Success as a creative isn't about doing it all—it's about building workflows that let your passion thrive, your purpose shine, and your creativity flourish, even amidst the chaos.
Setting the Stage
This past week marked an exciting milestone for us: the TBI Summit 2024 (Technology Business Incubation), where startups gathered to showcase their innovations, and experts from all over the country shared insights about the future of the startup ecosystem in 2025. It had been years since we had the chance to step out from behind the screens and showcase our creative works in a public forum. Standing there, surrounded by other dreamers and innovators, felt like a breath of fresh air like we were reclaiming our place in the spotlight.
Yes, we consider ourselves a startup again. Why? Because we are pivoting into a new business model that we believe will not only sustain us but help us thrive in the coming years. From our recent Adobe Animate workshop to the TBI Summit and the upcoming ‘Made in CDO’ creative showcase, we’ve been investing time and effort into building brand awareness and growing our creative reach. These events are more than just opportunities to promote our work—they are a chance to reflect on how we’ve come this far, what needs to improve, and how to create workflows that enable us to meet the demands of the creative industry.
It’s a fast-paced world out there, and as artists and creators, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the need to juggle multiple projects, events, and deadlines. But with the right workflows, it’s possible to stay productive, maintain quality, and still enjoy the creative journey.
Delve Deeper into the Problem
When we first started planning for these events, it felt like chaos. Balancing client work, workshop preparation, and booth presentations was no easy feat. We had animation projects due, marketing materials to prepare, and creative showcases to finalize. On top of that, the need to pivot our business model added another layer of complexity.
The common issue I see among creative professionals, myself included, is the lack of an efficient workflow. We tend to jump from one task to another, juggling responsibilities without a clear system in place. Deadlines loom, quality sometimes dips, and before you know it, burnout becomes an all-too-familiar companion.
At one point, I found myself staring at my checklist, overwhelmed by how much needed to get done. The marketing materials for the TBI Summit weren’t finished, the workshop slides still needed polishing, and the animation demo we planned to showcase felt like it was never going to be ready. I realized that while my creativity was thriving, my process was not. I didn’t just need to work harder—I needed to work smarter.
This isn’t just my story—it’s the reality for many creatives. Without a clear workflow, we waste time, energy, and creative potential. Worse, it can affect how we show up for events, clients, and even our projects.
Creating Workflows That Work for You
Through trial and error, I’ve developed a system that helps me manage my creative process more effectively. It’s not about perfection—it’s about creating a structure that supports your goals and allows you to shine when it matters most. Here are five tips that have helped me create workflows that not only deliver results but also maintain my passion for the craft:
Start with the End Goal in Mind
Whether it’s a workshop, a summit booth, or a creative project, clarity is key. Ask yourself:
What is the final output?
What do I want people to take away from this?
What’s the ultimate purpose of this task or project?
For example, at the TBI Summit, our goal wasn’t just to showcase our work—it was to engage with potential investors, stakeholders, and collaborators. Knowing this helped us tailor our booth presentation and prioritize which materials to prepare first.
Break It Down Into Manageable Steps
Once you’ve defined your goal, break it down into actionable steps. Avoid tackling everything at once. Divide larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. For instance:
For the TBI Summit: Prepare booth visuals, polish animation demos, and finalize handouts.
For the Adobe Animate Workshop: Create the module, design slides, and set up hands-on activities.
Use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or even a simple notebook to map out your tasks.
Prioritize and Schedule
Not all tasks are equally urgent or important. Identify the top three tasks that need your immediate attention each day. Schedule blocks of time to focus on these tasks without distractions.
For example, I dedicated mornings to workshop materials and evenings to client work. This clear schedule helped me stay on track and avoid burnout.
Collaborate and Delegate
You don’t have to do everything yourself. If you’re part of a team, identify tasks that can be delegated. For the TBI Summit, I collaborated with my team to create marketing materials and relied on their expertise to polish the booth setup. Collaboration not only lightens your workload but also brings fresh ideas to the table.
Review, Reflect, and Improve
After each event or project, take time to evaluate what worked and what didn’t. For example, after the TBI Summit, we realized that our animation demo captured a lot of attention but our printed materials could have been more engaging.
This insight will guide us for future events.
Regular reflection helps you fine-tune your workflow and ensures continuous improvement.
Building a Creative Legacy
The TBI Summit was more than just an event—it was a reminder of why we do what we do. From the workshops to the showcases, every step we take is part of a larger journey to build a creative legacy. By creating effective workflows, we can navigate the challenges of the creative industry while still finding joy in the process.
As we gear up for the ‘Made in CDO’ creative showcase, I’m reminded of the power of preparation, collaboration, and clarity. These aren’t just lessons for events—they’re lessons for life as a creative.
So, to all my fellow artists and creators: don’t let the chaos of deadlines and projects overwhelm you. Build a workflow that works for you, and keep creating with purpose and passion. The spotlight is waiting for you—step into it fully prepared.
Here’s to reclaiming the stage, one project at a time.
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