Know who you are at your core.
Rejection: Your New Best Friend
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: rejection. During my dance career, I learned something valuable that applies to every creative entrepreneur. "Going to auditions, choking and failing in front of everybody, and being told no a gazillion times repeatedly really does toughen you up."
Here's a mindset shift that might help: think of rejections as data points. Each "no" is simply redirecting you to where you need to be. In the world of creative entrepreneurship, resilience isn't just helpful, it's essential.
The Future of Creative Careers
I want to change the perception of independent creative careers. As I discussed with Phil, I envision a future where “when there's a conversation about what you’d like to do, I would like for there not to be as much fear and uncertainty around something that is not a traditional 9-5."
Fortunately, the landscape is changing, and we're already seeing this shift. More platforms are emerging for freelancers, more businesses are embracing contract work, and more creatives are finding ways to build sustainable careers on their own terms.
Your Next Step in Building a Six-Figure Creative Career
Here's the truth I've learned from my journey from professional dancer to business coach: success in the creative gig economy isn't about luck or connections – it's about strategy, resilience, and knowing how to tell your story. We spend roughly 90,000 hours of our lives working. Why not spend them doing what you love while making the money you deserve?
Remember: You don't have to choose between being Beyoncé or being broke. There's a whole world of possibility in between – and I’d love to help you navigate it. Get your free Creative's LaunchKit – packed with 40+ work sources, pricing guide, and proposal template to help you land high-value contracts and build your $100K creative business.
