If I Were Starting My Creative Career Over, Here’s Exactly What I’d Do First

Let’s be real—starting a creative career (or starting over) can feel like trying to put together IKEA furniture without instructions. Overwhelming, messy, and full of moments where you just want to give up and eat the snacks you bought for motivation.

But here’s the thing: if I could rewind the clock and start my creative career from scratch, I’d do things very differently. Not because I didn’t figure it out eventually, but because hindsight is a fabulous teacher. So, if you’re in that “starting fresh” phase, consider this your cheat sheet to avoid the long, winding detours I took.

Here’s exactly what I’d do first:

1. Get Crystal Clear on What I Actually Want to Create

When I started, I wanted to do all the things—branding, photography, social media, copywriting, web design—you name it, I thought I could do it. And sure, maybe I could, but trying to be everything for everyone is a fast track to burnout.

What I’d do instead: I’d focus on finding my thing. What am I passionate about? What lights me up? What do people constantly ask me for help with? Once you figure that out, you can build a brand that reflects it. Spoiler alert: you don’t have to niche down forever, but you do have to start somewhere.

2. Build a Simple, Strategic Brand That Feels Like Me

Here’s the truth: your brand isn’t just a logo. It’s how people feel when they interact with you, your business, and your work. If I were starting over, I’d skip the cutesy DIY logos on Canva and focus on creating a brand that actually works for me—clean visuals, consistent messaging, and a clear vibe that screams, “Yes, this is me!”

Why this matters: You’re not just building a business; you’re building trust. And trust comes from showing up consistently as the real, polished, professional version of you.

3. Prioritize a Website That Works While I Sleep

Look, I love Instagram as much as the next creative, but you don’t own your followers there. What you do own is your website—a 24/7 salesperson that doesn’t get tired, complain, or binge-watch Netflix instead of working.

If I were starting over, I’d build a website that’s clear, simple, and designed to do one thing: convert curious visitors into loyal clients. Think clean design, strategic calls to action, and a sprinkle of personality that makes people want to work with you.

4. Start Small and Build Systems That Scale

When I first started, I was in full hustle mode, trying to juggle all the hats. (Let’s be honest, it was a whole hat rack.) But if I could start over, I’d focus on building systems from the start—automations, templates, and workflows that save time and make everything run smoother.

Pro tip: Even a simple client onboarding process or a pre-designed proposal template can make you look like a pro, even if you’re just getting started.

5. Trust the Process, Even When It Feels Slow

I’ll admit it—I’m not the most patient person. When I was starting out, I wanted results yesterday. But here’s the truth: creative careers are built over time, not overnight.

What I’d tell past me: Celebrate the small wins, learn from the failures, and keep showing up. The people who succeed aren’t the ones who are perfect; they’re the ones who refuse to quit.

Your Turn: Where Are You Starting?

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the creative world or you’re doing a full-on pivot, remember: every successful business starts with a messy first draft.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re staring at a blank page, I’ve got you. Building a creative career isn’t easy, but it’s worth it—and with the right tools, strategy, and mindset, you can skip the guesswork and get straight to creating something amazing.