The secret of creative happiness
The advice to "pick a specialty" or "focus on one thing" works for some people, but it didn't work for me. Over my 13 years of experience, I've found that mixing everything I've learned is way more fulfilling. That's why I like working with brands; it's a field where you can explore many different interests.
Your real creative strength comes from combining all the different things you love, not just sticking to one area. This mix makes you happy and innovative, bringing new and exciting ideas to life.
Why can't we just be ourselves and embrace our true interests? Society often tries to put us into boxes based on what we're supposed to be good at. But for creative people, sticking to just one thing can make you feel overlooked, used, or even like you could be easily replaced. Being versatile and having a range of skills is actually better for your personal and professional growth.
Even though we're often told to specialize, there's also a push to be many things at once — like an artist, marketing manager, content creator, or accountant. Keeping up with all your interests means you don't have to leave parts of yourself behind. Ignoring what you care about can make you feel unmotivated and unhappy in the long run.
I understood that appreciating all my different interests helps me understand the world better. Be more empathetic — less judging. Work more creatively. After all, the way we see the world shapes our reality. By trying new things, we can change our lives for the better.
But… How to do that? How to be a multi-specialist creative?
Discover and combine your unique interests and skills: don’t limit yourself to your current work or job title. Look for intersections where your unique combinations can create something new and distinctive. This unique blend is what sets you apart.
Develop and refine your expertise: Focus on deepening your knowledge and abilities within your unique niche (which is you). This could involve learning new skills, practicing, or experimenting. Become an expert in the combination of your skills and interests – and just by that, you’ll be standing out.
Create a personal brand: Encapsulate your unique mix of interests and skills. Engage with your audience through social media, content creation, and networking.
Staying authentic: Be open to evolving your niche as you grow and as your interests change. Always showcase your work and look for collaboration opportunities to expand your reach and add depth to your offerings.
The more we mix our skills and knowledge, the freer we become socially and intellectually.
Leonardo da Vinci said, "There is no reality, only perceptions." This means we should trust our wide range of abilities instead of limiting ourselves to just one area. Crossing into different fields and always being open to learning more can lead to a more exciting and fulfilling life.