Creative Industry Survey Results
I recently conducted a short survey aimed at people working in the creative industries, mostly the screen industry.?The results were fascinating in some regards, telling in some – and sadly, all too predictable in others.
In answer to the question: ‘Was it successful?’ (What you’d already tried to do to resolve your challenge) you can see from this pie chart that only 6% replied ‘yes’. Only 6% of people have been successful is resolving their challenge/s, though many had tried, a lot.
Given that 78% of the responders are established and/or already successful we can deduce that the issues might be systemic, chronic, or too difficult to manage alone, otherwise they would already have been resolved, since mostly what was reported were long-term issues, as opposed to short-term obstacles.
The themes that arose in the survey included some that were quite extreme like trauma and anxiety from work in film and TV industry, burnout, ageism, exhaustion, depression, the human cost of creativity, and even - the only visible option to improve life being to quit the industry altogether! ?
Some respondents wrote of very practical, industry-related challenges like spinning their wheels, lack of adequate project/ personal funding, rejection, sense of failure, problematic levels of uncertainty, tough industry, overwhelm, needing to do (other) paid work to counter lack of money from creative work, lack of consistency of work, being asked to work for free, difficulty to get credits, experience, opportunities, a closed/ cliquey industry. ?A few people were dealing with challenges in juggling kids/ caring for parents/ work for dollars vs. creative work.
So that’s the industry. Now to the personal.
?I was genuinely impressed with the level of self-awareness that came through from many people who undertook this survey. What I saw was an admirable awareness around personal challenges/ issues/ internal obstacles such as: ?getting in your own way, lack of self-trust/ belief in self, anxiety, lack of balance, procrastination, so much self-doubt, awareness of unhealthy boundaries, loss of creative inspiration, not enough time/ money/ energy.
?Many respondents were looking for networking, connection, routine, consistency, more funding – always! Wanting to back their own talents, learn to say no, practice acceptance, be mindful, be healthier, build resilience.
What I saw in these responses indicates to me that the people who took the time to complete this survey are generous, are seeking to grow, are smart and enquiring, curious and open to change. They highly value their creative expression and want to have a positive impact in the world. Even those who expressed ‘self’ insecurities also know, deep down, that they are worthy and good enough and are determined to find a way to back themselves fully. Mostly, they aren’t yet or don’t know how to.
Anyone in the creative industries knows it is a tough gig. Money is always an issue, competition is fierce – we have real and/or perceived nepotism, uncertainty, lots of failure, rejection an ever-changing market … and … and .. and
We cannot make the industry easier. It never will be easy. Indeed anything truly worth our while is never easy. But everything is more possible from the foundation of trusting, believing in, and backing ourselves and our own talents.
What I have learned so far in my life of adventure and learning is that we are so much tougher on ourselves. We judge ourselves, feel shame and fear where others see us as capable, pretty darn good, plenty good enough or even amazing.
I have held myself back way too much through insecurity, self-doubt and fear of judgement. I hate seeing this in others – hence the work I have begun, which includes this survey ?
If you can relate to any of this and would like to participate in the survey which will only take a couple of minutes, here is the link: ?
You can reach me at [email protected] if you would like to find out more.
Amazing work Andrea, so valuable!