Debunking common misconceptions that hold talented creatives back from thriving.
Understanding the Myths Surrounding Creative Success
The creative hustle here is often misunderstood, undervalued, or glamorized in ways that don’t reflect the real work, the late nights, or the countless sacrifices. And somehow, everyone has an opinion—except the ones actually doing the work. Add social pressure, cultural expectations, and unstable income streams to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a creative career filled with more myths than mentorship.
But in between the pressure to go viral, land sponsorships, and prove your worth, a lot of myths get passed off as truth. And if you’re not careful, those myths can shape how you see yourself—and how far you think you can go.
1. Once I Go Viral, I’ve Made It
Going viral can feel like the golden ticket—but it’s not a sustainable career plan. Many creatives get a spike in attention that fades just as quickly as it came. Real success is built on consistency, not virality. You need systems, strategy, and a plan for what happens after the spotlight dims. Brands and clients look for reliability, not one-off buzz. Going viral might open a door, but it’s what you do after walking through that determines your staying power.
2. If My Work Is Good Enough, It Will Sell Itself
Talent is great—but it’s not a marketing plan. The Ghanaian creative space is full of brilliant photographers, designers, musicians, and writers whose work never reaches its full audience because no one knows it exists. Visibility matters. You have to learn how to talk about your work, package it, and strategically place it in front of the right eyes. Selling yourself isn’t selling out—it’s giving your talent the platform it deserves.
3. You Must Have Foreign Exposure to Be Taken Seriously
There’s a pervasive myth that if you haven’t studied abroad, exhibited outside Ghana, or worked with international clients, you’re not “there” yet. But Ghana is full of self-taught, locally grown creatives doing world-class work. The value of your creativity isn’t measured by proximity to the West—it’s measured by the impact, craftsmanship, and relevance of your work. Yes, global exposure helps, but don’t discredit the influence and opportunities you can build right here at home.
4. Real Artists Don’t Care About Money
Let’s be clear: passion is powerful, but it doesn’t pay rent. The starving artist trope has romanticized creative struggle so much that some feel guilty for charging their worth. But you’re not just doing what you love—you’re providing a service or product that requires time, skill, and resources. It’s okay to be passionate and profit-minded. Making a living off your craft doesn’t make you any less authentic; it means you’re building something sustainable.
5. You Have to Know Someone Big to Succeed
Yes, Ghana can be a very “who you know” space. But that doesn’t mean talent with no connections is doomed. People are watching—even when you don’t think they are. Consistency, excellence, and showing up where it matters (online, events, communities) can get you noticed by the right people. You may not start with elite connections, but you can build meaningful relationships through the quality of your work and presence.
6. You Must Be Multi-Talented to Thrive
There’s pressure in today’s creator economy to do everything: graphic design, photography, marketing, editing, and events… but it can be exhausting and unsustainable. Being a multi-hyphenate is great, but not at the cost of mastery. You don’t need to be everything to everyone. Sometimes, success comes from doing one thing incredibly well. Focus breeds depth, and depth builds trust—and that’s what people pay for.
7. If I Don’t Have a Big Following, I’m Not a Real Creative
Social media has blurred the line between influence and impact. It’s easy to feel inadequate when you see peers with 20K followers and brand deals. But followers aren’t the only metric that counts. Some of the most impactful creatives in Ghana work behind the scenes, build niche loyal communities or serve clients who don’t even live on Instagram. Quality work, solid testimonials, and strategic positioning matter far more than likes or shares.
