Creative + Entrepreneur = Creativepreneur

A creativepreneur is an entrepreneur who builds a business around a personal mission, passion, or purpose and runs it from creative principles, using digital teams, tools, and tribes to expand income and influence (1).

Creativepreneurs express their creativity in new ways by blending and remixing interests, existing ideas, and proven concepts into something new, different, and original.

They are or aspire to be:

• Artists
• Advertising creatives
• Bloggers
• Copywriters
• Fashion designers
• Graphic designers
• User experience designers
• Illustrators
• Photographers
• Marketing managers
• Writers

Who use their creative skills, thinking, and talent to earn a good living by producing art, content, products, and services that will enhance, impact, or improve others’ lives.

Creativepreneurs don’t limit themselves to the status quo. They close the gap between dreaming and doing by pushing themselves to the next level. And by successfully monetizing their creativity on their terms.

• Creativepreneurs profit from their creative ideas, skills, and talents!
• Creativepreneurs grow meaningful businesses!
• Creativepreneurs do what they love!
  

But, let's face it, it can be challenging. It takes more than just creativity to turn your ideas into a successful business. That's why I've compiled a list of the top 5 traits you must develop to become a profitable creativepreneur.

The 5 Must Have Traits Of Successful Creativepreneurs

All successful creativepreneurs have a few things in common. They have essential personal traits or “the right stuff” that allow them to transform their ideas into profitable businesses.

By developing the following traits, you can turn your ideas into a successful creative business and go from being a dreamer to a doer:

1. Imaginative

To be imaginative is to be inventive.

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere – Albert Einstein

You are imaginative if you like thinking outside of the box, playing with possibilities, and remixing existing ideas and concepts from unrelated fields into something new and unique.

Develop your imagination by:

• Explore new creative mediums
• Learn new skills
• Listen to new music
• Read
• Write
• Play

Challenge one:

Use your imagination to envision three creative business ideas that would allow you to profit from your various interests, skills, and talents.

To complete this challenge, take some time to brainstorm different business ideas that align with your interests, skills, and talents. Here are a few examples to get you started:

1. Suppose you're a graphic designer with a passion for sustainability. In that case, you could start a business that designs eco-friendly packaging for small businesses.
2. If you're a writer who loves travel, you could start a business that creates travel guides for people with disabilities.
3. Or if you're a fashion designer with a passion for vintage clothing. You could start a business that designs and sells vintage-inspired clothing and accessories.

As you brainstorm, try to think outside the box and come up with unique and original ideas.

Your imagination is limitless!

2. Inquisitive

Inquisitive can be defined as intellectual curiosity.

I happen to be kind of an inquisitive guy, and when I see things I don’t like, I start thinking, why do they have to be like this, and how can I improve them – Walt Disney

If you have an active mind that is always trying to understand or improve things, and you enjoy learning from others by asking lots of questions, then you are inquisitive.

Become more inquisitive by:

• Never be afraid to ask questions
• Listen without judgment
• Keep an open mind

Challenge two:

Using your inquisitive mind, analyze your favorite creative business idea from challenge one to ask questions like…

• Who are potential role models that achieved similar goals?
• What steps did they take in building their businesses?
• What obstacles did they have to overcome?
• What do I admire about their product, service, or style?
• How can I do something similar but better?

To complete this challenge, you will need to take the creative business idea you came up with in Challenge One and research it. Start by identifying potential role models or businesses in your industry that have achieved similar goals. Look for examples of businesses that have successfully monetized their creativity and are doing what you want.

Once you have identified some role models, ask questions about their businesses. Look for information on how they started, what steps they took to build their businesses, and any obstacles they had to overcome. Try to understand their business models and what makes their products or services unique.

Next, identify what you admire about their product, service, or style and think about how you can do something similar but better. For example, if you admire a business with a unique approach to sustainable products, think about how to take that concept and make it even more sustainable or appealing to a broader audience.

Don't stop asking questions, because...

You questions lead to great new ideas!

3. Persistent

Persistent is like a burning desire.

To succeed, one must be creative and persistent – John H. Johnson

If you never give up, face your fears, and find new ways of doing things when obstacles stand in your way of achieving your goals, then you are persistent.

Become more persistent by:

• Identify your wants, desires & motivations
• Focus on the long term benefits
• Challenge your own excuses
• Practice gratitude

Challenge three:

Make a "when things get tough" reminder list that compares:

1. All the negative feelings and consequences you would have if you never reached your goals.
2. All the positive feelings, benefits, and consequences you would have if you did reach your goals.

To complete this challenge, take some time to reflect on your goals and the potential consequences of achieving or not achieving them.

Start by listing all the negative feelings and consequences you would have if you never reached your goals. For example, feeling unfulfilled, bored, disappointed, and needing more financial freedom.

Next, list all the positive feelings and benefits you would have if you did reach your goals. For example, being able to use your creative skills, feeling fulfilled, having more financial freedom, and being your own boss.

Once you have your two lists, use them as a reminder of why you started and what you are working towards when things get tough.

Having this reminder list will help you stay motivated and focused when you encounter obstacles or challenges on your way to achieving your goals.

You never give up!

4. Collaborative

Being collaborative means sharing information, ideas, and resources with others to achieve a shared vision.

The whole point of collaboration is that you give and take from each other, and that’s how you create things that are totally new – Virgil Abloh

If you’re able to join forces with others, give and receive constructive feedback, and share success with others, you have what it takes to be collaborative.

Be more collaborative by:

• Recognize your limitations
• Surround yourself with passionate doers
• Seek out people with complimenting skill sets
• Keep promises
• Help others

Challenge four:

Find somebody who can help you turn your creative business idea into a reality.

This could be a collaborator who shares your interests and skills or a mentor who has experience in the industry you're interested in.

Here are a few examples of the types of people you might look for:

• A social media specialist with experience in digital marketing and advertising could help you create and execute an effective social media strategy for your creative business idea.
• A web developer who has experience in creating e-commerce platforms and who could help you build an online store for your creative business idea.
• Or a branding specialist with experience in creating and developing brand identities who could help you create a strong brand image and messaging for your creative business idea.

Finding someone who shares your interests and goals is essential when looking for a collaborator. This will ensure that you are working towards the same thing and that you can help each other to achieve your goals.

Your vibe attracts your tribe!

5. Disciplined

Being disciplined is what leads to success.

The heart of creativity is discipline – William Bernbach

If you are hard-working, organized, and focused, then you are disciplined.

How to become more disciplined:

• Set Goals
• Make a plan and follow it
• Develop healthy habits
• Remove temptations
• Reward yourself for your successes

Challenge five:

Develop a daily routine that will help you stay focused and disciplined in turning your creative business idea into a reality.

To complete this challenge, you will need to develop a daily routine that will help you stay focused and disciplined in turning your creative business idea into a reality. Here are a few examples of the types of things you might include in your routine:

1. Set specific and measurable goals for yourself each day, week or month.
2. Set aside dedicated time each day to work on your creative business idea, whether it's researching, brainstorming, or working on designs.
3. Prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important ones first.
4. Avoid distractions like social media and email during your dedicated work time.
5. Take regular breaks to recharge and clear your mind.
6. Reflect on your progress at the end of each day/week and adjust your routine as needed.

It's important to remember that discipline and focus are essential for turning your creative business idea into a reality. By developing a daily routine that helps you stay focused and disciplined, you will be more likely to achieve your goals.

You finish what you start!

The right stuff

By developing, improving, and even transforming the five key traits into creativepreneur superpowers, you will become a successful creativepreneur.

So keep pushing yourself to the next level, and never give up on your goals. Your imagination, inquisitiveness, persistence, collaboration, and discipline will lead you to success.

You have the right stuff!

p.s. Please don’t be part of the 99% that will read this blog post; nod your head in agreement, then shrug it off and forget about it because your future self deserves better than someone who does not take action!

References:

(1) Urban Dictionary definition of creativepreneur