Photo by Zukiman Mohamad from Pexels
Originally published on LinkedIn, August 12, 2025
Creative entrepreneurship—using your gifts and talents to serve others through arts, crafts, music, design, etc.—is a unique and special occupation. You are, in essence, making a living from your own ingenuity. Whether fashioning an object where there once was none, or providing services borne of your own passion and perspective, you experience the challenge and satisfaction of making your vision a reality. And the bliss that comes when people “get it.”
Due to the nature of what you put forth, this joyous lifestyle is not immune to heartache. Yours is not a manufactured widget to be viewed objectively. Instead, it is an offering from your head, hands, and heart, subject to criticism from others (and plenty from yourself). It’s a lifestyle that consistently exercises one’s resilience, commitment, and drive.
The high points in my creative endeavors through the years brought boosts in self-confidence and opened doors to new opportunities. A higher percentage of the time, however, I’ve felt uncertain, insecure, and just plain scared. During these moments, I doubted my path, feeling like a marathon runner who, halfway through the race, discovered she was woefully undertrained.
After contemplating (fantasizing about?) giving up, somehow I muster up the mojo to continue another day. Ears perked and eyes open, I’m looking, listening, feeling my way toward the next step. Inevitably, often imperceptibly, the way will become clear.
These times of trial inspired me to write the following twelve affirmations for my fellow creative entrepreneurs. If you are a creative, I hope these will provide a different perspective during uncertain moments. And if you love someone who creates, I hope they will illuminate the areas in which a maker’s spark can be reignited.
Affirmation One: I am a valuable representative of my calling.
Art brings hope, inspiration, joy, and healing, and the creative entrepreneur is its ambassador. Own your craft, invest time in improving your skills, and don’t be afraid to call yourself what you are: a sculptor, a photographer, a writer.
Affirmation Two: The timing is perfect for me to pursue my entrepreneurial endeavor.
If you have committed to creative entrepreneurship, stand by your decision. Your love for what you do will bolster you, your imagination will supply new ideas and directions, and your zeal will give you bravery.
Affirmation Three: My work is needed and important.
Design gives beauty, texture, and context to life, and as a creative entrepreneur you are a purveyor of such. Contribute your talents with confidence. You are providing a valuable service to others.
Affirmation Four: My talent is valuable.
Your offerings as a creative entrepreneur have worth. Set a fair price for your customer, and for yourself, based upon the time and resources needed to deliver your best work. Factor in your years of experience, not your years in business.
Affirmation Five: I can deliver what I’ve promised.
The abilities of a creative entrepreneur are never static; they evolve and shift as time and life unfolds. If a new opportunity intrigues you, accept it with confidence while factoring in time to evaluate, learn, and grow.
Affirmation Six: My investments of time, money, and energy are worthwhile.
The ROI of a creative entrepreneur’s endeavors may take years to manifest. Trust your yearning to take a new class, try a different medium, or work with an unlikely client. If you are feeling satisfaction, the season will come when it will serve you.
Affirmation Seven: I have the skills and abilities I need.
The right amount of education, connections, and funding will benefit the creative entrepreneur, but are not a prerequisite to her success. Begin where you are at this moment. Often the uncertain times provide the most inspiration.
Affirmation Eight: I am gifted at my calling.
In a crowded marketplace of creative entrepreneurs, only you can do what you do in the way you do it. Compare yourself to no one. Your products, services, and practices will attract those who appreciate and understand them.
Affirmation Nine: The way I conduct my work feels right for me.
Every creative entrepreneur’s process is different. Let your interests lead you and your values guide you. Your temperament will influence your style of making. Embrace your methods whether rapid or painstaking, planned or unrehearsed.
Affirmation Ten: I am achieving.
The creative entrepreneur’s career is never linear, but instead a patchwork of exploration and experimentation. Every day brings discovery, every month brings progress, and every year brings opportunities. The implementation of your passion is the achievement; traditional markers of success need not apply.
Affirmation Eleven: I recognize closed doors and know when to pivot.
There are times you will pursue projects that do not come to fruition. Embrace the inertia and objectively evaluate the circumstances and environment. Use your talents as a creative entrepreneur to generate fresh goals, and be unashamed of your new path.
Affirmation Twelve: My future is secure.
Believe in your future as a creative entrepreneur. Know that you are taking the right steps today for your career and wellbeing, and will continue to do so tomorrow. Your creativity will always be your North Star.
Get Curious:
Which affirmation do you need most right now?
Reframe Your Thinking:
What past achievement offers proof of your skills and abilities in this area?