1. Treating it Only as Art, Not a Business-
Many creatives focus solely on the craft dance, music, acting, design without building business skills. They avoid learning about marketing, branding, finances, or contracts, which leads to missed opportunities and undervaluing their work.
2. Undervaluing Their Time & Talent-
Beginners often work for “exposure” or undercharge out of fear of losing gigs. This sets a precedent and makes it harder to raise prices later. Your talent has value pricing properly builds respect and sustainability.
3. No Clear Brand or Niche-
They try to do everything for everyone, rather than establishing a unique identity. Without a defined brand, it’s hard for audiences, clients, or employers to remember or recommend them.
4. Poor Networking & Industry Presence-
Many performers assume talent alone will open doors. In reality, relationships, visibility, and reputation often drive opportunities. Neglecting networking, collaborations, and online presence is a costly mistake.
5. Ignoring Financial Planning-
From not saving for tax obligations to failing to track expenses, creatives often overlook the “money side.” Without budgeting and systems, income can feel unpredictable even when they’re working hard.