Releasing the Creative Side in You

Many of us had dream careers in mind when we younger. Some are lucky to achieve those dreams, while others traded these dreams for a reliable full time career which pays the mortgage and bills. For some the burning desire to follow their ideal career is never far from their mind, but often put aside due to the difficulty involved to pursue it.
Those wishing to break into the creative industries in particular are less likely to be able to pursue the career they crave. Creative careers are highly competitive, and if setting up as a designer or artist extremely difficult to conquer as it takes time, determination, and networking to succeed; and money can be the biggest factor which can delay or put a halt to the business ever taking off.
However it is possible to achieve your goal of setting up as an artist or designer. If you are passionate enough and have the drive to succeed, then you have the characteristics create a successful business. There are initial steps you can take to launch your dream career. If you have talent and passion this should not be ignored and while it takes time to set up a business, you could end up with a strong healthy profitable new career.

Plan your budget

It is easy to get over excited when you start out and manically spend your money on things you might need. However keeping a cool head and realistically planning everything can help you keep a tight rein on your money. Plan what is required straight away, and realistically list how much you would expect to pay for it. If it is something that is more involved such as a website, gather quotes to give you a clear understanding of costs.
Prepare a spreadsheet of your expected expenses so you can see what you are likely to face. It will prevent you from spending small amount of money here and there which will add up and potentially lead you into excess debt.

Utilize you spare time

It is likely when starting out that money is tight. There will be expenses to pay for, so it is wise to maintain your full time career while you set up. This can be a great support knowing that your personal expenses are covered.
In the early days, your business will require a lot of your mind power and time. You will have to consider logo design, website planning, branding, market research, and work out who is your target market; and that’s on top of designing or creating your work.
If you are determined enough you can find slots within your day to get your business moving. Lunch breaks, evenings and weekends might be precious; however if sacrificed for the time being while you set up, can be hugely valuable. Is it incredible what you can fit in around a full time job if you plan your ‘to do’ list properly. Set targets of what you want to achieve and when, this will keep you on track, and plan your workload into your spare time. The hard work will pay off and the knowledge that your business is beginning to find its feet really is worth the sacrifice of your spare time.

Use your contacts

You will have friends and family surrounding you which will be able to help you. You never know who has a secret talent and might be able to help. Also a friend of yours might know of someone who can help you. If you need a photographer for example, speak to friends, ask them if they know anybody, ask around. People will want to help you and it is likely you can build up some useful contacts by communicating your needs to others.
If you find you are having no luck here, approach universities, there will be a whole range of under graduates looking to improve their portfolio and gain experience. They are likely to help you for no cost and you will be helping each other.

Begin to network

Networking is key in any business. Gaining a support network of fellow professionals can be really useful. You can share ideas, find out about opportunities you might not have heard of, and help each other with problems. Many networking events take place in the evening, so it can fit around your work schedule. Networking events can be anything such as visiting a private view at a gallery, going to a trade show, or visiting exhibitions and generally talking to people.
It is not easy setting up, and can take years, however the sense of achievement when your business begins to grow, and you can take those first steps towards a career of your dreams is worth the time. Eventually you will be able to go part time and then further in the future, take the plunge and become self employed. If you want it enough and have dreamt of it for years, it’s worth a try at least.

About the author: Kirsten works with many new businesses that are setting up. They come to WhoIsHostingThis? looking for reliable hosting for their companies. If you are starting out and need help visit our website.