ONE | 3 simple steps to transform your creative passions into a full-time gig

Moonlighting as a photographer? Selling vintage clothes whenever you get a spare sec? Spending your evenings painting beautiful artwork to take to weekend fairs?

If your passion project is much more interesting and rewarding than your 9 to 5, maybe it’s time to think about a career change.

But how do you turn that creative side hustle into a full-time earner? The kind that reliably pays the bills and still allows you to take the occasional holiday?

If you’ve already done the groundwork, making the switch might be easier than you think…

These three easy steps will have you on your way to living your creative purpose, day in and day out.

Step 1: Make the commitment

Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith; committing, overnight, to the thing that really makes us happy.

For you, it’s the passion project you’ve been working on for months (maybe years?), but haven’t had the courage to leave the day job for. But now’s the time.

Because, guess what? You’re leaping with a parachute. You’ve taken it slowly in the beginning — figuring out who’s interested in your creative output, and whether you can make a living from it. Chances are, your side hustle has helped you save up a little extra cash, too.

These are all solid ways to build up your business know-how, and to get to grips with the challenges and rewards that might lie ahead.

So today’s the day when you just have to take the plunge — safe in the knowledge that you’re actually going to soar.

After all, there’s a direct relationship between what you put in to something and what you get out. If you always see your creative passion as a little something on the side, you won’t give it the energy required to get it to that next level.

Giving your passion project full-time status means you’ll have to make sacrifices. You’ll have to live, breathe and sleep this thing — at least for now. But if that actually sounds quite appealing, why not go for it?

Make the commitment today and see where your drive can take you.

Step 2: Get yourself an accountability partner

Once you’ve decided to turn your passion into a full-time gig, it’s time to get an accountability partner.

This is someone you’ll share your long and short term goals with. They’ll then check in with you regularly to see how you’re getting on.

Cue shame and regret if you miss your deadlines. Or bubbly x2 when you knock those targets out of the park.

Being your own boss can be tough, but an accountability partner will help you to maintain your motivation and self-discipline. It’s one of the few times in life when peer pressure is actually a good thing!

So who should you pick as your accountability partner?

You could choose a friend or relative, a supplier you have a close relationship with, or an online contact who’s also developing their own creative business.  

Whoever you choose, they should be a good listener. They should be keen to understand your passions and dreams — and be totally invested in seeing you realize them.

But your accountability partner should also be someone who’s not afraid to give you a telling off! You want them to incentivize you, and act as a disappointed counterpart if you fail to deliver.

A “don’t worry, maybe next week” just won’t cut it in the accountability game.

Step 3: Put yourself out there

Presenting your creative project to the world — and trying to actually sell it — can be a daunting prospect. And that’s totally understandable: when you’re an entrepreneur, it’s hard to tell where you end and the business starts.

What if people don’t like it? What if you make mistakes? What if buyers compare you to other brands and find your ideas lacking? Will they think less of you as a person, too?

But don’t let these fears hold you back! Anyone setting up a creative business has experienced these exact same worries. And when nasty thoughts creep in, it’s worth remembering two things.

One: everyone makes mistakes. Brilliant minds — from Steve Jobs to C.S Lewis — say they’ve learned more from their screw ups than their successes. So accept that it’s okay to learn as you go.

Two: your offering is unlikely to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that really isn’t a problem. There are plenty of people out there who will love what you do! You just need to find them. To do that, you need to take a deep breath and put yourself out there. 

Show the world who you are and what you can do.

If the idea of networking events and LinkedIn InMail leaves you lost at sea, then consider the many alternate routes to getting yourself seen.  

Social media is a fantastic way to connect with potential customers and collaborators, near and far. And you can certainly win exposure through a beautifully designed and regularly updated website. Sure, the digital space is crowded right now, but you can break through — and I’d love to help. 

It’s my creative passion to help other entrepreneurs realize their ideas, that’s why I built Street Designed. Why not book a free 15 minute consultation and let’s chat all about what it is you want to do. If nothing else, I could be just the accountability partner you need!