“Do you solve creative problems, or do you solve problems creatively?”

I got asked this recently and it made me pause, because I’ve considered myself a creative problem solver for a long time. I know this because I’ve been designing brands, creating artwork, and building websites for the last 8 years.

But ever since I started my company of one, I can’t deny a noticeable shift in my daily routine. I don’t just work on the creative designs anymore, I’m also designing the workflow and systems. Sometimes it’s a Figma template, other times it’s briefing clients on the next steps like we’re baking a cake.

Some creatives think that focusing on systems and business will lead to the death of their soul and creativity. I know, I was “some creatives” and I think the real danger is staying too comfortable in your lane. Especially in our current climate.

We’ve lived through a pandemic, watched the housing market crash and witnessed the birth of AI all within the last 5 years. Not to mention, we’re watching the possibility of WW3 unfold in real time. The bottom line is that we’re living in extremely unpredictable times and it’s clear to see that the creative industry has taken a blow with the amount of AI tools introduced to the world. Every week a new model, every day a new feature.

Execution will get you there, building a system will make it last.

I’m not even talking about one that’s complex in any way that incorporates AI. I’m talking about building a genuine and repeatable routine that aligns with your life goals because creative longevity depends more on your systems than your talent. That can look like a morning run right into a premade breakfast from the night before, deep work in the afternoon and creative hobby before ending the night.

Of course, the tasks can always be simplified or expanded just like the layers of an intricate artwork on Photoshop. Ideally, it will also be one that you can own, and the more unique it is, the better.