Running your own creative business can sometimes feel like you're constantly spinning plates.
There's the client work, marketing, admin, quoting, invoicing, learning new technology (hello AI!).
That was the conversation at the recent Creative Freedom Brunch hosted by Rocketspark in Wellington, where I had the privilege of joining a panel alongside Rocketspark co-founder Jeremy Johnson, Rach Riddle from Riddle Media, and Tyron Noble from Rocketspark.
The morning wasn't just about building better businesses. It was about creating businesses that give us the freedom to do meaningful work, work with people we enjoy, and build a life we're proud of.
What creative freedom means to me
For me, creative freedom isn't just about working less.
It's about having the confidence to choose the projects that genuinely excite me, working with clients who value good design, and creating thoughtful branding and websites that make a real difference to someone's business.
It's also about continually learning.
The design industry never stands still. Whether it's understanding AI, improving my strategic thinking, or learning new ways to help my clients succeed, I believe staying curious is one of the greatest parts of working in a creative profession.
The value of community
One of my biggest takeaways from the event was the reminder that we're not in this alone.
Running a creative business can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you work from home or by yourself. Spending a morning surrounded by fellow designers, sharing honest conversations about the wins, the challenges and everything in between, was incredibly refreshing.
It reminded me how valuable it is to connect with others who understand the unique highs and lows of running a creative business.
A huge thank you
A big thank you to Rocketspark for inviting me to be part of the panel and to everyone who came along and shared their own experiences throughout the morning.
