Let’s Celebrate the Journey of the Independent Artist: Craft, Control, and Creativity
Being an independent artist is more than just a career choice; it’s a lifestyle that invites adventure, innovation, and resilience. Independent artists often wear multiple hats, juggling roles as the artist, director, producer, marketer, writer, and even financial planner. This approach gives you a unique edge, providing freedom, control, and the opportunity to create on your terms. But, of course, it comes with its challenges.
Here’s a deep dive into the independent artist’s life, filled with practical insights to help you thrive in every role.
1. Your Role as a Business: The CEO Mindset
When you’re the CEO of your career, you get to make decisions that drive your vision. It’s liberating—and daunting. Independent artists don’t just focus on creative projects; they also build sustainable practices that support long-term success. This includes everything from marketing and networking to budgeting and planning. Try to set aside time each week to evaluate your career from a business perspective:
- Ask Yourself: What projects align with my goals? Where can I grow my audience?
- Practical Tip: Set clear weekly or monthly goals for growth, be it in networking, skill-building, or income targets.
2. Creating a Routine for Multiple Roles
As an independent artist, the variety of roles you juggle can feel chaotic. Establishing a tailored routine can bring balance and consistency. Here’s a framework to build one that respects every hat you wear:
- Role Prioritisation: List out all roles you play—performer, producer, marketer, etc. Identify the ones that need daily focus versus those that are weekly or monthly.
- Designing Your Ideal Day: Map out an “ideal” daily or weekly schedule, blocking time for each role.
- Flexibility with Consistency: Life in the arts can be unpredictable. Be consistent, but allow space to adjust your schedule as projects shift.
3. Authentic Marketing: Being Your Own CMO
Marketing doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Today’s audience connects deeply with authenticity, so bring your true self to your promotion. Talk about your process, struggles, and wins. When you share openly, your audience feels a part of your journey, building a loyal and engaged following.
- Tip: Share behind-the-scenes moments, whether it’s warming up before a show, rehearsing, or brainstorming ideas.
- Goal: Use social media to connect genuinely. Think of it as sharing rather than selling.
4. Setting SMART Goals for Creative and Business Success
Setting goals is essential, but goals need to serve both creative fulfilment and business growth. Use the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) approach to align your artistic and commercial visions:
- Example: Aim to create three new pieces or performances for an upcoming showcase while increasing your engagement rate on social media by 15% over the next three months.
Breaking larger goals down into smaller, actionable steps makes them easier to tackle without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Balancing Work and Rest for Sustainable Success
Burnout is real, especially when you’re wearing many hats. Incorporating structured downtime and active rest is crucial for sustaining both creativity and productivity:
- The Power of Sleep: Make sleep non-negotiable; it recharges your creative and analytical mind.
- Active Rest: Consider activities like watching a performance for inspiration or reading a business book. It gives your brain a break from the daily grind while still feeding your passion and career.
6. Networking as an Independent Artist
Independent artists often thrive through connections. Networking is a skill and a necessity that can open doors to projects, collaborations, and community.
- Where to Network: Attend shows, join online forums, and connect with other artists through social media.
- Goal: Build relationships with others in your field, from fellow artists to potential mentors or collaborators.
7. Building Resilience and Celebrating Small Wins
The life of an independent artist is a rollercoaster. Celebrating the small victories along the way is essential. Every new follower, every completed project, every audition attended is progress.
- Action Step: Keep a journal of your achievements, no matter how small, and review it regularly to stay motivated.
8. Continuous Learning: Staying Ahead in Art and Business
Being an independent artist means being a lifelong learner. Staying current with trends, technologies, and skills helps you grow your craft and business:
- Practical Tip: Set aside time each month to explore a new skill or trend. This could mean learning about social media, exploring new acting methods, or taking a business management workshop.
Embrace the Freedom, Creativity, and Empowerment
Being an independent artist is not just a career; it’s an adventure. Every role you take on brings you closer to mastering the art of self-sufficiency, helping you shape a career that is uniquely yours. Embrace the power you hold as the CEO of your journey. Here’s to the multi-hyphenate artists, finding balance, building resilience, and creating incredible, authentic work.
Keep creating. Keep growing. And keep inspiring.
