5 Things No One Told Me About Going Full-Time as a Creator
Stepping Into the Unknown
Leaving a stable finance career to become a full-time model and actor felt like stepping off a moving train. The rush? Unreal. The uncertainty? Even more so.
For years, my life had structure, a predictable paycheck, clear performance reviews, and a corporate ladder to climb. Then, suddenly, it was all on me. No roadmap, no guarantees, just a gut feeling that this was the right move.
What I didn’t realise at the time was that chasing your passion isn’t just about doing what you love, it’s about mastering the systems that let you keep doing it. Talent and ambition only get you so far. The real game? Learning how to sustain yourself in an unpredictable industry.
Here’s what I had to master to make this life work.
1. Money: From Fixed Salary to Financial Acrobatics
The first wake up call? Cash flow in the creative world is wild. A very few select clients pay within a week, some as long as several months. You can land an incredible campaign and still be chasing invoices six months later.
So, I had to get serious about money fast.
Know what’s coming in and going out. I built a system to track payments, outstanding invoices, and expenses. No more mental maths everything has a place.
Get an accountant. Tax deadlines aren’t just dates on a calendar; missing them can mean huge penalties and unnecessary stress. The last thing you want is to be scrambling through receipts while HMRC is breathing down your neck. Having a pro keeps you compliant, organized and can help you plan, keeping you focused on what really matters. They aren’t as expensive as you may think.
Spend with intention. When every pound must work for you, impulse buys feel different. Does this help my career, well-being, or personal growth? If not, I think twice.
Think beyond just the next gig. Setting aside a percentage of my income even a small one—into savings or investments means future me won’t be living booking to booking.
Thoughts: Take one evening to review your finances like a business. What’s your income trend? What are you overspending on? Where can you invest smarter? How do you start to think like a business.
2. Personal Branding: Becoming My Own Marketing Team
In finance, my work spoke for itself. In modelling and acting? My brand speaks first. Agencies, casting directors, and brands check your digital presence as well as your portfolio.
Your online presence is your storefront. If someone lands on your Instagram or LinkedIn, do they immediately get who you are and what you bring? If not, it’s time for a refresh.
Show, don’t tell. Saying you’re an actor or model isn’t enough. Proof is key. Regularly updating my work, behind-the-scenes moments, and insights keeps me visible.
Consistency builds credibility. Engaging, sharing, and being part of the conversation makes a difference. If people see you enough, they remember you.
Thoughts: Google yourself. Does what come up align with where you want to go? If not, start shaping that narrative today.
3. Up-Skilling: The Skills That Keep You in the Game (and Make Life Easier Later)
At first, I thought up skilling was just about getting better at my craft, acting classes, refining my presence in front of the camera, levelling up my portfolio. But here’s what I realised:
talent gets you in the door, but what keeps you thriving is how you think, plan, and build for the future.
The real game? Learning the skills that not only help me land work now but also make sure I’m not constantly stressing about what’s next. Here’s what that’s looked like for me:
Learning to market myself. Talent means nothing if no one knows who you are. I had to understand how to position myself, tell my story, and make sure people remembered me.
Thinking long-term about money. One month, you land an amazing job. The next? Silence. I needed to set up safety nets, budgeting smarter, saving, and investing in ways that make future me comfortable.
Working smarter, not just harder. Success isn’t about grinding 24/7. It’s about knowing when to push, when to recharge, and how to use time effectively.
Thoughts: Set aside an hour this week for something that fuels you, whether it’s learning something new, creating just for fun, or reconnecting with someone in your network.
4. Time Management: Protecting My Creative Energy
The most surprising challenge? Too much freedom can be overwhelming. Without a set schedule, it’s easy to waste hours on “busy work” that leads nowhere.
So, I had to become intentional with my time:
Passion projects are essential. I make space for music, photography, and creative outlets not because they pay the bills, but because they keep me inspired.
Movement fuels my mindset. Exercise isn’t just about looking the part; it’s about energy, discipline, and mental clarity.
Not all invitations are opportunities. Learning when to say no (to jobs, collaborations, or distractions) is just as important as saying yes.
Thoughts: Time-block your week. Set aside hours for skill-building, creativity, and self-care—before your schedule fills up with other people’s priorities.
5. Networking: Your Reputation Is Probably Stronger Than
Success in this industry isn’t just about talent, it’s about who remembers you when the right opportunity comes up.
Relationships matter. Every interaction is a chance to make a genuine connection.
Following up is a superpower. The difference between a missed opportunity and a booked job? A simple check-in message.
Stay visible. Whether it’s attending industry events, engaging online, or supporting peers, showing up consistently keeps you top of mind.
Thoughts: Reach out to three people in your industry this week. A friendly message, a thoughtful comment, or a simple check in can go a long way.
Pursuing your passion is romanticised as a leap of faith, but it’s really a series of small, intentional steps.
These five things? They weren’t just career lessons. They were survival skills. They’re what allow me to wake up every day and know that this path isn’t just a dream, it’s a sustainable reality.
The question isn’t just “How do you follow your passion?” It’s:
“How do you build a life that lets you keep doing what you love?”
Which of these five do you feel like you need to work on most? Drop a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts. 🚀