November 22, 2020

How to pick a niche when you're a multi-passionate creative

If you’re like me, you probably have an abundance of interests and creative project ideas. I used to get caught up trying to “follow my passion” before realizing that advice would never work for me. I’m multi-passionate, and I describe myself as a multipotentialite.

A multipotentialite is someone with many interests and creative pursuits. It stems from the word multipotentiality–a psychological and educational term used to describe people who display aptitudes across multiple disciplines.

Even though I’ve learned to embrace my multipotentiality, it’s still held me back from building my Dream Work Life.

You see, I know that I’m meant to be a solopreneur. I also know that I have many of the skills required to be successful running my own online business. Design, writing code, managing projects to name a few.

So why do I struggle to make the leap?

Yes, I’m scared of leaving my stable full-time job. I’m also scared of putting myself out there and having to market my services.

But the deeper, more insidious issue, is that I don’t want to pick a niche. I want to work on creative projects that interest me, dammit! And so what if those interests change on a weekly, monthly, yearly basis?

But this, unfortunately, isn’t an adequate solution. By refusing to choose a niche, I’m making it impossible for people to know who I am, what I do, and how I can help. And without that, I will never achieve my dreams of having more control over my time and feeling a sense of purpose in my work.

In the end, I chose a niche. I’m a web designer for intentional business owners, nonprofits, and creatives. Whew, it actually feels good to put it on the page! It’s clean and clear. You know exactly what kind of service I offer and whether or not you might need my help.

So how did I choose?

I realized that choosing a niche isn’t a permanent decision.

Actually, after analyzing some of the creative people I look up to, I saw how most of them started as one thing, and then branched out into other directions.

Paul Jarvis started out as a web designer. Now he runs a small software company and makes courses and podcasts.

Meg Lewis started out as a brand designer. Now she writes an advice column, makes a super weird podcast, and hosts events.

Emilie Wapnick runs an online community for multi-passionate people. But she also has a now-famous TED talk, sells digital products, and has written and pitched a TV show pilot.

Heck, even Rihanna started as an entertainer! Now she is a brand mogul and fashion icon.

The one thing they have in common: they started. They made things. Eventually, they became known for something. And then they grew.

It’s pretty simple when you think about it.

Once I thought about the decision as a starting point, it became much easier. I know that I’ll have fun making websites for creatives and nonprofits. The process will allow me to hone my style and make a difference in my community. There are so many benefits to choosing, for now at least.

If you’re struggling to pick a niche, I recommend brainstorming answers to the following questions.

• What skills do you have that people will pay you for?
• When has money come easiest for you in the past?
• What do you enjoy doing?
• Who do you enjoy working with?

Things I consumed this week

• Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World, a documentary about the profound and overlooked influence of Indigenous people on popular music in North America.

• This easy vegan tomato soup. I’m not vegan, but this was yummy and easy to make!

• I’m slowly catching up on my favorite podcasts. Without a commute, I’m listening way less frequently. This Invisibilia episode about whale songs and climate change made me cry more than once.

• I’m continually adding screenshots to this channel in Are.na. Follow me there? Screenshots are my digital landscape since I don’t get outside much these days.

• Finally picked up my standing desk, monitor, and chair from the office. It’s only been 9 months since I started working exclusively from home… 🤷🏼‍♀️ What can I say, I’ve been in denial.

I definitely need to improve my cord maintenance.

• Took a walk to the Bosque and watched/listened to the Sandhill Cranes who are migrating south for the winter.

• My friends released new music and I’ve been listening on my cassette player! You can get one too. They describe their sound as “post-no-wave-party-punk.”