Life as a creative artist

Life as a creative artist, or running a creative business can have its challenges and it’s ups and downs. 

From the outset being a artist, painter, singer, musician, dancer, designer, maker, poet – you name it – can be seen as taking a risky path. It can be  un-certain, highly competitive, isolated and can be a a tough environment to make a living.

Whilst the rewards can be great if you happen to make it to the top of your profession it can be very taxing, challenging an difficult. Being a creative can also bring about a range of pulls between wanting to be free to express oneself and create – and needing to ensure one creates a sustainable living. In some areas of the arts – like sport – the shelf-life of a mainstream career can also be short and injury or other setbacks can cut a career short. But that’s just a part of it – the buzz and rewards of being an artist also come from creating, expressing, performing and connecting.

As a coach with a background in media and as a singer-songwriter – and who works with many creatives and creative businesses – I’m very mindful of the journey of the creative; personally, spiritually and professionally.  

If you’re a creative or creative business you may well enjoy this two part interview with fellow-creative Sarah Warsop. Sarah is a dancer, choreographer and jewellery maker. Sarah has worked independently, ran her own dance company and served as jewellery-maker in residence at the British Library. We discuss the ups and downs of life as a creative, finding your own path and making your own mark.

If you’re a creative artists or business owner you may get a lot out of my new Soul Trader; your life, your business at the British Library’s Business & IP Centre. Held once a month the workshop gives you the space to step back, take stock, gain clarity, get organised and motivated and develop a flexible plan to move ahead in your life, career and business in a way that is true to you and your customers.