How Managing Your Emotions Can Boost Your Creative Projects

Every creative project evokes certain emotions. If you’re working with sports brands like Nike, it has to have a strong, positive and passionate vibe. You really have to feel the brand’s identity and capture the emotions that the brand would like to portray. That’s easier when you are able to experience those feelings at the moment, but what if you just don’t feel like the brand?

There are days we get pissed, our long hours would seem dragging and a personal issue would keep us from capturing the best angles of the project. How do you manage these? The answer is really easier said than done. Difficult, but, it can be practiced and you can master it with the right attitude, response and discipline. 

It might take us a lifetime to master our emotions, however, don’t get discouraged and quit at managing it because truth is, no one is really ever an expert at their emotions, but the better ones are those that never resort to quitting but always learn from every situation.

Here are a few real-life situations and responses the most creatives get into:

Client or Partner Doesn’t Respond/Doesn’t Show Up

Okay, this totally kills your passion to work. However, in the early stages of dealing with a client or partner, if they show signs of disinterest like not responding, not showing up for meetings, just leave them be. Don’t waste time trying to convince them, don’t pour out your energy on people that don’t want your service. Politely say that your service isn’t a match to their needs and move to the next. 

They Can’t Meet Your Financial Requirements

The company or group you’re dealing with might be undergoing cost-cutting measures and as a result, are unable to meet your financial requirements. Before you say yes to the budget they currently have, calculate the costs and see what things you can cut out of the budget so you can deliver as promised. If the budget they gave doesn’t work for you, respectfully decline. Don’t risk being underpaid even if you are new to the industry. Give yourself some value and work with the right market pricing. Don’t even go at the top of the market pricing if you’re still a newbie too.

You’re Sick On the Job

When you’re in a contract, there’s no way you have to miss this, unexpected weather, travels, schedules, food and drinks can get you sick. The best way to not get sick? Know what makes you sick and do something about it. If you’re likely to go dizzy when riding choppers or boats, bring along medicine to prevent it from ever happening. If you’re traveling to another city, do your research on the weather, the clothes you should be bringing. If you have a heavy shoot the next day, don’t stay up late. Boost your immune system. Sickness is preventable. You have to stay disciplined to be able to deliver your best output. Even the coronavirus pandemic can be preventable if you’re committed to staying at home in the meantime to wait for the virus to subside and protect yourself by practicing proper hygiene. 

    4.    You Clash With People Working On The Project

This happens all the time, especially when you’re working with a big group, but always remember the golden rule of why you’re working with them: “You work to serve the best output and you need all the help you can get.” Watch your mouth and don’t ever say anything you’ll regret later. Keep it to yourself if you’re angry or disappointed, it’s not sharing time, it’s time for you to work.

The best creatives reflect, retrace and remind themselves daily of their purpose and vision. Managing your emotions is the best way for you to successfully live the creative lifestyle you want, so go ahead and train yourself to be more disciplined in your craft. Develop your creative discipline more by listening to my podcast for creatives, NIONRadio on Apple Podcasts.