If you are a creative with an impressive craft, more like a hidden talent? Then it is time to stop playing down on your creativity because you think the corner is saturated. Whether you acknowledge this or not, everyday, new creatives spring and there is someone who can do something spectacular without wasting any time. 

Yes, there is every possibility to be worked up about breaking as a creative in the Nigerian creative world where there are thousands of writers, designers, storytellers, artists, and many more. However, it doesn't mean that it is impossible to find your feet and stand strong, you only have to work towards it and be reminded daily of your goal.

Who is a creative? 

Many people are creatives but do not see themselves as one. However, if you need to know, a creative is anyone who has the skill, charisma, and energy to birth an idea and keep it going. If you sing very well, write amazing pieces, make the best dresses, plan great events, or even play chess like a badass, you pass as a creative. The idea is to have an amazing idea running. Considering this definition of creative, it already reveals that there are several people in that group which is why many do not want to say they belong to it.    

What does it mean to break as a creative? 

Everyone has a starting point, and it doesn't get perfect when you begin, but the moment you push beyond boundaries, do something unique, and shift away from the norm, several people begin to notice and appreciate your craft. Meanwhile, if you are in your early days and think you are stuck and might never get to where other creatives are, you may need to shrug off the idea. 

When comedian/skitmaker, Layi Wasabi recently got the Trendsup award as an "Emerging Force", he took to his Instagram page to reveal how he just wanted to be making skits for fun, but it turned out to be a big project for him. 

This explains that anyone can hit it big by being a creative, you just have to do something differently.  

Notable Nigerian Creatives 

When the word "Nigerian creative" comes to play, a lot of names appear on stage. However, we would list a few:

• Layi Wasabi - Comedian

• Kunle Afolayan - Filmaker/actor

• Lawal Hauwa - Scriptwriter/content creator

• Tomike Adeoye - Content creator/Social media influencer

• Wizkid - Musician

• Comfort Omovre (Phoenix Blvck) - Writer/Storyteller

• Bolaji Ajibare - Content creator/Social media Manager)

• Salem King - Content creator

• Burna Boy - Musician

• Enioluwa Adeoluwa - Content creator/social media influencer

• Niyi Fagbemi - Cinematographer 

• Folashade Daini - Content Marketer

• Solomon Buchi - Writer

• Gloria Oloruntoba (Maraji) - Comedian

• Gilmore - Comedian

• Diimeji - Digital creator

• Sisi Yemmie - Food Content creator

• Davido - Artiste

• Asake - Artiste

• Adekunle Gold - Artiste

• IBQUAKE - Spoken word artiste

• Anendlessocean - Artiste

• Temilade Salami - Merchandise Content Creator

This is just a few I can currently list  right now as you will agree with me that this list is endless. 

Read also: High-Paying Creative Art Jobs

Breaking even as a creative in the Nigerian Creative world

Beat the Norm as a Creative

 We are glad that you want to know what you can do better or differently as a creative and we have prepared a few tips for you. We hope they help. 

Consistency is enough magic

Only people who show up everytime get to see results. It may be hard but one of the most important ways to be a force in the creative nook is to wake up everyday and go hard at your craft. If people see you come up on their screen today and don't see you tomorrow, they don't take you seriously. Remember that you all are a lot out there and it is quite easy for your audience to shift focus to someone who comes out of their cave everyday. The earlier you realize that consistency is key, the better it gets for you. 

Build Confidence

Impostor syndrome is a thing loitering around the creatives' corner and it should never get hold of you. You should not tell yourself that something you've built is not good enough or you don't have what it takes to be out there with other creatives. If you have put so much energy into creating a thing, then, post it on social media, tell your friends about it, watch it, read it, and feel good about it. Get so confident that you are not scared of setting your craft in the spotlight because whether you hide it in your drafts or send it out, it doesn't change the fact that you have the skills. 

Calculate your steps

It is great that you want to move over to the next phase of your creative journey real quick, but have you thought about taking it one step after the other? This will help you see how you are growing and what more needs to be done. There is really no need to look at others who are ahead of you and try to rush down; as long as you are moving, you are not stuck. So, instead, take purposeful steps that will, along the line, help you to fly when the time is right. 

Commit to the creative life 

Creatives have a life - one that requires them to make the world a better place. So, they commit to it. If you are looking to break as a creative, you need to commit to your craft. Invest enough time learning and pushing out content. If you feel up to it, you can also ask people what they feel about your poems, music, or design. Get fully involved regardless of the potholes, limitations, and challenges. Put in as much as you want to get. 

Show your work

People will only engage with what they see. So, everytime, you feel unready to show the world your work, you are sabotaging your tendency to actually break as a creative. While you are there thinking that the quality of that video is bad, somebody out there is only concerned about how much the message resonates with them. You may be thinking that a newsletter is too long but you have subscribers who don't want it to end because they enjoyed reading every single line. So, just turn in your work whether you like it or not. You would be surprised that a lot of people think that your craft is worth their time. 

So, dear creative, Go for Gold! We are rooting for you. 

If you find this content helpful, sign up on our website to have full access to the career advice page. Also, you may want to follow us on social media: 

Facebook: Hub for Jobs

Twitter: @hubforjobs

Instagram: @hubforjobs

LinkedIn: HubForJobs