Let’s talk about competitions in the creative industry

A lot of people believe the biggest problem in the creative field is how many other creatives are out there. They compare themselves constantly. Did you know that comparison is one of the main reasons many creatives block themselves? It is normal, I get it, but that mindset is exactly what stops people from growing.

Does competition motivate or demotivate you?

Some people feel motivated by competition, and that’s great if it works for you. But for many, it has the opposite effect. Do you ever:

Lower your prices just to win a client?
Watch other creatives’ stories and think, “Why am I not booked and busy like them?”
Doubt your own growth because you are measuring it against someone else?

These thoughts sound familiar, right?

A mindset shift that works

What if you flipped that mindset? Instead of thinking, “They’re doing so well, I’ll never catch up”, you tell yourself, “They are doing a great job, love that for them. Now let me check what I can improve for myself.”

For example, maybe you realize you spend too much time on social media and still haven’t finished that bookkeeping your accountant has been asking for. Shifting your focus back to yourself is where growth starts.

This mindset helped me a lot. I always saw myself as my own competition. Every day I asked: what can I do better tomorrow?

Growing together, not against each other

My partner in crime, makeup artist Jevan Barwari, shares the same mindset. People often ask how we grew so fast. The answer is simple: we compete with ourselves, not with others.

It is tempting to compare your work. But here is the truth: someone may post something huge on Instagram and look “busy,” but in reality they might be getting paid less than you. You don’t know the details. And yet, based on what you think, you feel insecure, while you may actually be in the stronger position by not lowering your value.

It’s not the competition, it’s your next step

I have had hours of conversations with different creatives. The same question always comes up: “Why does that person do better than me?” My answer is always: “What is your next step in growth? What are you planning for the coming months?” Often the reply is, “Nothing.”

That shows the truth: it’s not the competition holding you back, it’s the lack of your own next step. And yes, that can be hard to hear, but it is real.

There is enough space for everyone

Why did you start your business? Probably to earn money with your passion and creativity. And remember, we are in Belgium with 11 million people. Not all of them will work with you, but there are more than enough to build a business.

The real power lies in community. Yet many photographers don’t want to share their prices. That mindset damages the creative field. Isn’t it better if clients choose us for our style, rather than only for who is the cheapest?

If clients make decisions based on art, not discounts, everyone wins. Finances become healthier for creatives, clients respect the value of photography, and choosing you becomes a compliment to your style.

Shushanik Photography