Content Creation: Challenges, Tactics, and Triumphs.
Creators of all races, genders and ethnicities face unique opportunities and challenges in their journey to become successful creators. Social media has given us the power to tell our stories in just a few words through digital platforms like Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram.
Social media has made it easier than ever for people with ideas to connect with an audience and share their work. Black creatives have taken full advantage of this new opportunity but also know that being a creator is not easy.
Creators must be prepared for rejection after rejection, lack of appreciation and even push back from executives as they strive to reach their ultimate goal—making it as a successful creator. If you are interested in the world of creative pursuits and see them as your road map to success then read on.
Culture and Attitudes to Becoming a Successful Creator
Black creatives are found in every industry and profession, but they are less likely to be seen leading the charge. Black creatives can face a slew of unique challenges due to a variety of factors. Some of these challenges include the following:
Low Recognition and Salary for Your Work - Most people believe that being black doesn’t automatically make you a good or successful creator. While this is not true, it does create a subconscious bias that can hold you back from reaching your full potential. Black creatives can also struggle to obtain the recognition and salary that others may receive for their work.
Lack of Support from Society - The media and popular culture have consistently reinforced stereotypes about black people that make it difficult for creatives to break out of. Stereotypes are not just harmful but they can also be a source of self-doubt.
General Lack of Knowledge About Creative Pursuits - Many people have misconceptions about what it means to be a creator. This confusion can often lead to push back or rejection when trying to gain approval for a project. If you want to be a successful creator, it’s crucial to share your knowledge with others.
The Black Creative’s Roadmap
After high school, many college bound creatives begin to explore their options. Before you even pick a major, you will be faced with the question of what you want to do. It is important to be open to all options.
A creative field can be anything from journalism to graphic design. It may also be something less expected like music, film or digital media. You will want to decide early on what you are interested in.
Once you have found a creative field that resonates with you, you can begin to research the job market. There are countless resources online to help you do this. If you are looking for internships, check out programs like Upwork or FreelanceSwitch.
If you are looking where to go to school, there are many programs that offer online options or hybrid programs that incorporate both online and on campus classes.
The Road to Success as a Black Creator
This road map is unique to the black community. However, many creatives will agree that it is a struggle to get your work noticed. Creating content that resonates with an audience is the key to success.
Many successful creators will tell you that they are not interested in making generic content. It is important to find content that connects with your audience. Some creatives find inspiration from their everyday lives and create content that speaks to their experiences.
Others find inspiration from historical events or other creative works. Whatever the inspiration, it is important to keep it authentic.
A common roadblock for any creator is the fear of rejection. It is easy to feel like you have an idea for a video and no one will ever want to see it. That is not always the case. Many successful creators have had ideas that they didn’t think anyone would ever want to see. This is where persistence comes in.
If your initial ideas are not resonating with an audience, don’t give up. Create something else. You have to keep moving forward. The best way to do this is by networking. Get out there and meet people. You can do this through creative events, career events, networking websites or just by walking around campus and talking to people.
You will be surprised how many people you know or see on a daily basis that you don’t know what they do. This is your chance to connect and build your network. You can also start a blog or online community to share your work.
The Stages of Success for Black Creatives
The road to success is not always a straight line. Creatives will go through different stages as they work to grow their career. When things don’t go as planned, don’t get discouraged. Creatives need to stay positive and know that they are on the right path.
The first successful piece of content you create will be the hardest. It is important to remember that the first initial rejection is something we all experience. It is worth remembering that the goal is to create content that people want to see. If your work isn’t resonating with an audience, create something else.
Final Words
The road to success in the entertainment business is long and filled with rejection. Many aspiring creatives will tell you that they don’t believe they will make it as a creator. That kind of negativity will only hold you back. Anyone can be a creator. The only thing that holds you back is you.
Regardless of your race, gender or socioeconomic status, anyone can create. All you have to do is step out of your comfort zone and make it happen. The most common advice that people give you is to follow your passion. That is great advice, but if you don’t know where to start or what to do, it won’t matter.
You may want to start by finding a mentor or online group that shares similar interests. This group could be your university’s creative writing club or a professional organization in your field. It is also important to remember that it is ok to fail. No one is going to judge you for a short-lived creative venture.
Rather than being afraid to try something new, embrace the fact that you are a beginner. You are bound to make mistakes along the way. The best advice someone can give you is to learn from them. As long as you keep trying and growing as a creator, even if you never become a superstar, you will be successful.
Always On Your Side,
The Content Queens
