The creative industries are some of the most diverse out there. Providing us with the television shows we watch each day and the soundtrack to our commutes, it would be something of an understatement if we were to say our lives would be boring without them. While these industries are usually thriving, they took a significant hit due to the pandemic and are in the process of slowly rebuilding.
At the same time, there will undoubtedly be individuals reading this and beyond who are wondering what they must do to establish themselves as artists in these industries. While some industries might not be hiring in the present time, that is not to say that opportunities will not present themselves as we progress into the later months of 2021 and beyond.
We recognise that some people will know precisely what they need to do; they spent their entire childhood dreaming of this moment! For those who are a bit uncertain and unsure, it can appear a lot more challenging, but that is where we come into things.
Below are some of the things that you should consider when establishing yourself as an artist in 2021. No matter what you intend to create, go forth with confidence!
Have Goals and a Plan
It goes without saying, but when wanting to achieve anything in life, you need to make sure that you have some sort of goal, whether physical or mental, to work towards. Having a focal point to look towards is critical during the most challenging moments of the overall process and will help to keep you on track and motivated.
Setting these goals is the first thing that you should do when establishing yourself as an artist. From here, you can lay out a plan for exactly how you will achieve these goals. Consider checking out what other budding artists have set out as their goals and what they did to achieve them. At the same time, it is always worth noting that what might be a goal for one person is not set to be one for another. There may be some overlap, but you will not have the same goals or aspirations as the next person, so make sure not to fixate on that factor when creating your own.
Continue Creating Content
While we understand you will likely have many other things on your plate, you need to ensure that you continue to create content while establishing yourself and building your presence. Naturally, your craftsmanship will take some time to get right, but you should refrain from over-editing; this could do more harm than good while also eating into more of your time.
Finding the right balance between creating your content at a swift pace while upholding the quality of said content can be challenging but is not impossible. Using the right tools and resources for the job will go a long way in ensuring the quality of your content is not compromised in any way. What’s more, you do not have to buy the tools or resources yourself outright.
Explore what a recording studio in London can offer you. Targeting the studios in bustling cities like this will not only provide you with the opportunity to create your music but will provide you with the chance to meet like-minded individuals in your situation. You never know; you might find inspiration hidden in these places that could inspire your next track.
Regarding meeting like-minded individuals, this takes us to the following section.
Expand and Communicate with Your Network
Having a support network behind you at all times is crucial in any walk of life. During moments when you feel most like you want to give up, these people will pick you up and cheer you on. There is nothing quite like it. While that is very well the case, you must do what you can to establish this support network while nurturing it over time as well. Communicating with your network can help you to stay motivated, for these people will be the ones supporting your content after all.
Creating a support network with your close friends and family is one thing, but you want to look beyond these relationships when establishing a broader network of people. Talk to people within the local music scene; this includes the likes of people who work at music venues and other budding artists. Communicating with individuals like these will not only provide you with support in the present and future but give you the chance to create career opportunities for yourself.
What’s more, you could even find individuals who could go on to become your manager or booking agent. As they say, the world is your oyster!
Create an Online Presence
Technology has streamlined various processes in life and enabled us to connect with people and resources beyond our local area. Social media platforms offer individuals the chance to market themselves to their audiences in a way that is not achievable in person. The presentation and self-image you provide your fanbase and audiences are critical to your success, and you should take some time to build and establish this.
Use high-quality images and footage of yourself and your content to post on social media platforms. Put yourself in the shoes of your audiences; what content do you want to see? What content would discourage you from engaging with it? Establish what your audiences want to see across the platforms and use this to your advantage.
Creating a website will also further bolster your online presence. Here you can attach links to your social media platforms while offering visitors to your site a place to learn all about you. At the same time, you could offer a section for fans and audience members to purchase tickets to events or any merch that you might have. Offering one select place for this will go a long way and allows you to present yourself as an established professional. What more could you want?