The creative arts sector is a broad and competitive industry with eager talent constantly aspiring to join the market. In recent years the creative arts industry has been hit hard with many practitioners uncertain where their next job or contract will come from in a post-pandemic economic climate.
Whilst the need to make ends meet right now is strong for many it's not a time to dwell and lament on the losses. It's a time to be upskilling, researching, connecting and showing the world what you have to offer.
Something I know for certain is that is us “creatives” - we as a collective community know how to adopt radical thinking to find creative solutions in trying times.
Creative colleague Andrew Claridge with his twenty-plus years’ experience working nationally and internationally in the industry has seen it all before with the Global Financial Crisis (2007-2008).
“As clients struggle with budget cuts, they become even more picky as to who they hire. It’s a double-edged sword really, they want more for less. Although not always viable, I believe it’s important to stand firm on your fees (if everyone does this, we won’t set a precedent) the clients will always find money if they want your services badly enough. But in saying that, it’s equally as important for us to up-skill in these tough times and offer new, innovative and cost-effective ways of doing things so the clients feel as though they’re getting more bang for their buck”.
Whilst the arts industry has taken a massive blow across the board, there are real opportunities for organic and authentic growth in the creative arts industry locally. For practitioners in South East Queensland who are willing to innovate and adapt to the changing creative global landscape there is potential for a bright future ahead filled with development opportunities.
3 Simple Actions to Take Now to Level Up Your Creative Career
1. Diversify your freelance talent pool for multifaceted projects. In the current economic climate full time, creative staff may have been let go from previously well-known powerhouses in the industry. This is a great opportunity for big businesses in the industry who are staying afloat and innovating to unearth and connect with dynamic new talents with fresh perspectives on campaigns in the current economic climate. Likewise it an opportunity for those sole freelancers to be actively shining a light on their skill set to attract the attention of the big guys. The key advice here is to deliver on projects that are unlike anything else coming out of our region, get competitive with the national and international market.
2. If you're a freelancer uncertain of what's next, perhaps it's time to upskill and expand your knowledge within the creative industry or general business. Do your research take a course or masterclass and level up your knowledge and skills. Those who fail to upskill will be left behind wondering where their target market or bookings went. Now is the time to invest in your own personal development. Check out some local course options in various creative fields:
3. Finally and most importantly if you don't know what else to do there is no better time than now to experiment and try something new in your creative field or business. As the industry starts to get back on its feet, you will need to be fresh, relevant and able to be a storyteller showing a unique perspective that stands out above your competitors.
My advice is to throw off the shackles of judgement and what others may think, you don’t need a massive social media following to pivot your creative career, you just need to give your potential the opportunity.
Comments