Ten Tips for Creatives Just Starting Out

Author: Mahmud Bezalel

Every newbie needs a mentor, a guideline, or rules to follow. Something to remove the chaotic feeling that comes with being a beginner at something. It’s similar to how you needed to be taught how to read when you started schooling, but now, you’re almost at the level of independence in terms of academic survival.

So, for creatives just starting out, in any industry at all. Here are 10 tips you need to take special note of.

1. Experiment with different mediums and styles to find what you enjoy most: I know you’ve heard this saying to a sickening degree; “Jack of all trades, master of none.” But were you told that the saying doesn’t stop there? The full saying is actually “Jack of all trades, master of none, but often better than a master of one.” It’s a proverb that has been around for centuries, and it’s usually used to describe someone who is a generalist, rather than a specialist. While a specialist may be more skilled in one particular area, the jack of all trades has a more well-rounded skill set. It’s a way of saying that it can be more beneficial to have a wide range of knowledge, even if it’s not as deep as someone who focuses on a single subject. Therefore, you should not stick to one style or technique, rather, perfect as many as you can, though you’re free to prefer one over the rest.
2. Surround yourself with inspiration by following other artists and creatives on social media: Networking! Collaborating! The importance of both can never be over emphasised. Meet with people of like minds, send friend requests, click that follow button, share ideas with them, and you’ll see yourself developing. Note that it should be a give and take relationship; Biologists call it mutualism. You must have something valuable to offer before you take from people. Unless you’re a colonialist. 😅
3. Practice regularly to elevate your skills and develop your own unique style: We all know the drill. Practice makes perfect. You can’t attain perfection unless you immerse yourself regularly in that activity. And why is that?
   Consistent practice ensures that not only is that skill getting embedded in your consciousness, but it is also being embedded in your subconsciousness, such that you can do the rudiments without even thinking twice as hard as you originally would. What did Bruce Lee say? “I fear not, the man who knows a thousand kicks. I fear the man who has practiced one kick a thousand times.”
4. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are all part of the learning process: He who is afraid to fall will fall in such a way that getting up becomes difficult. It’s that simple. Little falls are easily rectifiable, hence, there is room for mistakes. But when you’re afraid of making these little mistakes, you’re setting yourself for an even bigger mistake.
5. Seek feedback from others to help you grow and improve: Just like what has been said before, networking and collaborating! There is a reason proofreaders exist in the writing business, there is a reason sound engineers exist in Music. You can’t always spot your mistakes yourself; external feedback is necessary.
6. Set goals for yourself and work towards achieving them: When there is no plan, it seems you’re not making progress. Goals help you record what you’ve done and what you have left to do. Safe to say, it keeps your progress and development organized.
7. Take breaks when needed to avoid burnout and keep your creativity flowing: “And on the Seventh Day, God rested.” Rest is as old as man himself. Take that break, don’t worry, you’ll meet the deadline comfortably. Don’t sweat it.
8. Network with other creatives to collaborate and share ideas: We can’t keep emphasizing this, champ.
9. Invest in quality materials and tools that will help you produce better work: There is a reason this falls to number 9. You need quality tools; quality tools make quality products IF you can afford them. Otherwise, make do with what you have until you can get what you want. Or better still, use what you have until it helps you get what you want.
10. Don’t compare yourself to others—focus on your journey and progress: Comparisons, especially envious and unhealthy comparisons more often than not, lead to depression. Granted, the progress of some accelerates faster than others, but look around you. The diversity of humans is there to make you realize we are not the same. Unity in diversity, rather than harmonious growth.
    And as a bonus, here are 5 more tips that you may find equally important. You’re welcome.
11. Attend workshops, classes, and exhibitions to learn from others in the field.
12. Keep a sketchbook or journal to jot down ideas and sketches for future projects
13. Be open to trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone.
14. Stay organized and create a schedule to stay on track with your creative projects.
15. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of creating art!