Career Advice Creatives Wish They Knew Starting Out
If I could sit down with my younger self- the one juggling gigs, doing graphic design for “exposure”, and saying yes to everything to get a foot in the door, I’d give her a big hug, a strong coffee, and a few words of advice.
Building a creative career isn’t a straight line. It’s full of beautiful chaos, unexpected detours, and the occasional identity crisis. But hindsight’s a gift, and if you’re just starting out or in the thick of it, here’s what I (and most creatives I know) wish we’d know sooner.
1. You Are a Business, Not Just a “Creative”
Whether you’re a designer, copywriter, photographer, or strategist, your work has value. You’re not just “making things look pretty” or “helping out”. You’re solving problems, telling stories, and building brands. Treat your talent like a business from day one. That means:
Charge properly (not just what you think you’re worth).
Track your hours and time.
Understand your costs.
Get your contracts and boundaries in place early.
Creativity is your craft. Business is your vehicle.
2. Don’t Wait for Permission
So many creatives wait for the perfect client, job title, or moment to do the work they really want to do. Here’s the big thing…nobody’s coming to knight you “Creative Director of the Universe”.
Want to start a series? Do it. Want to launch your brand? Go. Want to pitch something different to a client? Try. We grow by doing, not by waiting.
3. Community Over Competition
When I started out, I felt like I had to be everything to everyone-and do it all alone. I wish I’d known how powerful it is to collaborate, refer work to others, and build a support network of creative allies.
There’s more than enough work to go around, and our people will get you. Surround yourself with mentors, other creatives, and people who challenge and champion you.
4. Not Every Client is “Your People” (and thats OK)
Learning to say “no” was a game-changer for me. Not every job, project or client is worth your energy, especially if it comes at the cost of your mental health, values, or creative joy.
Saying no creates spece for the yeses that align.
5. Creativity Needs Structure to Thrive
It sounds counterintuitive, but freedom in your work comes from systems, boundaries, and routine. Creative Little Soul didn’t become what it is by winging it (well, not entirely). The structure behind the scenes, templates, checklists, automation, workflows-allows the creative magic to flow.
Learn to manage your energy as much as your time. Know your high-output hours. Honour your creative process.
6. Your Path is Yours Alone
Some people go viral. Some build slowly. Some pivot five times before they find their sweet spot. There’s no one-size-fit-all career path in the creative world. You don’t need to follow someone else’s roadmap, you get to draw your own.
Your weird mix of skills, background, and life experience? That’s your superpower. Use it.
A Final Word…
If you’re in your first year freelancing or ten years deep in the game, keep showing up. Keep learning, keep unlearning, and know that creative careers aren’t built in a straight line. They’re built by brave decisions, community, late nights, random bursts of inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.
And if you ever need a reminder that you’re not alone (or need some solid strategy to back up your sparkle), Creative Little Soul is here.
Here’s to making bold moves and creative magic.
Chrissy x