We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shaniel Maarsh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shaniel, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

The desire to earn a full-time living from creative work is both a dream and a challenge for many. For me, it’s not just about pursuing a passion, but about carving out a space where my creativity can be sustained, supported, and valued in a way that allows me to thrive. It’s about finding the intersection between what I love to do and what the world is willing to pay for, and making that connection deep enough to form a reliable, long-term career.
There’s a sense of self-empowerment that comes from knowing that my creative output could be my livelihood, not just a side hustle or hobby. That sense of security, knowing that my skills and talents can provide for me and my future, brings a level of confidence that allows me to experiment, take risks, and grow as a creator. It means not just surviving but thriving in the pursuit of my craft, and seeing my work resonate with others in meaningful ways. At the beginning, I spent a lot of time experimenting with different styles, mediums, and formats. I knew I loved creating, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to create or who I was creating for. This phase was critical, but it also felt like a lot of aimless wandering like finding my niche.
Building an audience is something that can take years, but it’s one of the most important milestones on the path to making a full-time living as a creator. Early on, I focused heavily on the quality of my work, believing that if I created something good enough, the audience would come. But as I learned, it’s just as much about consistency and visibility as it is about quality.
Monetizing My WorkI learned to diversify my income streams: offering services (like commissions or consulting), selling products (digital downloads, prints, etc.), and seeking out paid collaborations .I undervalued myself, afraid that no one would be willing to pay what my work was worth. Learning to set boundaries and charge what I deserved was an uncomfortable but necessary step. learning business skills is just as important as learning your craft. For me, this was a major turning point. I spent so much time focused on honing my creative work that I neglected to develop the financial literacy, marketing, and project management skills that were essential for long-term success. Perhaps one of the most underestimated milestones in a creative career is building a network of support—whether it’s other creators, mentors, or business professionals who can offer guidance. I haven’t reach to a point where I finally reached the point where I could fully support myself with my creative work.

Shaniel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Well I always knew I was going to become something. It all started with a deep love for modeling and acting. As a kid, I would spend hours writing, drawing, and making up worlds in my head. I wasn’t necessarily thinking of it as a career, though—it was just something I enjoyed doing. It wasn’t until later in life, after a few different jobs and trying out various fields, that I realized I wanted to turn my passion for creativity into a full-time profession. I dabbled in creative design, freelanced as a model , and explored various creative avenues, each time learning a little more about myself and my craft. But it wasn’t until I began seriously focusing on digital content creation and honing my skills and this visual. I started to see a clear path forward. One of the key strengths of being an introvert is the ability to deeply focus for long periods of time. I thrive when I’m working in solitude, able to immerse myself fully in the creative process without distractions. This gives me the ability to dive into ideas, explore them from different angles, and uncover nuances that might be missed in a more fast-paced or social environment. I tend to be more intentional about what I create and how I create it. I don’t often rush into projects or create for the sake of creating. Instead, I take the time to understand the why behind each piece of work—why it matters, who it’s for, and what it’s trying to communicate. This sense of purpose and intentionality is something that sets me apart from other creatives who may be more driven by external validation or quick production. Im mainly proud of the fact that im myself at all times.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media is an ongoing journey of experimentation, engagement, and authenticity. It’s not just about gaining followers; it’s about building a community that supports your work and connects with your message. For me, the key has been consistency, engagement, and the willingness to show up as myself. It’s about being patient, learning from mistakes, and continuously refining your approach. But with time, as long as you’re offering real value and staying true to your voice, you’ll start seeing that audience grow—and with it, the opportunities to take your creative work to new heights.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Starting my creative journey early has been one of the most defining decisions of my life. Looking back, I can see how those early years of experimentation, discovery, and passion laid the foundation for everything that came later. While some may think it takes time to “find your calling” or to grow into your creative self, I’ve come to realize that the earlier you start—no matter your age—the more natural it becomes to evolve into the artist, designer, writer, or creator you are meant to be.IJust wish I started sooner and not take a break from it

Contact Info:

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shaniellyyy
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/goddessinmas?igsh=YnRoZHJpMjF1a3l3

Image Credits

https://www.instagram.com/josephwalkerstudio?igsh=MXF6dWoybTc3ZW51dQ==