We recently connected with Aiste Haas and have shared our conversation below.

Aiste, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I currently earn a full-time living from my work as a nail art content creator. However, it wasn’t easy or simple in the beginning. My journey was organic and unfolded at the right time, when I felt fully ready to take the leap of faith into full-time content creation.

Initially, I was juggling my nail art projects with a full-time job for a couple of years. It was only about a year ago that I was able to quit my 9-5 job, thanks to my growth and support on social media. The transition was challenging because income in this field can be very inconsistent and unpredictable.

Before switching to full-time content creation, I took several major steps to ensure financial stability:

1. Multiple Sources of Income: I made sure to have multiple streams of income that could cover my basic living expenses. This included participating in multiple affiliate programs that I tested and found to be reliable in converting sales and earnings.
2. Long-term Partnerships: I secured a couple of long-term partnerships with brands and User Generated Content (UGC) deals. These provided me with a steady income and allowed me to feel more confident in my decision to go full-time.
3. Minimizing Reliance on Sponsorships: By having these consistent income streams, I didn’t have to rely solely on sporadic sponsorships. This allowed me to be available and give my best when sponsorship opportunities came my way, making them an additional source of income rather than a primary one.

Looking back, I do believe it might have been possible to speed up the process, but everyone’s journey is different. Mine happened in a way that felt right for me, and it unfolded when I was truly ready to embrace it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a nail artist and content creator based in the USA, specializing in creating inspirational nail art and tutorials. My journey into this industry began with a lifelong passion for creativity, nail art, and beauty. I vividly remember being fascinated by the intricate designs and vibrant colors that could be applied to nails, and this passion only grew stronger over time.

I hold degrees in visual communications and marketing, which have given me a business-driven mindset and a deep understanding of my clients’ needs. This background helps me create content that not only meets but exceeds expectations in terms of conceptual, aesthetic, and creative quality.

I Offer:

• Inspirational Nail Art and Tutorials: I create art that is wearable every day, styled for various seasons, occasions, and trends.
• Content on Cosmetics, Skincare, and Fashion: My social media posts cover hand and nail care products, skincare, makeup, jewelry, and fashion accessories. You can find my content on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest.
• Product Reviews and Recommendations: I select and review the best quality products, whether they are high-end or budget-friendly, for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts at home.

What Sets Me Apart:

• Expertise and Passion: My background in marketing and visual communications allows me to combine creativity with strategic thinking, ensuring that my content is not only beautiful but also effective in reaching and engaging my audience.
• Quality and Attention to Detail: I strive to achieve the highest quality in every piece of content I create, whether it’s a nail art tutorial, a product review, or a simple inspirational post.
• Industry Recognition: I am proud and honored to have been recognized, trusted, featured, and published by industry leaders. This recognition validates the hard work and dedication I put into my craft.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
I take immense pride in the trust and recognition I’ve earned from both my followers and industry professionals. Being able to inspire others through my work and seeing my content published and featured by reputable sources is incredibly rewarding.

Key Things to Know About Me & My Brand:

• Commitment to Excellence: I always seek the best results and guarantee the quality of work everyone’s looking for.
• Client-Centric Approach: I focus on understanding and meeting the needs of my clients, ensuring that every project aligns with their goals and expectations.
• Continuous Growth and Learning: I’m always exploring new trends and techniques to keep my content fresh, relevant, and exciting.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to express yourself and connect with likeminded people through your work. For me, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see my art resonate with people, inspire them, and bring a bit of beauty and joy into their lives. A few specific aspects that I find particularly rewarding:

1. Creative Freedom: Being able to turn my ideas into tangible, beautiful creations is deeply satisfying. The freedom to explore new techniques, styles, and concepts keeps the creative process exciting.

2. Inspiration and Impact: Knowing that my work can inspire others is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s encouraging someone to try a new nail art design or providing a moment of beauty in their day, the impact of my work on others is a very powerful motivator.

3. Recognition and Validation: Receiving recognition from industry leaders and being featured or published is a significant validation of my skills and efforts. It reaffirms that my work is appreciated and valued in the broader community.

4. Community and Connection: Building a community of followers and fellow creatives who share my passion is one of the most rewarding aspects. The interactions, feedback, and support from this community create a sense of belonging and mutual inspiration.

5. Personal Growth: The journey of continuously improving my craft and achieving new milestones is immensely rewarding. Each completed project, successful collaboration, or positive feedback is a testament to my growth as an artist.

6. Making a Living from Passion: Being able to earn a living doing what I love is a dream come true. It allows me to dedicate my time and energy to my passion, knowing that my creative work supports me financially.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect is the combination of all these elements together.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Absolutely, there are several aspects of the creative journey that non-creatives might struggle to fully understand.

1. The Non-Linear Path to Success
Non-creatives might expect a straightforward, linear path to success, similar to many traditional careers. However, the creative journey is filled with ups and downs, periods of intense productivity, and times of creative block. Success doesn’t come overnight; it involves a lot of trial and error, persistence, and resilience.

2. The Emotional Investment
Creativity is deeply personal and involves a significant emotional investment. Each piece of work carries a part of the artist’s personality, making it hard to detach emotionally from the outcome. Rejection or criticism can feel more personal compared to other professions.

3. The Unpredictable Nature of Income
Unlike traditional jobs with regular paychecks, a creative career often involves inconsistent and unpredictable income. This financial uncertainty can be stressful and requires careful planning and diversification of income streams to ensure stability.

4. The Amount of Behind-the-Scenes Work
Non-creatives might see the final product and think the process is straightforward. However, there’s a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work, including planning, research, practice, revisions, and marketing. The effort that goes into each project far exceeds the visible result. In particular, content creators have to develop multiple skill sets such as photography, videography, editing, copywriting, marketing, project management, customer service, research, trend analysis, etc., as well as understand laws and finances.

5. The Pressure to Continuously Innovate
Creatives face constant pressure to come up with fresh, original ideas. This need for continuous innovation can be mentally exhausting and requires a balance between staying inspired and avoiding burnout.

6. The Importance of Personal Branding
In the creative field, personal branding is crucial. Creatives must not only produce high-quality work but also market themselves effectively on various platforms. Building a brand and maintaining an online presence can be as demanding as the creative work itself.

7. The Role of Passion
While many jobs can be performed with a level of detachment, creativity thrives on passion. The drive to create often comes from an intrinsic motivation and love for the craft. This passion sustains creatives through challenges and uncertainties.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/heygreatnails
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Za3kMQ6JnZXZbuSE/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@heygreatnails?si=KWx0YTxOBalnX_YR
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heygreatnails?_t=8nWwiUX8Sdj&_r=1

Image Credits

All images are taken by me, Aiste Haas and the copyrights belong to me.