Well its no secret, Creatives are finally getting a seat at the board room table, as today more than ever, the importance of strategy, innovation and human centered design is becoming evident.
But more importantly, is the fact that, more and more creatives are stepping into leadership roles; being the bosses of their own businesses. Finally, creatives, designers, innovators are taking that “leap of faith” and are putting their feet in murky water. A territory that we creatives, are often scared of. After all, being a CEO of your own company would mean you having to deal with Excel; which is considered to be a nightmare. Finance is normally preferred to be a “no-go-zone” for us.
So today, I’m really excited to share my learnings on how to get there, as I know there are lots of Creatives who are reading this blog and want to probably start their own business (freelance or otherwise) but don’t know how. I’m happy to share the knowledge (free of charge 🙂 because I think the joy that Shop Nanjala gives me, seeing it grow (however ever so slowly) and counting the coins is just totally worth it. Biashara really gives one a satisfaction that only comes second to child birth.
Well so allow me to share 5 key principles as to how to jump start a creative startup that I have used and keep testing. So in case you balk at one or two points, hey, give me a break, I too am learning and trying to get it right.
Know your talent and own it
Depending on where your talents lie, be very sure about what talent it is that you want your customers to know you for. What sort of talent do you have? Are you exceptional at it? Do you have a signature style that will set you apart from the competition?
Yeap, one needs to really be an expert or has the relevant experience in their industry to be able to cut through the competition. Your craft needs to justify the premium fee charges that artists & designs are known for.
So, the promise to a client, best match up with the end results. In fact, the trick is to under promise and blow their socks off when the project is complete!
Keep learning – Invest in your skill
Strategy, ideation and creativity work in a symbiotic fashion and in today’s fast paced world we are seeing more and more clients need to get their work turned around in record speed. Also it needs to just look modern, contemporary and aesthetically appealing. No one is going to buy a design layout of a publication done on MS Word, for example. If you are a graphic designer master the core Adobe creative suite, an interior designer needs to take on Archicad like a duck in water, while photographers, can have a go at editing their raw photos on LightRoom. There are many apps that just help your work look so much better and everyday should really be a lesson.
After receiving a brief from the client, do a bit of research, Wikipedia never sued anyone for their information. It’s only prudent that you learn about your customer and master their mission, vision and culture like you were one of their most dedicated employee. We must all be like Actors, when a health script comes along, one must wear their “medic” hat. When an out-of-space brief comes along one must wear their spaceship suit, you are about to take-off to the galaxy! Or if humour is required, watch lots of Tom and Jerry and have fun with the brief.
Indeed, to stay and always give fresh ideas, you must research, research, research. That way you not only better yourself as a creative through learning, but you also just may surprise your client with informed background knowledge. It just goes a long way in showing your vigour to give excellent work everytime.
Get the best equipment money can buy
Never have I encountered a graphic designer go on to get a PJ without their laptop. Neither have I seen a photographer go for a photoshoot without their camera.
Being successful in your creative startup required that you are fully prepared and have all the tools. Please get the very best that money can buy. If you are an illustrator, get a Wacom. You a calligrapher? Go to Amazon or Alibaba and get the best pens money could buy + original Indian ink and learn different typography & handwriting styles. Or you wanna be a musician, go for voice coaching with Kavutha or book a date with Olive Gachara for a fashion consultation.
Invest in yourself and in your craft. Just get your act together and not only will you look your best, you will design/create and create the best. The money will definitely follow.
Have a team
You can’t do it all. Pick the best, those that share your values and ethos. And then kick ass.
Have a good dose of Narcissism.
I read somewhere that architects have all the characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I think it’s a great thing to have. Or when working with some Creative Directors (I wont name names), people sneakily comment in hush tones, “OMG, that one is hard to work with, he has an ego for days!”.
Well, I’m a firm believer of admiration for one’s work. We as creatives need to have the capacity to take on positive and genuine criticism about our work as well as be able to give helpful advice in other peoples work. Criticism is an bad word that loosely translates to, “I care that the work should look exceptionally great, so how about we have another retake?” It surely comes from a space call passion. Passion (that gut feeling) that drives us to only have & accept the best is key for every true creative.
Sometimes, this is often confused for “perfectionism”. But hey, with genius comes excellence, and this can only translate sometimes to harsh criticism of the work. So I’d say, bollocks! Keep at it, keep the ego and continue refining your talent – no apologies for that.
Here is a parting shot to sum it all up.
According to Fast Co, several research shows that unlike people without narcissistic behavior, “productive” narcissists were more enthusiastic, witty, and charming–all traits, that people associate with creativity.
Leaders such as Jack Welch or George Soros are examples of productive narcissists. They are gifted and creative strategists who see the big picture and find meaning in the risky proposition of changing the world and leaving behind a legacy.
Creatives are demi gods. Be one. And who knows you could be the next Unicorn.
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