by Monica Davidson

Times are tough. Are you OK?

The current economic climate in Australia is challenging for creatives, even if we don’t have mortgages or are lucky enough to not have big grocery bills. The cost of living crisis, inflation and heightened interest rates are having a knock-on effect in every part of the economy, and it’s definitely affecting freelancers, small arts businesses, and anyone working in the creative sector. For us, it’s even more marked as what we make and do is largely considered non-essential goods or services. We’re important, of course, but outside of a small and valued minority, we’re often the ‘nice to haves’, not the must-haves. When every available cent is being spent on the must-haves, that doesn’t leave much left over for us.

I acknowledge that it’s likely you’re very well aware of this already. Almost every day now I’m talking to creative professionals who are really struggling. Arts businesses are going under, freelancers are taking part-time work to pay the bills (often outside of the arts), and lots of us are coping alone.

Let me assure you, you are not alone. At Creative Plus Business we talk to hundreds of creative practitioners every month, and almost everyone is reporting the same thing. So, take it from me – it’s probably not you. It’s the current economic climate and the Covid debt that must be paid. It bears repeating – you are not alone and this isn’t your fault, and there may be some ways you can hang in there and wait for the worst to pass. 

If you can’t, that’s also completely OK. There is no shame in doing what you need to do to stay afloat. There is no failure in working. If your creative practice can’t support you right now, and you need to get a job to make ends meet, you have NOT failed. You should feel proud of yourself for doing what you need to do to pay your bills and keep on swimming. Making art is what makes you an artist, not making money. And if you can’t even find a way to make art at the moment, be kind to yourself. It’s very difficult for creativity to thrive when you are stressed or anxious. Give it some time, take the pressure off yourself, and wait for inspiration to return. 

Here are my five tips for survival, learned from my own experiences having endured previous tough times over a 35+ year career, and gleaned from the courageous people who come to C+B for support. 

Tip 1: Prioritise Self Care

In times of economic stress, it’s essential to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Make time for activities that relax and rejuvenate you. Go for a walk, spend some time in nature, dance around your lounge room, find supportive people to talk to. Nothing is more important than looking after yourself during challenging times, because it will help you to maintain the capacity to survive, and to support the people around you. 

Tip 2: Find Financial Security

Do whatever you need to do to get through the worst of this crisis. That could mean going back to regular employment after freelancing, picking up some part-time work for the short term, or diversifying your business income into products and/or services that the market demands. For some of you that might mean leaving creative work for now, and that’s OK. Remind yourself that this is only temporary, and when things pick up again you can come back to your creative business. 

3. Don’t Neglect your Marketing

You may not feel like it, but try to continue some form of self-promotion. Stay on top of a reduced social media schedule, post weekly on LinkedIn, make time to have a coffee with an old client or a friend in the same boat. Build your website if you don’t have one, or take some time to give your existing presence a tidy. Attend events if you feel up to it. By maintaining some form of public profile, you’re reminding possible clients and customers that you still exist, and that you’re hanging in there, just in case an opportunity arises.

4. Network and Collaborate

Connect with other creatives in your industry to share experiences, support each other, and explore potential collaborations. Isolating yourself might feel better in the short-term, but connecting can lead to new opportunities and partnerships. Is now the time to get to work on that project that’s been bubbling away in the background?

5. Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, mentors, or professional counselling. Talking to someone can help you cope with stress and find solutions to your challenges. You are not alone, and there are resources to help you. All you need to do is ask. 

Finally, hang in there as best you can. I’ve been in the business of creativity for a very long time and I know for a fact that the only constant is change. I guarantee that this too shall pass, and if you can figure out how to keep your head above water, you’ll be surfing the good times again before you know it.

Good luck. x

Wellbeing Support

Do you want someone to talk to, someone who understands creative practice, small business, and tough times? Check out all our advice options here. 

• Lifeline:  Call 13 11 14 
• Headspace: Call 1800 650 890
• Black Dog Institute: Call 02 9382 4530 
• Arts Wellbeing Helpline: Call 1800 959 500 
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636