Why playing it safe will ruin your creative career

I know it sounds cliche, but stepping out of your comfort zone from tiem to time is essential for growth. This works in all areas in life, and your creative career is no exception. In his recent video, photographer and painter Moja opens up about the risks he’s taken throughout his career, sharing some reasons why playing it safe will eventually led to the end of your creative career. So, if you’re afraid to take a big leap, I hope you’ll find this video inspiring.

Taking risks with gear

Moja admits he’s spent countless hours in the “YouTube rabbit hole” of gear comparisons, a familiar trap for many photographers. But he emphasizes the importance of not letting gear decisions paralyze you. Instead of obsessing over having the perfect kit, ask yourself one critical question: “Will the client notice or care?”

He suggests starting small and investing in gear only when it makes financial sense. For instance, if renting a light costs as much as buying it after ten uses, consider buying it to save time and reduce stress. However, Moja warns against splurging on high-end gear that may not align with your current needs, especially when cheaper options can deliver professional results for most social media-based projects.

The pain point here is that you shouldn’t let gear anxiety stop you from creating. Use what you have, and focus on what truly matters – your vision.

Creating your own opportunities

Moja stresses the importance of being proactive in creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. This is the approach I take in life as well. Nothing “falls from the sky,” as my mom would say, we have to work to make our own opportunities and build our happiness.

“If you just take the jobs that come to you, you can’t move forward,” Moja says. He advises stepping out of your niche by building a portfolio that showcases the kind of work you want to do, not just what you’ve done before. This will attract the clients you’ll want to work with and the projects that will fit your creative vision and aspirations.

For example, if you’re a wedding photographer wanting to break into fashion campaigns, don’t wait for someone to ask. Instead, create a mock fashion campaign to showcase your skills. When people see what you’re capable of, they’ll begin to associate you with that type of work.

The value of personal projects

Moja believes self-funded personal projects are invaluable for creative growth. They allow you to experiment and explore without the constraints of client demands or expectations. He notes that nearly every personal project he’s undertaken has led to paid opportunities down the line. The key is to focus on what excites you creatively rather than trying to predict what others will like.

He shares an important insight: some of the most impressive work in a creative’s portfolio – those high-profile collaborations with brands like Vogue or Gucci – may not have paid anything. Instead, it’s often the mundane, corporate gigs that pay the bills. Personal projects, however, are where you can truly express your creative vision and attract the kinds of clients you want.

Embracing discomfort

Moja says he rarely feels entirely comfortable walking onto a shoot – and that’s a good thing. “If I know exactly how everything’s going to go, I’m not pushing myself,” he explains. By incorporating new techniques, props, or lighting setups, he continually challenges himself to improve.

I’m very familiar with this myself. I hate the feeling of discomfort that occurs before I do something new for the first time. But once I do it – the feeling of joy, accomplishment and pride is beyond measure! Moja points out another psychological benefit to this. When he gets excited about an unexpected success during a shoot, that energy becomes contagious. It reassures clients they’re getting exceptional work and boosts their confidence in his abilities.

Should you relocate?

If you are currently in a small town, you may consider relocating to grow your business. And Moja says – go for it! From relocating to London early in his career to his upcoming move to New York, he demonstrates how big risks can pay off. He recognizes the opportunities of being in the right place at the right time. Moving to a city where your industry thrives can open doors that staying in a smaller market might not.

Playing it safe feels comfortable and cozy, sure. But in the long run, it won’t get you far in a creative career. By embracing risks, you open the door to growth, discovery, and opportunities you never imagined. As Moja reminds us, the biggest leaps often come from the smallest steps out of your comfort zone. So, take the plunge – your future self will thank you!

[Playing It Safe Will Ruin Your Creative Career via FStoppers]

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