10 Creator Myths You Can't Afford To Keep Believing

To some, it might seem silly, but guess what? That art sold for a whopping $120,000!

So, why did something so simple become so valuable?

It's because of the story behind it, the idea it was trying to show. Instead of just seeing a banana on a wall, think about how art and regular stuff can mix, how everyone sees value in art differently, and how art can make people talk and think in new ways.

When you look at it like that, it's no surprise why people would pay a lot for something that seems so strange.

The same thing goes for your work, whether you're painting, taking photos, writing, playing music, or doing something else creative.

Your work can stand out if you don't just focus on making it look nice but also on telling a good story.

2. If I build it, they will come.

Reality check: If you build it, they won't come!" It's like expecting to hit the jackpot just because you've got some mad skills.

Being talented isn't enough. Just because you're good at something doesn't mean people will notice.

Too many creators fall into this trap, thinking their craft alone will pave their way to success. But let me tell you something: the world is brimming with genius creators who never get the recognition they deserve.

If you want people to notice what you do, you can't just sit back and hope. You have to work hard, show people what you've made, and make some noise.

You can't just wait for good things to happen. Sometimes, you have to go out and make them happen.

3. Making money is selling out

Making money from your passion isn't selling out; it's valuing your time and effort.

Let's be real here – we all need to put food on the table, and creators need resources to keep creating.

You wouldn't expect a chef to whip up gourmet dishes for free, so why should creators be expected to give away their work for nothing?

The 3 types of creators out there:

1. Creators who don't make money: Maybe they haven't figured out how to turn their passion into profit, or they cling to the romantic notion of being a starving artist.

2. Creators who chase money: Sellouts who prioritize profit over passion.

3. The creators who find a balance: They're the thriving artists, or what I like to call Passionpreneurs. They have a deep love for their work and share that love with the world, providing value and getting something back in return.

Remember, we make money so we can continue to create, and your creativity has value. Don't hesitate to charge for it.

It is balance, not betrayal!

4. Too much competition

So, there I was, diving headfirst into the wild world of the creative entrepreneur, and what's the first thing I hear? Niche down, they said. It'll help you stand out from the crowd.

For years, I tried to fit myself into a box. I'd run endless Google searches on the “top 100 niches to target”, jumping from Travel, Fitness, Real estate, Pets, and the rest.

But here's the problem with that:

I don’t care about these people: I wasn't a traveler or a real estate agent, so how could I possibly offer value to others I couldn't relate to?

I have more than one interest: You're a creator, you know the deal—constantly chasing new ideas, always itching to try something different. So why should I confine myself to one measly niche?

It prioritizes finding, not attracting or becoming: The traditional approach is all about finding your target audience and then bending over backward to get them to notice you. You end up spending more time chasing customers than actually doing what you love.

So, let me offer you a different perspective—what if instead we shared our work with anyone who wanted to see it?

In today's hyperconnected world, regardless of how unique your interests are, there is always someone just a click away who will appreciate you.

In a sea of billions, you only need to find a handful of people who vibe with what you're putting out there.

Forget trying to please everyone; focus on connecting with the ones who get you.

5. Artists are not entrepreneurs

I grew up around creators: artists, musicians, poets. They dreamed of making money doing what they loved, but they never understood... All artists are entrepreneurs.

Everything an entrepreneur does to grow their business can be applied to the small creators trying to make a name for themselves.

• They both have something to give.
• They both need someone to give it to.
• They both need to get better over time.
• They both work despite what others say.

and the way they go about doing this is also the same, just with different jargon:

• Marketing = Getting your work discovered
• Sales = Someone pays you for your work
• Networking = Making friends with similar passions as you

The only difference is that entrepreneurs know they need to think like buyers, while creators think they just need to create.

I call these creators Passionpreneurs: someone who builds a business centered around their passions, someone who makes money doing what they love.

PS: I'm trying to make it a thing, so… tell your friends.

6. You can't make money as a creator

I remember when I was a kid, I wanted to be a writer, but someone told me I couldn't make money doing that.

But let me tell you a secret: They were wrong!

The good news is everyone believes this lie so the bar is very low.

If you love what you do and you work hard at it, you can make money from it.

You just have to do what 99% of people won’t and that's try!

So, don't give up on your dreams. Keep working at it, and one day, you'll be able to make money doing what you love.

7. My work is valuable.

Why do you think there are so many starving artists?

Because art isn't that valuable (money-wise) unless someone of high authority or a group of high authority says it is.

So many artists are just waiting for their “big break,” or, in other words, that big authority, to come along and help them get noticed. But this means you are giving up control. Your dream life hinges on other's opinions of your work instead of the true value you know and see in it.

This is where most creators stay for their entire lives, telling themselves their art wasn't good enough and never realizing it had nothing to do with their work and everything to do with the perceived value placed on it.

But not you! Not if I have anything to say about it.

Yes, you still need someone to say that your work is valuable, but instead of waiting for someone to show up, it's best if we just become our own billboard and start attracting people who will love our work regardless.

8. I should work alone.

It's a common belief that creative success comes from working in isolation, but the truth is far from that.

Think about it: even the most renowned creators had mentors, collaborators, or supporters who played a huge role in their journey.

Take Elvis Presley, for example. Without the support of Sam Phillips, he might have remained just another talented singer in Memphis.

The point is, your work can only be valuable to others when it's shared and appreciated by others.

So, don't fall into the myth of the solitary genius. Surround yourself with fellow creators, bounce ideas off each other, and watch your creativity shine.

9. I'm not creative

Despite what most people think, creativity isn't some magical gift given to a select few from birth. It's a skill, a muscle that can be trained and strengthened over time.

Remember when you were a child, exploding with creative ideas? That innate creativity is still within you; you just might need to find it.

Creativity is simple: it's about taking existing ideas and combining them in new and unexpected ways. Take Steve Jobs and the creation of the iPhone, for instance. He didn't invent the concept of a phone or the internet, but he combined them to revolutionize the tech industry.

So, don't underestimate your creative potential. With practice, you can tap into your inner creativity and produce truly remarkable work.

10. I will hate my creations

It's common to worry that success will kill your passion. Many pros end up resenting their work because they lose sight of why they started in the first place.

• They create solely for others, losing their own voice in the process.
• They create solely for others, losing their own voice in the process.
• They chase money instead of passion.
• They don't have control over what they create.
• They feel trapped, always having to create to make ends meet.
• They create only for themselves.

Most pros end up hating their creations because they lack creative freedom. They trade their 9-5 for another job, still answering to a boss and strict rules. This kills their passion and sense of purpose.

But here's the good news: you can avoid this. Build your creative business with freedom and purpose from the start.

That way, you'll love what you do, and your creations will reflect that passion.