Finding a Balance Between Creativity & Running a Business

Balancing creativity with the demands of running a business is one of the most challenging—and rewarding—journeys I’ve experienced. As a freelancer building my career, I’ve felt the tension firsthand. The pull between nurturing creative passion and meeting the practical needs of a business can be a constant battle, one that inevitably shapes the type of work I choose to pursue. This post is about navigating that balance and breaking down five strategies that have helped me stay creative while running a business I’m proud of.

1. Take Risks

Creativity thrives when you step out of your comfort zone. For every project—no matter how small—I challenge myself to try something new. Maybe it’s experimenting with a technique I’ve never used or approaching a story from a different angle. Pushing boundaries keeps your work evolving and opens up new opportunities.

Surround yourself with others who inspire and challenge you. Collaboration with people who bring diverse perspectives and skills can lead to some of the most innovative results. For example, during a project in Chicago, I blended time-lapse and live-action storytelling in a way that stretched my skills and creative vision. It was uncomfortable at first, but the outcome was incredibly rewarding.

2. Be Adaptable

Not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay. Adaptability is the bridge between passion projects and professional work. Before starting any project, outline clear goals and actionable steps—and always have a backup plan. Unexpected challenges often lead to the most creative solutions when you’re willing to pivot and embrace change.

By focusing on the broader purpose of a project, you can turn even stressful situations into positive experiences for everyone involved. Flexibility doesn’t just save the day; it opens doors to creative breakthroughs you wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

3. Push the Status Quo

Greatness is born from those who refuse to settle for mediocrity. It’s tempting to play it safe, but growth comes from taking risks and challenging the way things have always been done. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also some of your greatest teachers.

Set ambitious goals, even if they feel impossible. The process of striving toward them—learning from setbacks and refining your approach—will set you apart. Every creative breakthrough begins with someone willing to push past the limits.

4. Find a Balance

In the early stages of your career, taking work you’re less passionate about might feel necessary to pay the bills. But don’t let this become a habit. Balance is critical for long-term success. The key is to find ways to bring your passion projects into your professional life, blending the two so that your work aligns with what you love.

For me, this has been about finding opportunities where I can weave creativity into client projects. One example was a shoot in Vegas where I was able to integrate my creative vision into a commercial project. It’s not always easy, but the payoff—being paid for what you love—makes it worth the effort.

5. Reflect

Reflection is one of the most powerful tools for staying on course. Revisit your long-term goals regularly. Are the choices you’re making today aligned with where you want to be in ten years? Keeping that perspective helps you stay motivated, even when things feel overwhelming.

Reflecting on your progress also gives you the chance to celebrate your wins, big or small. It’s a reminder that while the path may be challenging, the effort is building toward something meaningful.

Take Control of Your Day

When deadlines pile up and the pressure feels insurmountable, the best thing you can do is step back. Lay out everything you need to do and break it into realistic, actionable steps.

Don’t let procrastination take over—take action, even if it’s just a small step.

Every day, commit to doing one thing—no matter how small—that moves you closer to your bigger goals.

Even ten minutes of focused effort can make a difference.

Remember, the only person who can bring your vision to life is you.

Success comes to those willing to put in the time and effort. Consistently.