It’s hard work to be a professional creative. Even in a world that’s becoming increasingly dependent on technology and on the technical skills necessary to move it forward, there’s still room for professional creatives in this digital landscape. But just because your job involves some kind of art form doesn’t make you exempt from learning how to best use technology for your career. If anything, creatives should take extra care to learn how to adapt these new technologies to their best advantage.
The truth is that technology is important for everyone, regardless of occupation or current skill level. But it can become tricky figuring out how to navigate the digital space when you’re a creative being – a writer, artist, musician, or something else entirely.
What You Need to Know
Creatives, especially writers, are most adapt to learning basic HTML and other coding languages. Even if you aren’t looking to become a programmer, learning a few shortcuts will save you time and energy further down the road. It also allows for you to take more ownership over your work. With at least some digital knowledge, you can easier incorporate your own work online in the form of a portfolio or website. You also avoid having to hire someone else to do customization.
Along with that, it’s mandatory to be visible online. Everyone should have a digital portfolio to show to potential clients, regardless of occupation. This can include work samples, an “about me”, relevant social media accounts, and a contact form to let interested readers get in contact with you.
Online marketing is important if your creative venture of choice includes you selling your work for a commission or other purchase type. It can be overwhelming to figure out which marketing style will be best for you, but narrowing it down will be pivotal for the future of your business online. Successful marketing often includes a mixture of email, social media, blogging, interviews, and engagement strategy – all while upkeeping a good digital presence.
If this seems overwhelming, don’t get discouraged. You can conquer this one step at a time, bringing these skills together over time to build your own digital voice. But the important thing is this – your role as a creative shouldn’t hinder your from learning how to tackle technology. In fact, it could really help bring longevity to your career in more ways than you think.
