You’ve made the leap. You left the job you hated to pursue something creative, something that actually excites you. Now what?
How do you build credibility when you’re just starting out?
How do you connect with the right people before you even have something to sell?
How do you position yourself for success when you’re still figuring it all out?
Most people focus on honing their craft. They take courses, consume content, and practice in isolation, hoping that one day they’ll be good enough to break through.
But the truth? Talent alone won’t cut it. The people who make it don’t just refine their skills—they create the conditions for their own success.
Forget Permission—Start Delivering
Want to get good at what you do? Stop waiting. Start making.
- A comedian doesn’t learn by thinking about jokes—they get on stage.
- A writer doesn’t get better by outlining a novel forever—they publish.
- A musician doesn’t improve by watching tutorials—they perform, record, and release.
The fastest way to develop your craft is to produce more than feels reasonable.
- Write every day.
- Make five podcasts a week, not one.
- Design real work for real people, even if it’s free at first.
Your early work will be rough. That’s fine. The only way to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be is to ship before you’re ready.
And here’s the secret most people miss: Your work doesn’t just improve when you create more—it improves when you create in public.
Stop Searching for the Scene. Build It.
There’s an unspoken shortcut to success that few people take: Be the one who organizes others.
Most people think they need to earn their way into an existing community. They wait for invitations, for gatekeepers to let them in.
But the fastest way to get noticed isn’t to join a scene—it’s to build one.
- Aspiring filmmaker? Start a monthly short film screening.
- New designer? Organize a branding challenge with other up-and-comers.
- Freelance writer? Launch a digital publication featuring work from peers.
When you’re the one bringing people together, you become the center of gravity. You don’t have to ask for attention—it comes to you.
Why This Works
Most creatives think their biggest challenge is getting better at their craft.
But the real challenge? Getting seen. Getting trusted. Getting momentum.
The industry pays attention to people who make things happen.
- The artist who runs a gallery, not just the one who submits to them.
- The musician who organizes a local showcase, not just the one waiting to get booked.
- The podcaster who creates a network, not just the one asking for guest spots.
When you build something that helps others, you accelerate your own credibility.
The Takeaway: Lead, Don’t Wait
You don’t need permission to start. You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to be the best.
You just need to show up, share your work, and create opportunities—not just for yourself, but for others.
Because the ones who win? They don’t just make great work. They make things happen.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it with someone else–the buttons below can help.
Thank you!
