Creator of Color: You Are Worthy
Is the creator economy that much better than Corporate America? With sky-rocketing grocery prices and the rise of TikTok, more and more people are looking to find their passion and make it their full-time gig. However, creators of color should be forewarned because all that glitters isn’t gold. Where you can be your own boss and fulfill all of your creative desires, you may still face similar office-politics obstacles in the digital creator space. Here are three things to keep in mind when you want to throw in the towel:
Your Presence Matters
One thing I learned during my restorative time offline was how much one person of color can create a ripple effect in the industry. On days when you feel like giving up, be reminded that you are making an impact by showing up. Your presence matters, and your voice matters. You have a special way of relating to and connecting with people. Your perspective, your essence, your style of connecting—it all matters. Your energy resonates with folks and is making an impact, even if you don’t see it.
Sometimes, delayed gratification and racialized hate comments can eat away at you. Then, there’s witnessing others prosper from aspects of your culture or vernacular while algorithms block you from doing or saying the same things. Let’s also not forget how you may be treated differently from your peers, especially in group settings. It may feel like you’re showing up daily with nothing to show for your progress. Despite all the work you’re putting in, it can feel like the universe is trying to tell you to hang it up. It can be hard to assess the healthiest response in these moments. You may want to take a step back to protect your peace or push through the ugly truth that biases are shaping your experience. Maybe you’re burning the candle at both ends, and you could give a little less to preserve your mental health. With some people wanting to limit the social progress of melanated folks, do what feels best to reset and uphold the mindset that your absence won’t be for the long term.
You Are Building Beautiful Communities
Remember that the community you're building reflects you when you’re looking for reasons to keep showing up. Your community shows up to support you, other folks in your audience, and the shared causes your community cares about. The value of your essence extends beyond you, whether you are one of the only creators who looks like your audience or one of many.
Even if talent management agencies aren’t approaching you, you’re inspiring others just by showing up in your space. Representation is powerful, and your consistent presence might be carving out a path for other BIPOC creatives or those in your community. So, if you feel like a small fish in a gigantic pond, remember you were called to your lane for a reason. Maybe there wasn’t someone who looked like you doing what you do. Perhaps you offer a much more unique perspective or expertise that others find incredibly relatable and helpful. No matter what kind of art or content you make, that kind of impact and engagement is priceless. So, never let industry folk sell you or your community short.
You Are Worthy of It All
Rest, recognition, support, equal pay… You are worthy of it all. Most of us melanated folk struggle with imposter syndrome as we exist in a world that tries to convince us every day that we don’t belong and aren’t enough; that is the greatest lie ever told.
You are capable, competent, and absolutely worthy of asking for more. Defining what “more” means to you and committing to your standards may be beneficial. Brands may try to convince you to settle and backtrack on your rates. Stay strong, don’t waiver, and don’t settle for crumbs. Like corporate America, social media brands are banking on the fact that people of color will be happy with being allowed in their space or acknowledged as talent. Some of them may try to pay you in “exposure,” but remind them that your bills and livelihood as a human matter just as much as theirs and the next creator. You may have to vet managers or train those you trust to be in positions to advocate for and protect you. Those around you should be vying for you to receive the same opportunities as your peers with similar agreements. Your team should help make your journey more freeing, equitable, and accessible… Not one hyper-fixated on numbers, greed, or sacrificing your integrity to make a deal or promotion work. You deserve a team that serves as your rock and backbone because you are worthy of unconditional support. You are worthy of the same love and support you give.
Take care of yourself every step of the way, no matter how you chase creative freedom. Putting yourself out there as a marginalized identity isn’t for the faint of heart. Burnout, exhaustion, and comparison are all very real and tend to hit hard. If you’re experiencing a block or looking for reasons to stay in the game, remember you are magic. You deserve a career that fulfills you. You deserve to be surrounded by good people, things, and experiences. You deserve to take breaks when the days get overwhelming, and your artistry and humanity should always be respected; and never compromised.