Someone recently asked me if I had “tips” for succeeding in a creative industry. Which I thought was pretty amusing as I feel I am still in the working-my-ass-off stage, I have yet to sit back to watch the “fruit of my labours”. I have been working in one creative industry or another since university (full time)- first as an illustrator/writer and now as a clothing designer/business-lady. It’s immensely rewarding in some ways but can be very harrowing in others.

It’s not for everyone and that’s okay! Some people don’t want to take on the risks of pursuing a career in a creative sector, they want to do creative things in their spare time or they want to support creative people by attending shows etc- and that’s fine, the world needs those people too! This article is written towards those intending a full-time creative career, though I’m sure much of the premise is applicable to other industries also.

Today I am going to list some lessons I’ve learned (through more error than trial) that might be helpful to keep in mind if you’re planning to pursue a creative career.

1. Work Hard– There’s no way around it. Most people don’t have incredible family/friend connections in the arts, those of us not blessed by running in the “right” circles will have to WORK for it. Heck, even people with those connections still have to prove their skill in the industry- connections just open doors more quickly. Be prepared to put your whole soul and body into it, if you aren’t willing to give up some sleep and missing some (a lot of) socializing then maybe you should reconsider your dedication. Work hard. The thing is, most people who dive into these jobs will give up. It’s a lot of work and very little pay for a long time, and not everyone can handle that. If you consistently apply yourself and every ounce of your creativity/skill past when the others drop out, you will see results.

2. Seek and Be Truth- Trends are ephemeral, what’s “hip” this month will be stale next. Don’t chase what’s popular or try to mimic what others who have succeeded have done- be true to yourself! Create things that *you* would love, trust your original vision and your passion. Follow your interests, however short lived, and your work will develop. People can sense authenticity- when your work is a product of your soul it’s magnetic!

3. Be Flexible– That whole idea of “growing up and working at one job til you die” is something that was put a lot of belief into by the generation of people who were kids of the Depression. They did that, they worked that one single job until they were handed a gold watch and retired, they wanted the security their parents didn’t have. As you know the world isn’t like that now. The sheer amount of competition for average jobs is much higher than it was for previous generations. Many young people are choosing to pursue creative jobs or create their own because opportunities for the kinds of jobs their parents had are disappearing. By doing this you take on a lot of risk but it can be fulfilling in a way nothing else is. It also means you may not end up doing *exactly* what you hoped or planned for originally, you will have to bend, to change directions. Even Gloomth has become something I did not imagine when I started this label in a spare room in my house. I never imagined having staff or large scale photoshoots or any of the amazing things that have happened (and I am so excited to see what’s next)! Be flexible, take every opportunity to express yourself and further your vision- you never know where you will end up! The journey really is the best part.

4. Have Fun- The whole concept that you can’t have a job you love or you can’t have fun every day as a grown-up is bogus but one that still seems prevalent. Love to do something? Love it with your soul! Do it every single day, get better at it. Show it to others, get feedback, then do it some more. Passion is motivating, if you feel deeply for what you do it will keep you afloat when your bank balance prevents the purchase of even the most discounted tacos, when there’s a sea of paperwork to be done. You’ll have crap days no matter what path you choose but if you love what you’re doing those days will feel much smaller.

5. Be Grateful- We have had some incredible hands on our Gloomth team over the years, in every role from production to that nice man at the post office who’d give me free label envelopes when we first started out. No one is a success on their own. You will collaborate, you may hire, you may need someone to open a door. Be grateful for the help offered, for the help given, for the chance to do this at all. Gratitude is a magical emotion as negative feelings cannot coexist with it- you can’t feel thankful and crappy at the same time. Exist in gratitude and you will be orienting towards the positive (now I sound like a hippie, but it’s true)!

Now go do something amazing!!!

-Taeden