Creative individuals enrich our lives, making the journey more fun and meaningful!
Picture a world solely consumed by financial concerns and superficial performances. Envision existence without the sound of music, dance, and theatre, with walls bare of artistry. How monotonous our lives would become! Yet, it remains a perplexing mystery how society often disregards creativity and the financial struggles many creative minds endure, especially when they are starting their professional life.
Let’s first highlight how often people perceive the creative industries as a “hobby” or “passion” rather than a legitimate profession. This misconception largely stems from the idea that creativity is solely for “fun,” so why should one be paid for it?
In our society, there's a prevalent misconception that the creative industries are merely hobbies or passions rather than legitimate professions. This misperception arises from the belief that creativity is inherently enjoyable, so why should one expect financial compensation for something they love doing? This flawed notion overlooks the immense skill, effort, and dedication required to excel in creative fields.
Why should't we "not pay" creatives for their work?
I regularly receive feedback from creatives in photography, video editing, music, performance, and graphic design regarding how frequently they are offered compensation in "exposure" for their work, with promises of visibility and popularity. However, once the work is completed, they often realise that little to no effort has been made to truly showcase the artist's talents and help them shine. This practice is notable as well among individuals or organisations with ample budgets at their disposal.
Using a metaphor it would be approaching your banker and saying, "If you can help me generate X% on my investment, I'll send you my friends and mention it to my partners,” or telling a mechanic, "If you fix my car well, I'll refer my family and friends to your garage."
Creative professionals invest countless hours honing their craft, refining their skills, and navigating the complexities of their chosen medium. They often invest in expensive tools and materials to bring their visions to life. Despite facing challenges and setbacks like any other profession, their contributions are frequently undervalued or dismissed as frivolous pursuits.
However, creativity is not just about enjoyment; it's about innovation, expression, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Creative industries drive cultural development, spark new ideas, and shape the way we perceive the world around us. Yet, despite their undeniable impact, creative individuals frequently struggle to sustain themselves financially. They may face unstable income, lack of job security, and limited access to resources compared to more traditional professions.
This discrepancy highlights a fundamental disparity in how society perceives and values creativity. It's essential to recognise that creative work deserves the same respect and compensation as any other profession. By acknowledging the skill and expertise required in creative fields, we can create a more equitable environment where creative individuals can thrive and continue enriching our lives with their unique contributions.
The societal perception of creative industries as mere hobbies or passions can contribute significantly to the prevalence of imposter syndrome among artists and creatives. When society downplays the value of creative work, it sends a message that creative individuals aren't "real" professionals, leading many to doubt their own legitimacy and worth.
Imposter syndrome thrives in environments where individuals feel their achievements are undeserved or dismissed. For artists, this often manifests as feeling like they don't belong in their field, despite their talents and accomplishments. They may constantly fear being exposed as frauds, doubting their abilities and questioning whether they truly deserve recognition or compensation for their work.
The constant struggle for validation in a society that devalues creativity can take a toll on artists' mental health and confidence. It's a vicious cycle: the more society undermines the significance of creative professions, the more artists internalise feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
Copyright matters:
In addition to the challenges creatives face regarding compensation and recognition, there's another significant issue at play: the respect of copyright and intellectual property. Unfortunately, unscrupulous business people often take advantage of creatives' work without proper compensation or credit. This exploitation undermines the integrity of the creative industries and harms individual artists' livelihoods.
Copyright infringement and intellectual property theft are rampant in today's digital age. Many individuals or organizations with ample budgets exploit the work of creatives without permission, often using it for commercial gain without offering fair compensation. This unethical behavior not only devalues the creative work but also infringes on the rights and livelihoods of the artists.
Moreover, the lack of legal protection and enforcement mechanisms further exacerbates the problem, leaving creatives vulnerable to exploitation. Without adequate safeguards in place, artists struggle to protect their work and receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from both creatives and society as a whole. Creatives must educate themselves about their rights and advocate for fair treatment and compensation. Additionally, society needs to recognize the importance of respecting copyright and intellectual property and hold businesses and individuals accountable for their actions.
Having encountered this struggle in my early career while working in a creative environment, those issues became crystal clear later on and were a game-changer. I believe I can support creative people to overcome what may be holding them back and help them grow faster with confidence towards their goals.
While society must evolve in this regard, it is imperative for creatives to take action, set boundaries, and advocate for themselves. For some, these "soft skills" are inherent aspects of their inner strength, while for others, it might be an area of development and a barrier to achieving their desired success.
At Compass Coaching, we recognise these challenges and strive to help creative individuals navigate the complexities of imposter syndrome, focus, organisation issues and other creative related common blocks. A group NLP Creativity Workshop is running on a regular basis. We also help individuals who are in a "creativity break down" due to burn out or emotional challenges. And through tailored coaching and support, we empower artists to overcome self-doubt, embrace their talents, and welcome the success they deserve. By addressing the root causes of imposter syndrome and fostering a supportive environment, we enable creatives to fully enjoy the fruits of their labor and realise their true potential. Warm regards, Celine Foelmli
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