Do I Really Need to Niche Down?
Embracing a Multi-Passionate Creative Path
Howdy! And if you're here for the first time, welcome!
I just started The Artist’s Way (or should I say, restarted), and even after just a few days of morning pages, I’m already having mini breakthroughs. One of them is something that’s been on my mind for YEARS: do I really need to niche down?
Ever since I first learned about design 15 years ago (wowza), there have always been teachers, peers, seasoned designers, and others throughout the field asking me what I planned to niche down to. Although I’ve found a few areas that resonate with me and that I’ve specialized in, I still feel that inner pull to niche down to something so specific that I’d only be approached to work on that type of project.
But does it really have to be that way? Can’t we be appreciated for our many passions? I believe something special happens when we’re recognized for our diverse creative interests.
I used to write a lot more than I do now—poems, songs, journal entries, short stories, and more. That faded when I got deeper into the design world, but why not do both? It’s possible for two creative fields to coexist. In college, I won awards for both my design work and my poetry. Shocking? Yes. Rewarding? Also yes.
So why can’t the same be true for our creative careers?
Rather than focusing on one specific design specialization like illustration, editorial design, branding, packaging, art direction, photography, etc., I like to base my specialties on the industry as well as those skills. I’m deeply passionate about music, but I also love fashion. I’d love to work in both industries, but sometimes their styles don’t align, making my portfolio feel “overstuffed” with different aesthetics. While my work still has a recognizable touch, I sometimes wonder if I get overlooked for projects because I don’t appear fully “aligned” with the target audience.
While having these thoughts on Tuesday morning, I came across a post on Instagram that put words to the feelings I’ve been having.
AHA! A page dedicated to the exact thoughts flowing through my brain. Thank you, algorithm! Although this page seems to be dedicated to monetizing each of your passions (not necessarily design-specific), I still find loads of inspiration and thought-provoking gems on there.
All this to say, I want to live in a creative world where I can have both. A place to flex my creativity however I want because there’s no one-size-fits-all creative container to hop into.
With that being said, and contrary to what I’ve said so far, I do think there’s value in not over-saturating your portfolio to the point that no one can tell what your interests are by looking at it. But if you have a few areas that you’re super passionate about and they light you up, then throw them in there! If you don’t like working on motion graphics projects but you’ve done some in the past, don’t include them. If you love illustration work but also love UI/UX, why not show both? You never know what someone is looking for, and you could help them in ways they didn’t expect!
Here are some ways I’ve been incorporating my varying interests into my work life:
Starting this Substack to get back into writing.
Participating in The Artist’s Way again to hone in on my creative self.
Using my own phone + film photography in my projects in addition to stock photography.
Creating passion projects centered around multiple industries merging together (FIG—an independent magazine focusing on fashion and music).
Junk journaling in my free time.
Art directing my own social media platforms.
When it comes to my own creative path, I’m taking the “everything but the kitchen sink” approach by embracing a wide range of interests and not limiting myself to a narrow niche. If you’re also a creative in the same boat, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me directly!
THE MOODBOARD ⬇
ADOBE LAUNCHED A NEW VERSION OF PHOTOSHOP FOR IPHONE!!
Woah this is big news. As someone who has tested the previous versions of photoshop apps that have hit the market at one point or another, I am super excited to give this a go!
Bums on Board!
I am obsessed with Trainline's new 'Bums on Board' campaign .. the scrapbook feel of the whole thing, the humor, the ransom type, and the cat pic (of course).
Adding to my mental Rolodex of reasons why I really want to start cross-stitching or knitting.
Everything Jasmine touches turns into a beautiful masterpiece. I highly recommend checking out her process and work—so stunning and always inspiring!
A new report, created in collaboration between It’s Nice That’s Insights department and WePresent, explores the uncertain future of design, offering guidance across three evolving areas: trends, research, and new roles. Not only is this report beautifully designed, but it also provides a wealth of valuable insights and guidance.
One particular line that stood out to me was this: “According to the 2025 Future of Jobs Report—which surveyed 1,000 employers representing more than 14 million workers—the World Economic Forum predicts that ‘graphic designer’ will be one of the fastest-declining jobs between 2025 and 2030. (This marks a significant shift from the 2023 edition of the report, in which graphic design was considered a moderately growing field.)” 😳
Until next time,
Bailey
I am also multi-passionate, and a mom no less lol so this merging of fields or niching down has always been rubbed me the wrong way. I’m finding myself bored even though I have a PLETHORA of hobbies and things to do, and everything lights me up for a while and then I plateau. I enjoy cooking, painting, sewing, knitting/crotheting, journaling, writing stories, herbalism/health/wellness. My husband has (on multiple occasions and for many years) given me blueprints on how to use 2-3 of these interests in one but man idk it doesn’t stick! It’s driving me insane.