Lets get something straight. This will not be your typical blog, it will be unfiltered--raw. My first intention with this forum is to express and my second is to connect. I hope this reaches an audience seeking for the same.
This is about to be a bit corny so bare with me please. Have you ever felt like you’d never be enough? Like your dreams were too big or too out of reach? I know I have. But something changed this year. I went from believing that ‘I’ll never be enough’ to realizing that the only real failure is not to try at all. And it’s completely shifted my approach to art and business. Let's face it, pursuing your craft is extremely difficult. To prevail as an artist is to take your deepest desire and expose that precious passion tenderly to the world and hope it lands. I've compared this feeling to being an exposed nerve in a winter storm. Its vulnerable and vast. There's so much that comes with being an artist, and to be successful in this pursuit is still a glaring mystery to me. With that in mind, I want to tell you what's helped me so far, and maybe together as a community, we can help each other.
I turn 25 years old in December, and for the first time this year, I pursued my dreams full force—no f*cks given.
What pushed me to go all in? It was this constant, gnawing feeling in my chest that I couldn’t ignore: If I don’t do something about this life of mine, I’ll have nothing to show for it. That terrified me. And it’s why I started Casa del Creativo, a collective of artists and leaders in Albuquerque, NM. We saw a huge gap in access to creative spaces, and we wanted to do something about it.
As we head into 2024, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned this year. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. Maybe some of this will resonate with you, or maybe you’ll need to go through your own journey like I did. Either way, here’s what I’ve learned so far:
1. Your greatest resource is your network.Put the time and energy into connecting with other creatives. Putting that energy in sometimes looks like putting the work in for no monetary gain and understanding that when you show up for others its likely they'll do the same. These relationships will help you bring your projects to life when you need support, advice, or resources. Collaboration can make the impossible possible, and the right people will show up at the right time.
2. Create a business entity.When you're young, with nothing but your passion and vision to back you up, creating a registered business adds legitimacy. It shows you’re serious, and it opens doors—grants, funding, partnerships—that you wouldn’t get otherwise. If I could backtrack, I’d likely make Casa del Creativo a nonprofit, just to tap into the grant opportunities more easily. But the point is: having a business entity makes your dreams more tangible.
3. It's not impossible.There will be days when you think it’s all too much: You’re broke, you’re inexperienced, you’re just starting out. I get it. But trust me when I say this: I’m living proof that you can make your vision happen, no matter where you start. If you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way.
4. Measure twice, cut once.This one’s crucial, especially when it comes to business. There are so many nuances—contracts, taxes, logistics. Do your research and get it right. Trust me, getting your paperwork in order is key to building a stable foundation. I’ll dive deeper into this in future posts, but for now, just know: measure twice, cut once.
5. Trust your gut. In the creative world, there are plenty of people who will try to take advantage of hungry artists. Know your worth. Know your team. Trust your instincts when something feels off, and don’t be afraid to walk away from deals or opportunities that don’t sit right. It’s better to halt something than to risk losing more down the road.
6. Set goals early. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind, especially when you’re building something from the ground up. But having clear goals from the start will keep you on track when the path gets unclear. Write them down, keep them visible, and revisit them regularly.
7. Communication is everything. I can’t stress this enough: Communication. When you’re running a business, you’re responsible for keeping everyone on the same page. A missed email, a misunderstanding, or an unclear instruction can cause major problems. Be clear, be direct, and keep the lines open with your team.
So, go ahead—create the thing you’ve been waiting to create.
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