The 'Boring' Side of Creative Work: A Necessary Evil
Creativity is often celebrated for its freedom and expression (and the sheer anxiety it brings when you’re constantly trying to make sales or push for work), but behind the scenes, there's a less glamorous side that every creative must face: the "boring" tasks. These are the responsibilities that nobody really talks about that can make or break your career, yet many creatives struggle with them.
First up is tax returns. Managing finances, keeping track of receipts, and ensuring you’re compliant with tax laws is crucial, but often overlooked. It’s not just about filing on time; it’s about understanding deductions and managing your income effectively. Many creatives find themselves overwhelmed, which can lead to costly mistakes, but to be honest, if you can keep track of your income and outgoings (keep all your receipts) then it’s not that difficult. If you have a spreadsheet that you fill in weekly or even monthly it will go a long way to helping towards filling in that return. I’ve been lucky in a way as I spent around 20 years working as a contractor in the engineering industry and that means corporation tax, VAT returns, fuel expenses and everything else, which really gave me a great insight into it all. My advice to anyone in the industry is to learn it and I don’t mean doing a degree, just learn the basics so that you have that ‘basic’ understanding. Still struggling? Jump onto a mentoring session with me.
Next is advertising and marketing. You might have incredible work, but if no one knows about it, it won’t matter. From maintaining a social media presence to crafting compelling ads, these tasks require consistency and strategy, often feeling tedious compared to the excitement of creating art. Having a team helps, when it’s just yourself it can feel like a full-time job in itself just to market your company or your work. If you are lucky to be swamped with work, then delegate tasks like marketing to those who are good at it.
The Pomodoro Technique
Balancing the creative process with administrative tasks requires effective time management. Prioritise your daily activities by breaking them down into manageable chunks, whether it's an hour for editing, 30 minutes for social media, or a set time each week for bookkeeping. Tools like to-do lists, calendars, and project management apps can help streamline your workflow, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks, or you could practice the Pomodoro technique for focus. The key is consistency and discipline, turning these "boring" tasks into regular habits that support your creative goals. Here’s a link to a ‘pomodoro’ timer: LINK HERE!
Finally, there’s client management, following up on invoices, negotiating contracts, and setting clear expectations. These are critical for maintaining healthy professional relationships but can be challenging for those who prefer to focus on the creative process.
In short, while these tasks may seem dull, they’re essential for sustaining a successful creative career. Mastering them can provide the stability and growth you need to keep doing what you love in a creative world that you adore.
