Can your creative passion become a business?
The answer of course is a resounding yes – but with a hefty asterisk next to it. Passion alone will burn your dreams to the ground but when guided by logic and an acceptance of change, it has the power to drive the very thing you’ve been dreaming of.
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I decided that writing was my path in 2008. More than 10 years later I’ve reinvented my perspective on my craft as needed, allowing it to evolve in order to pave the way to my goals.
Among the many lessons I’ve learned, here are 3 that you may find particularly beneficial as you consider embarking on your own creative ventures:
- Know that your craft will teach you new skills, if you let it.
- Your inherent creativity makes you a stronger candidate when utilized knowingly.
- Nothing is static.
If you had told me back in 2008 that by studying writing I’d unlock the ability to teach myself how to code, you would’ve been met with a blank stare. I never would have guessed that my creative writing degree would have led me to being recruited for a position at Yale University. Being a self employed writer was a dream. Being a web designer wasn’t yet a thought.
And yet, here I am.
The arts are generally regarded as impractical. I think it’s because they’re often misused. There’s a tendency to think very narrowly towards your own craft, how you want to use it, and how it will live in the world. If you’re looking for something more, if you want to create but a singular path is restraining to you, here are some steps to consider.
Explore Different Perspectives
The best recipes are those that we can manipulate in several different ways. Peruvian chicken becomes a chicken salad, a nutrient dense soup, a comforting pot pie. We start with a whole and then transform it into an ingredient.
For me, writing has always been both a whole endeavor and an ingredient. By viewing it as both I’ve allowed myself to expand my knowledge, create through curiosity and build a business that is fulfilling and serves to help others create their dreams.
The challenge is to first understand how you can split your thought process in so many ways. You know how you view your art. But how will it be viewed, used and enjoyed by others? Are there uses that perhaps you haven’t thought of yet? Ways to manipulate your offerings (whether you’ve outlined them already or are still in the brainstorming process) to create new and unique experiences?
As you ask yourself these questions, begin to make a list. Write down everything, no matter how silly, ridiculous or outlandish it may sound. If you’re questioning this process, know this:
10 years ago being a web designer wasn’t even a thought in my mind.
7 years ago, it seemed impossible.
5 years ago, it was a suggestion.
Today it’s my main source of income.
Your only limit is the one you place on yourself. Everything else can be figured out.
Use Your Creativity!
I don’t just mean create everyday. I’m certain in some way you’re already doing that, or at least reminding yourself that you need to.
What I mean is to not only be creative, but get creative. Make it work for you. Think about your craft in relation to the world around you. Where might there be connections? How else can you utilize the unique knowledge you’ve learned from your passion? Finding these answers will require thinking outside of the box.
For example, take the comparison between coding and creative writing. On the surface, they’re SO different. In order to understand it at a faster pace, I looked for the similarities and found that code is simply a language, a form of communication within technology. Once I understood this, I was able to adapt my writing process and apply it to the process of coding. This not only allowed me to move up in the marketing department I was working within at the time, it also led to my position at Yale University.
When you let your creative path expand further than the typical perception, anything can happen.
Whether you’re an employee or you’re looking to build a business based around your creative passion, knowing where it intersects with different skillsets and abilities is important. This knowledge will empower you with the ability to pivot as needed and apply your unique perspective to each and every project you take on.
How Far Can Your Business Idea Go?
There are two components here:
- What do you want?
- What does your target market need?
Outlining the answers to those two questions will help you establish the pillars of your business. It’ll also help you understand if you have a business versus a passion project (aka side hustle), or if you can learn from your hobby and use it to amplify your career. There is no wrong answer here.
If you’re frustrated and feeling like your dreams don’t have a leg to stand on, write down an objective list of all the reasons why it won’t work. Then counter those thoughts with the exact opposite. See what comes to light.
The truth is that you’re the one who decides how far your business can go. What risks are you willing to take? Are you ready and able to put in the hard work? Will you pivot or resist the suggestion of trying a new strategy? Do you really want this? If there’s a pit in your stomach at the suggestion of answering these questions, don’t shy away from it. Being a business owner requires a brutal level of honesty with yourself that, when given the chance, has the power to make every aspect of your life so much better.
Listen To Your Own Voice
We consume content at such a fast rate that we’re consistently exposed to the opinions and experiences of others. If we’re not careful our own judgement can be clouded by their successes and failures. As you contemplate starting your business – whether it’s weekends at a craft fair or a full time gig you’re hoping to build for yourself – make the time to sit with your own thoughts. Take 30 minutes in the morning before you do anything else and start drafting your ideas.
You might be surprised at what your inner voice already knows and is ready to accomplish.
SAMANTHA PATERNOSTER
Writing is much bigger than a career. It’s more interesting than a hobby. It’s the spark to an eternal curiosity that has led me to learn unexpected skills, treasure knowledge passed down through generations, and create a space for voices that need to speak.
I earned my B.A. in Creative Writing from Brandeis University, with a focus on long and short fiction. I have nearly a decade of experience as a copywriter and editor. But I’ve also worked as an Email Analyst and QA Analyst at Yale University, helping to launch their redesigned Giving page circa 2014.
Most recently, I’ve started my own business – Creatively You. Built for my clients, it is founded on one simple act: listening. By listening to my clients’ dreams and needs, I am able to help them develop their brands through cohesive web design and content that tells their stories.
I don’t believe in linear paths. I do believe in the magic that embracing the unknown can bring.
