Mastering the Art of Creative Balance: How to Juggle Client Work and Personal Projects

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Aug 6

Tips and tricks to juggle client work and personal projects like a pro

Today, we’re diving into the fine art of balancing client work with personal creative projects. Imagine trying to keep a bunch of spinning plates from crashing to the ground—it’s pretty wild, right? Whether you’re a marketing guru by day and a fantasy writer by night like my freind Haley Walden, or just someone hustling to keep everything afloat without losing it, I've got some down-to-earth advice for you. So, let’s get rolling!

Mastering the Balancing Act

First off, balancing client work and personal creativity can feel like walking a tightrope. Haley once shared that she spent six whole months just proofreading and prepping the first three books of her fantasy series before she even thought about writing again.

Tip #1: Set Some Boundaries, Stat!

You gotta carve out specific times for client work and personal projects. Use a planner, set timers—heck, even put up a Do Not Disturb sign if you have to. Keep those worlds separate!

Building Your Fantasy Worlds

Haley’s fantasy series is jam-packed with romantic fantasy, conspiracy theories, and revisionist history. Her characters are historians inheriting magical memories that flip the script on established history. Pretty cool, huh?

Tip #2: Draw From Real Life

Use your family stories, heritage, or even that weird neighbor who insists they've seen Bigfoot. The world around you is just waiting to be mined for inspiration.

Progress Over Perfection: Your New Mantra

Haley has wrestled the perfection monster more times than she can count. But seriously, "progress over perfection" is the lifesaver we all need. Perfect is the enemy of done, folks.

Tip #3: Set Mini Goals

Instead of aiming to finish a novel in a weekend (yeah, right), go for writing a single chapter. Celebrate those little wins because they keep you motivated and moving forward.

Own Your Weirdness

Haley also talks a lot about embracing your own quirks. She’s learned to deal with shame and how owning her "weird" is actually her superpower.

Tip #4: Be Unapologetically You

The world needs your unique voice. Don’t try to blend in—stand out and let your quirks shine.

The Method Writing Approach

Haley’s a pro at nailing her clients' brand voices. Her “method writing” approach? Deep-diving into all of her clients' content like she's preparing for a starring role.

Tip #5: Get Immersive

Gather all the info you can from your clients. Recorded talks, written content, awkward voice memos—you name it. The more you get into their headspace, the better you can mimic their voice.

The DIY Brand Voice Workbook

Haley’s created this awesome DIY brand voice workbook that’s based on Jungian psychology. It's not just about finding your brand voice—it’s about steering clear of unwanted personas.

Tip #6: Walk in the Client's Shoes

Use guides that help you view the brand from the inside out. Understanding the “Shadow” side can keep you from making missteps.

Keep Reassessing: Stay Fluid

The secret sauce to keeping your creative mojo? Constant reassessment. Creativity isn't rigid, so your process shouldn't be either.

Tip #7: Reflect and Adapt

Regularly take a step back and check in with yourself. Are you happy with your balance? Does your process need some tweaks? Stay flexible and open to change.

Wrapping It All Up

So there you have it, friends—a no-nonsense guide to juggling client work and personal projects without going bonkers. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but these tips should make the chaos a bit more manageable. Now go out there, and keep creating without turning into a stress ball. Keep that creative spirit alive!

mike brennan

Mike Brennan, author of Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again, is not just a Creative Consultant and Communicator; he's a passionate advocate for reigniting the lost art of fun and creativity in our lives. In his book, Make Fun a Habit, Mike takes readers on a captivating journey, drawing from personal experiences of resilience and moments of light in the darkest times. Through this journey, he uncovers the secrets to rediscovering fun, infusing every day with play, and unlocking our innate creative potential.

Mike's expertise extends beyond the pages of his book, as he has been instrumental in helping renowned clients such as Heineken and Chase Bank infuse creativity, innovation, and yes, fun, into their work. His artwork has graced prestigious spaces like the Ronald McDonald House and the I.D.E.A. Museum in Mesa, Arizona. His educational journey includes studying in New York City and graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology and The School of Visual Arts.

What sets Mike apart is his commitment to helping individuals and organizations harness the transformative power of creativity in their daily lives and businesses. He offers a unique Daily Creative Habit process, honed over a decade of personal practice, to empower individuals and businesses to integrate innovation into their routines. His methods encompass time management, goal-driven creativity, and a sustainable approach to making innovation a seamless part of daily life and work.

In a world where the daily grind often overshadows the pursuit of happiness, Mike stands as a beacon of hope. His message is clear: embrace the adventure that life offers, and discover how incorporating creativity and fun into your routine can lead to a more vibrant, fulfilling existence. Through his words, art, actions, and unwavering dedication to the cause, Mike inspires us all to make fun not just a habit but a way of life.