You know this is what you want to do. All skeptics are ready to deny your idea. But your core is creativity, and ready to do whatever is necessary to build a career and do what you love the most. Nothing fills us with ideas, dreams, and creative potential like the start of a new year—and there's no better time to capture the moment than when your energy and curiosity are at their peak.

Why embrace the power of creative independence?

Everyone who picks up a paintbrush for a weekend photo shoot or sings a song knows the power of creativity, but these days we even have the science to prove it. Research shows that being creative every day has a positive effect on well-being. Experts say there is a range of drivers behind this, from giving us a sense of purpose that connects us to the moment, to the way creativity can help us express and process our emotions. These dynamics apply to both personal and professional creative pursuits, and they emphasize finding the special forces that integrate creativity into our daily lives as much as possible.

That said, the benefits start to really increase when you factor in creative independence and the growing number of creative freelancers working their way. A recent university study by researchers from the Universities of Sheffield and Exeter found that people who are their own bosses are happier than those who work for others. Research shows that this is because self-employed individuals are able to control their environment, do their jobs well and have the freedom to innovate.

Many people have given up on their dreams. But if you feel like this year might be the time to take the big leap and pursue some new passions, turn a hobby into a side hustle, or even take your creative practice to the next level, read on to get guided, excited, and set yourself up for success.

How do you develop a career that relies on creativity, talent, skills, and passion?

Tip 1: Take inspiration and proactively create the job you want

You know you're creative, but what to do - where to start? Whose work do you admire? Who inspired you? Read their blog and follow them on social media. Get up close and personal with them and learn from them. Can be found in galleries, shows, shows, and festivals. And take every opportunity to talk to those who make a living out of their creativity.

To build a creative career, you often have to create opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you. Clients tend to pay for what they see, so building your portfolio early through side projects and personal pursuits is the best way to get attention (and ultimately gigs) for what you really want to do.

Ask yourself: what might your dream client project be? What type of work would you like to do every day next year? Which version can you start today? Starting these projects for yourself today is the best way to give yourself the chance to be hired for such projects in the future.

Tip 2: Give yourself clear goals

Creative careers often take a while to be self-sustaining. So find something you enjoy doing to support yourself while having enough time and mental space to invest in your art. While we sometimes hit our luck, in general, with serious planning and a clear vision of the outcome, great things can be achieved. When we force ourselves to express exactly what we want—and push ourselves beyond our comfort zone—we are more likely to achieve ambitious outcomes. Yes, the secret here is to set clear goals.

But if you're thinking about a major career change, don't try to address the next few decades right away. An effective way to set goals is to reflect on what you want to achieve in just five years – focusing on everything from the amount of money you need for your ideal lifestyle to work-life balance and ways to give back to your community. List specific goals, such as publishing a book, hosting an exhibition, or creating a healthy roster of regular customers. The more specific your visualization, the better. It will help you identify exactly what you want to accomplish and give you an internal signal about what is most important to you.

Then, with those long-term goals in mind, figure out what you need to achieve in three years to achieve them, then roll your timeline back to a year. Continue to backtrack and assign yourself tangible steps to complete month by month as you move backward in time.

Tip3: Be unafraid of evolving

Today, the industry is moving faster than ever, and it’s important to understand which trends, tools, and styles make sense for your business. Additionally, the growth of your creative achievement may bring a sense of personal fulfillment and fulfillment that is at the heart of your initial journey to creative independence. Our inspiration and energy are best when we are happy and healthy - creative growth is at the heart of it all.

• Jessie Zevaka: "I'm a dance instructor, former circus performer, marketer, and graphic designer. Marketing and business skills are essential. It's the only way to solve problems. You need to be smart and master the best way to sell Your skills. Oh, it's a long-term thing. Be prepared to wear a lot of hats.

• Teen fiction writer John Larkin recounts his first day in a college creative writing class. Thirty hopeful writers come together, ready to do whatever it takes to be a successful writer. They were told: "Only one of you will succeed because only one of you will not give up." He decided that day would be that day.

You never know how embracing a learning and growth mindset in a new field can spark all kinds of new ideas in your core creative discipline. Once your creative business is up and running, set your schedule to give yourself the time and flexibility to continue experimenting and growing. With these few tips, you can start turning the work you enjoy doing in your personal time today into a thriving business built on your creativity. Don't be afraid to change, which we all know that good results start with big changes. If you need any help with your creative career path, please don't hesitate to find your career advisors and we'd be willing to help you get better and live better.