What Non-Creatives Struggle to Understand About Artists Running a Business
There are so many different facets to running a business — and when you’re an artist, you’re not just managing a business, you’re also constantly trying to innovate and come up with new creative work. That’s a unique kind of pressure that non-creatives don’t always see or fully understand.
Creativity is emotional. You can’t just turn it on like a switch. You either have to be in a creative rhythm, or you have to find ways to cultivate that inspiration and focus — and that’s not always easy when you're also juggling admin tasks, marketing, finances, and everything else that comes with being self-employed.
Unlike a traditional job, there’s no clear structure or obvious markers of progress. The creative process isn’t linear — it’s full of trial and error, ongoing practice, and constant self-evaluation. You’re always learning, refining, and trying to improve. At the same time, you have to stay open to criticism and keep coming up with new ideas to keep the business side moving forward.
Every piece you create is an extension of you. Putting it out into the world takes courage, and not everyone will receive it well. That emotional risk is something many non-creatives don’t realize is part of the job.
In the beginning, I found it really hard to balance the creative and business sides. But over time, I’ve learnt that being an artist means committing to a process with no final destination — just continuous growth, refinement, and the drive to become better at both the art and the work that supports it.
- Karriena