Passion into Business: Spark Creativity as a Professional Creative

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about creativity—specifically, how to keep that spark alive when your passion turns into your profession and your business. It’s a

The truth is, many artists and performers struggle with this transition. When creativity becomes your business, it’s easy to lose some of the magic that first drew you in. Over the past few months, I’ve had more days than usual where showing up has felt harder or less inspired. But through this challenge, I’ve discovered some valuable ways to reignite my passion and maintain that creative spark. If you’re feeling the same way, I hope these insights help you too.

1. Talk to Folks

Creativity can be a solitary game sometimes, especially in fields like voiceover and audiobook narration. Unlike other performing arts where you collaborate with others, this work often means long hours alone in a booth. That’s why talking to people—whether about business or just life—has been so helpful for me.

Even as a self-proclaimed introvert, I’ve found that conversations with others can be energizing. Talking shop is great, but so is discussing anything else that excites you. Have you seen something cool lately? Discovered a new hobby? Sharing experiences with others can help pull you out of your own head and remind you of the joy in everyday life.

2. Explore Other Creative Outlets

When your passion becomes your job, there is a risk that your brain starts to treat every creative thought as a business idea. I’ve found that stepping outside my main artistic discipline into others helps me reconnect with creativity in a purer form.

I used to be a fine arts major, and lately, I’ve been revisiting painting, drawing, and photography—just for the sake of it. I’ve also been writing for fun, not for work, and it’s been incredibly refreshing. Engaging in different creative activities reminds me why I love making things in the first place.

3. Get Inspired by Other Artists

One of my favorite ways to reignite my creative energy is by watching other artists do what they love. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with watching jam sessions, DJ performances, and NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts. There’s something about witnessing musicians pour their hearts into their craft that is so pure and inspiring.

I’m not a musician myself, but seeing artists express themselves so freely has a way of rekindling my own creative fire. If you haven’t already, check out Tiny Desk concerts—Mac Miller’s performance is legendary, and the punk band IDLES completely changed my perspective on the genre. Watching passionate people in their element reminds me why I fell in love with creativity in the first place.

4. Take Breaks and Step Outside

Sometimes, the best way to reignite creativity is to step away from it entirely. Taking a walk, getting fresh air, or simply giving yourself permission to rest can work wonders. While discipline and simply showing up is important in maintaining your creativity, sometimes it flows best after you allow yourself space to breathe.

5. Share the Journey

Every Thursday, I offer “Subscriber Feedback” and get to listen to other voiceover artists and narrators share their work, and honestly it’s one of the highlights of my week. It takes me out of my own head and reinforces the shared aspects of the creative community on the whole. So, if you’re struggling to stay inspired, surround yourself with others who love what they do.

I’d love to hear from you—how do you keep your creative spark alive?

Until next time, be well and stay creative!