Thinking of Starting a Creative Business? Here’s What I Wish I Knew at the Beginning

May 2

Starting a creative business is one of the most exciting things you can do—but it’s also one of the hardest. When I launched 2060 Media, I was passionate, inspired, and driven… but I also had no real roadmap. I learned through late nights, small wins, frustrating mistakes, and figuring it out as I went.

Whether you’re starting a photo/video business, launching a brand, or just trying to monetize your creative work, I want to share some of the most important things I’ve learned—things I wish someone had told me at the beginning.

1. Done Is Better Than Perfect

You’ll never feel completely “ready.” You don’t need the perfect logo, website, camera, or portfolio to start. What you do need is momentum.

Start messy. Launch with what you have. You’ll refine along the way. Your first version won’t be your final version—and that’s a good thing.

Remember: Growth comes from doing, not waiting.

2. Your Brand Is More Than a Logo

Your brand is how people feel when they work with you. It’s your communication, your vibe, your consistency. It’s the tone of your captions, the way you treat your clients, and how you show up online and in person.

Don’t worry about being “like the other guys.” Be you. That’s what people connect with—and that’s what makes a brand memorable.

3. You Need Systems Sooner Than You Think

When you’re first starting, it’s easy to operate in survival mode. But trust me, setting up simple systems will save you so much time and stress later.

Get organized with:

A booking and payment process
Email templates for clients
A backup system for your files
A basic contract (even if you’re just starting out)

Running a creative business means you’re not just the artist—you’re the admin, the marketer, and the customer service team. Systems help you manage all of that more smoothly.

4. Word-of-Mouth Is Everything

You don’t need thousands of followers to grow—you need the right people talking about you. One happy client who tells three friends is more powerful than a boosted Instagram post.

Be professional. Be prompt. Be kind. Deliver more than you promised. That experience is your marketing.

5. Consistency Beats Hustle

Hustle culture will have you thinking you need to burn out to succeed. You don’t. What you need is consistency.

Show up. Keep creating. Post even when it’s quiet. Stay learning. Small, steady progress compounds. You’re not just building a business—you’re building trust.

6. Comparison Will Kill Your Creativity

Looking at what everyone else is doing can feel inspiring… until it’s not. The moment you start thinking “I’m not as good as them,” you lose focus on what makes you special.

Mute the noise when you need to. Focus on your own growth. Your story is yours to tell—so tell it your way.

7. You’ll Make Mistakes—And That’s Okay

You’ll price something too low. You’ll take on a client that wasn’t a good fit. You’ll miss a shot or forget a battery. Welcome to the club.

Every creative learns by doing. The key is to reflect, adjust, and keep going. You’ll get sharper with each project.

Starting a creative business is brave. It’s exciting, it’s humbling, and it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.

If you’re dreaming about starting—start. Learn as you go. Don’t wait for perfect. Just move.

And if you ever need help, perspective, or just someone to remind you that you’re not alone on the journey, 2060 Media is here. I’ve been there. I’m still building. And I believe in creatives like you.

Let’s keep creating.