Creative careers can be especially difficult to navigate. Often, women entrepreneurs in creative fields must forge their own paths, take risks, and operate within the unknown. However, pursuing a creative career that you love, whether it’s graphic design, painting, fashion, or architecture, is never a waste of time. To help empower you to reach your creative goals, we’ve compiled a list of advice from exceptional women across different creative industries.
1. Stay Flexible
“Everything changes so quickly, and what is state-of-the-art one moment won’t be the next. Adaptation has to be ongoing — we have to know and accept this.” – Charlotte Perriand, architect and designer
Charlotte Perriand’s quote is a reminder that the creative landscape is constantly changing. People who create for a living must embrace the fact that tastes and styles evolve, and embracing a sense of flexibility and constant growth in one’s work will help build a lasting career.
2. Embrace Your Unique Vision
“Tell your own story, and you will be interesting.” – Louise Bourgeois, painter and sculpture artist
By creating huge, spider-like sculptures that represent her past experiences, Louise Bourgeois is an artist who embraces her own story and unique creative eye. Remember to cherish your own unique spark of creativity and not to lose sight of it when faced with hardship.
3. Only You Can Make It Happen
“You can’t sit around and wait for somebody to say who you are. You need to write it and paint it and do it.” – Faith Ringgold, painter and textile artist
Faith Ringgold became a hugely successful artist by tackling issues like women’s rights in her art. Her words remind us to press on, even in the face of mistakes and rejection. No one can make your ambitions come to life but you, so you must actively pursue your dreams with tenacity and determination.
For more empowering tips from brilliant creative women, see the infographic by 1stDibs below.