If you’ve stumbled here, you’re likely a creative thinker looking for reason through the blur, be it one of post-class, post-grad, or post-lunch. Not sure whether you qualify as a “creative?” Let’s test it out.

Have you ever felt institutionally wronged, or thrust into an undervalued role by modern capitalism? Do you continually fight the battle between creating your passionate ideas and living a life of normality? Did your parents give you that look of concern when you told them you’re starting a blog instead of taking that well-paying desk job?

If the answer to any of those questions was “yes,” then congratulations, you’re a full-blown creative… now what?

Those two words likely ring in your head pretty often, which is why we’re offering some creative career advice. We’ve laid out the pitfalls of the creative lifestyle, how to avoid them, and revealed information nobody ever mentioned (or probably did while you were doodling in class).

Creative Career Advice

1. Financial Stability? What’s that?

English and History majors rejoice! There is use yet for your hard-earned degrees… unfortunately those uses don’t involve money. Instead, you can A: Hang your degree on a wall, and B: Use those skills to pursue the career you dream of (more on that later).

2. There is no “career path” for a creative

We wish there was a simple solution for creative-types, but the fact is that most simply dream too big to settle into the groove of a 9 to 5 office job, or at least they are reluctant to do so. Regrettably, unless you’re a wildly attractive fashion blogger (see below), that desk job might just be your only option. At first.

3. Work during the day. Create at night.

Given the aforesaid crux of the almighty dollar, you may want to consider settling for that desk job, at least until you get your creative goals off of a notebook and into reality. The best way to do so likely involves letting those creative juices flow when you get home from work. Yeah, it kind of sucks.

4. Oh, you thought this was going to be easy? LOL

Listen, when everything’s hitting on all cylinders and you’re out there doing what you love, life couldn’t be any better (maybe?). But until then, working essentially two jobs is your reality.

5. Everybody likes the idea of being a creator…

In theory, being a creator sounds amazing. You get to toss away the restraints of a typical job, realize your dreams, and wear cool sunglasses while photographing models in SoHo.

But in reality, this is the closest one can get to a career-long crapshoot. There are fewer job opportunities for the dreamers among us, and it’s not all fun and games. The work required is simply immense.

6. Stick with it.

If the bulk of this article wallows in doom and gloom, I apologize; there is a silver lining. Those of us that truly remain dedicated to artistic visions and hard work will eventually hit that oft-fabled “big break.”

But it won’t happen all at once. The key is consistency. Churn out content even if it’s not all brilliant and poetic. After a while, someone’s bound to notice.

7. Yes, you will sell your soul.

Capitalism sucks, brah! Don’t sell your soul to the man (et al.) Rock and / or roll! You creatives and your rebelliousness. A piece of advice: throw it away.

You may keep your ideologies close, but in this world, one must earn the right to possess sovereignty over their creative ideas. After all, even Vonnegut was a copywriter. Getting noticed comes first.

8. Do what you love.

You may be asking “who are you to give me advice?,” in which case, you’re on the right track. Don’t let anyone dissuade you from doing what you love and realizing the dream within. Now go forth and create.