The creative world is full of talent and constant change. New tools, shifting client needs, and tighter markets make it harder for many artists to rely only on their craft. While passion is what drives photographers, designers, and other professionals, passion alone does not guarantee stability.
To build a lasting career, creativity must also be treated like a business. Without planning and structure, even skilled professionals can struggle to earn a steady income or keep up with industry demands.
One person who knows this well is Lesle Lane. She is the photographer and owner of Studio 13, Inc, a commercial photography firm based in Indianapolis.
Lesle grew up in a third-generation photography family and stepped into her stepfather’s business at only 23 after his stroke. She faced some of the biggest shifts in the industry, from film to digital, economic downturns, and now AI.
With an MBA and years of experience, she built Studio 13 into a structured company with manuals, a board of directors, and a strong network of 1099 professionals. Her team covers editing, video, drone work, and corporate shoots, while she focuses on strategy, clients, and growth.
In this episode, we will learn how her experience shows the value of treating art as a creative business. We will explore the early hurdles, the challenges of leadership, the impact of technology, and how planning and structure can turn passion into long-term success.
Why Creative Professionals Need to Think Like a Creative Business Owner?
Many people in creative fields see themselves only as artists. They enjoy the craft, whether it is photography, design, or video work, but often avoid the business side. This mindset can hold them back. Without business planning, even skilled professionals can struggle to keep a steady career.
Image Credits: Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Why Planning Matters
Planning helps creatives move from surviving to thriving. It gives structure and security that passion alone cannot provide.
With a clear plan, they can:
Earn steady income instead of waiting for the next project.
Invest in better tools and training.
Prepare for sudden changes that may affect their work.
Build something that lasts beyond their own effort.
Moreover, planning reduces stress. When money and structure are in place, there is more freedom to focus on the art.
Balancing Art and Business
Profit and creativity can work together. Running a business well does not take away from the art. Instead, it supports it.
A creative who knows how to set prices, manage clients, and plan ahead has more control over their future. This balance allows them to choose projects that inspire them rather than taking every job to stay afloat.
A Change in Mindset
The most successful creatives think like business owners first. They still value their art, but they know that without strong business skills, passion is not enough. This shift in mindset helps them protect their income, serve clients better, and create long-term success.
That said, treating creativity as both a calling and a business is the way forward. By combining strong planning with artistic vision, creatives give themselves the chance to grow, stay secure, and enjoy their work for years to come.
What Challenges Come with Taking Over a Creative Business?
Taking over a creative business sounds exciting, but it brings many challenges. Family expectations, financial pressure, and constant industry changes make it a tough road. To succeed, you need to think of it as both a business and an art.
Image Credits: Photo by Mikael Blomkvist on Pexels
Early Hurdles
Stepping in means handling far more than creative work. You also need to manage:
Quotes and client proposals
Invoicing and bookkeeping
Staff coordination and bill payments
These tasks are not glamorous, but they keep the business alive. Without them, even the best creative skills cannot keep things running for long.
Gender and Career Pressures
In many creative fields, gender expectations still shape career paths. Women are often pushed toward portraits or weddings, while men dominate commercial work. This makes it harder for women who want to grow in higher-paying areas.
On top of this, childcare costs often equal or exceed what they earn. Families then face tough choices, and many women leave the field because the numbers no longer work.
Disruptions That Test Stability
The creative industry changes quickly. Some of the biggest challenges include:
Shifts in technology, such as moving from film to digital.
High costs of equipment upgrades to meet client demands.
Economic downturns, which can cut revenue almost overnight.
Each disruption forces a decision: adapt or fall behind. Those who adjust and stay flexible are the ones who last.
Building Resilience
Strong businesses survive because they prepare. Owners who create new income streams, manage costs wisely, and stay close to client needs can weather hard times. Moreover, planning ahead helps turn big changes into fresh chances for growth.
A creative career is built on passion, but passion alone is not enough. Long-term success comes when art and business work side by side.
How Do Internal Challenges Shape a Creative Business?
Running a creative business is not only about handling outside changes like new tools or market shifts. The harder part often comes from inside the business itself. Leading a team, keeping clients happy, and building trust all shape how strong the business becomes.
Image Credits: Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels
Leading a Team at a Young Age
Being a young leader is not easy. Older staff may question your decisions or resist your direction. Some may even try to take clients for themselves.
These moments can feel tough, but acting quickly is key. Letting go of people who hurt the business protects both the company and its future.
Learning Directly from Clients
Clients can teach you a lot about what works and what does not. Their feedback often shows where you need to improve.
Professional Treatment. Clients expect to feel respected and valued in every interaction.
Clear Communication. They want honest updates and quick responses without having to ask twice.
Consistent Results. Meeting the same high standard each time builds their trust and loyalty.
When you listen and adjust, you not only keep the client but often gain long-term support.
Growth Under Pressure
Pressure can be the best teacher. Difficult jobs, short deadlines, or complex setups force you to problem-solve. Each time you work through it, you gain more skill and confidence. Over time, these lessons build a stronger leader and a more reliable business.
Staying Motivated
Progress itself becomes the fuel. Solving hard problems, keeping clients satisfied, and improving systems all bring energy to keep going. While internal struggles can feel heavy, they often lead to growth that makes the business stronger in the long run.
How Do You Shift from Being a Photographer to Running a Creative Business?
For many creatives, the hardest step is letting go of doing everything alone. Moving from being the person behind the camera to running a team takes a change in thinking. It is no longer only about personal skill but about building systems and value that can last.
Image Credits: Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels
Building Something Bigger Than Yourself
A business that depends on one person has little long-term value. Most photographers retire with only a client list, which is worth very little.
To build something that can grow or even be sold, you need more than talent. Written processes, a board of advisors, and a trained team give the business real structure. This shift turns a personal career into a company that can stand on its own.
Paying for Value, Not Just Hours
Bringing in other professionals does not lower the quality of work. It often raises it, because you can assign jobs to people who are stronger in certain areas.
Event photographers may handle jobs that need flexibility and quick response.
Videographers and drone operators cover skills that you may not want to learn yourself
Paying fairly also matters. When skilled people are valued, they produce better results and clients see the difference.
Facing the Impact of AI
AI tools are changing photography, especially in headshots and product images. Some people may choose fast, low-cost AI options, but clients in law, finance, and healthcare still need authentic, trustworthy portraits.
They cannot risk looking different from their real selves. Retailers also demand real product photos because truth in advertising is critical. These needs keep demand for professional work strong, even as AI grows.
Letting go of control is not easy, but it creates growth. By building systems, hiring skilled people, and staying ready for industry changes, creatives can turn their work into a lasting business.
Conclusion
Running a creative business means more than doing the work you love. It also means planning, managing, and thinking ahead. Talent alone can open doors, but planning keeps them open. Moreover, steady systems give you freedom to focus on the art instead of worrying about money.
Success grows when you balance art with business. Setting fair prices, building client trust, and preparing for change make the difference. That said, letting go of the idea that you must do everything alone is key.
A strong team and clear processes help the business run smoothly, even when challenges appear. The industry will always change, whether through new tools, market shifts, or client needs. However, those who prepare and stay flexible turn change into new chances.
By doing so, they keep their work relevant and their business strong. Passion fuels the art, but structure keeps it alive. Treating your work as both creativity and business is not about losing freedom.
It is about gaining control, stability, and choice. When you approach your career as a creative business, you give yourself the chance to grow with confidence and enjoy long-term success.
FAQs
What skills do you need to run a creative business?
You need more than talent. Strong communication, basic finance, client management, and planning skills all support long-term growth.
How do you set prices in a creative business?
Prices should reflect your time, tools, and value. Research the market, add fair margins, and stay consistent.
Can you start a creative business without formal education?
Yes. Education helps, but real growth comes from practice, planning, and learning to manage clients and money.
How important is marketing for a creative business?
Very important. Marketing builds visibility, brings new clients, and shows people why your work is worth paying for.
What role does technology play in a creative business?
Technology shapes how you work and compete. Using updated tools saves time, improves quality, and attracts more clients.