Live your best creative life: tips for freelancers inspired by Snoop Dogg’s Olympics

August 14, 2024 E Jazz Reporter

If you work as a creative freelancer, many people will be seriously jealous of you. Let’s face it: you get to spend all day doing the thing you love and get paid for it. How many people can say that?

On paper, at least, you’re living the dream. As the modern parlance goes, you’re certainly living your best life.

In reality, though, it often doesn’t feel like it. The life of a freelance graphic designer or artist can be exhilarating, but it can also be challenging and, at times, isolating.

Times when you’re bogged down juggling multiple projects and facing seemingly impossible deadlines. Times when you’re short on sleep because you’ve been up all night working or worrying about a nightmare client. Times when you’re stuck doing boring, repetitive work that makes you feel like your life has become just one endless loop.

At times like this, it’s easy for the creative passion that got you into the field in the first place to dim. And you often find yourself searching for a jolt, a kickstart of some kind to reignite your creative mojo. Sometimes, these come from the most unlikely of places. And here’s one that really hit home with us at Creative Boom.

Snoop Dogg’s presence at the 2024 Paris Olympics as a special correspondent for NBC was unexpected, to say the least. Yet the 52-year-old rapper fully embraced his role, participating in a range of unlikely activities and providing entertaining commentary throughout the Games.

From carrying the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony to getting swimming lessons from Michael Phelps, Snoop brought his unique style and enthusiasm to every aspect of the event. His commentary went viral, his support for Team USA athletes was unwavering, and his ability to find joy in every moment was infectious.

In short, Snoop’s approach to this new challenge was nothing short of inspirational. And while we can’t all be global music stars, we can learn many valuable lessons here and apply them to our freelance careers. Read on as we share our seven big takeaways.

1. Take risks: step out of your comfort zone

Snoop Dogg’s Olympic commentary was a masterclass in not playing it safe but embracing risks. No one anticipated the iconic rapper taking on this role, yet he made it his own, blending humour, insight, and authenticity. Snoop’s ability to thrive in an unexpected environment reminds us all of the value of stepping out of our comfort zones.

Because let’s be honest: it’s easy to fall into a routine, sticking to what you know and what has worked in the past. Yet true growth often comes from pushing your boundaries and taking calculated risks. This could mean, for example, experimenting with a new design style, working with a client from an unfamiliar industry, or tackling a project that feels a little intimidating.

Consider how Snoop approached sports he wasn’t familiar with, such as badminton. He didn’t shy away from commenting on these events; instead, he brought his unique perspective and enthusiasm, creating memorable moments for viewers. In the same way, don’t be afraid to take on projects that stretch your skills or challenge your usual way of working.

Here are some practical ways to force yourself out of your comfort zone:

Set yourself a goal to try one new technique or style in your next project.
Reach out to potential clients in industries you haven’t worked with before.
Consider collaborating with other creatives whose skills complement yours.
Start a side project that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

Remember, growth often happens at the edge of discomfort. By embracing new challenges, you not only expand your skill set but also open yourself up to new opportunities and inspiration.

2. Support others: build and lift up your creative community

Throughout his Olympics journey, Snoop was more than just an observer; he was a genuine supporter of the athletes and his fellow commentators. His enthusiasm for their achievements and his willingness to share the spotlight through actions like gifting them custom pins and doing affirmations together are lessons in the power of community.

In the freelance world, it’s easy to view others as competition, but fostering a supportive community can be far more beneficial. Just as Snoop cheered on Team USA athletes and celebrated their victories, we should learn to celebrate the successes of our fellow creatives (however unnatural that may feel at a gut level).

And this isn’t just about feeling like a better person (although that in itself is a good thing). In practice, building a strong creative network tends to lead to new opportunities and collaborations. Just as Snoop’s interactions with athletes and other commentators enhanced the Olympic experience for viewers, your connections with other freelancers can enrich your career and creative output.

Not sure where to start? Here are some practical ways to support your creative community:

Share and promote the work of other freelancers you admire.
Offer constructive feedback when asked.
Take part in online forums or local meetups for creatives.
Can’t find the right group? Consider starting one of your own.
Collaborate on pro bono projects.

Remember, community is not about “What can you do for me?” but “What can I do for you?”. The benefits of helping others might not be immediate, but overall, a rising tide lifts all boats. By supporting others in your field, you contribute to a more vibrant and supportive creative ecosystem, which ultimately benefits everyone and helps you learn and grow at the same time.

3. Embrace the fun: find joy in what you do

The essence of Snoop Dogg’s Olympic experience was the sheer joy he brought to the table. Whether he was reacting to the drama of the events, cracking jokes, or simply enjoying the moment, Snoop reminded us all that having fun is a vital part of the creative process.

As a freelancer, that’s something that’s easy to deprioritise when deadlines and client demands bog you down. But it’s crucial to find joy in the work you do. When you approach your work with a sense of fun, it becomes more enjoyable, authentic, and impactful. And that, ultimately, is what will help you succeed over time.

Despite being one of the hardest working and most creative people in show business, Snoop is the poster child for having fun. His ability to find humour and excitement in every situation, from his impromptu dance party with gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles to donning equestrian wear with Martha Stewart for the dressage, showed us the power of maintaining a playful attitude. This approach not only made him more engaging to watch but also seemed to energise him throughout the long days of Olympic coverage.

Here are some practical ways to inject more fun into your freelance work, too:

Create a playlist that energises you and listen to it while working.
Take short breaks to doodle or sketch ideas that are unrelated to your current project.
Set up your workspace in a way that inspires creativity and joy.
Incorporate elements of play into your brainstorming process.
Challenge yourself to find something enjoyable in even the most mundane tasks (you like a creative challenge, right?).

Remember, clients typically choose freelancers not just for their skills but for their unique perspective and energy. By embracing the fun in your work, you’re likely to produce more creative results and enjoy a more fulfilling career.

4. Stay authentic: be true to your unique voice

Snoop Dogg is known for his authenticity, and his Olympic commentary was no exception. He didn’t try to copy the style of a traditional sports commentator. Instead, he brought his unique style, voice and perspective, which resonated with viewers of all backgrounds. If you didn’t hear it, here’s a snatch of his badminton commentary: “As you see, it don’t stop ’til the casket drop. They rocking and rolling. Back and forth. Give me that. No, I need that. Nope, over here. No, over there. What about over there? Nope. What about over there? Nope. Give me that. I need that.” You get the picture.)

Similarly, your authenticity is your greatest asset as a freelancer. In a world where trends come and go and where it’s easy to feel pressure to conform, staying true to your creative vision can set you apart.

Snoop’s signature slang and laid-back demeanour might have seemed out of place in the context of Olympic coverage. But it was precisely this authenticity that made him such a hit with viewers of all backgrounds. Similarly, your unique approach to design or art will attract clients of all kinds and keep them coming back.

Here are some practical ways to maintain authenticity in your freelance work:

Develop a personal style guide that reflects your unique aesthetic.
Be honest with clients about your strengths and limitations.
Share your creative process and inspirations with your audience (warts and all).
Don’t be afraid to turn down projects that don’t align with your values or style.
Regularly revisit and refine your brand to ensure it represents you.

Remember, clients often choose to work with freelancers because they want something unique. So your authenticity is not just a personal asset; it’s a professional one, too.

5. Embrace collaboration: work with others to create something special

This isn’t actually Snoop Dogg’s first Olympics rodeo. His collab with actor and comedian Kevin Hart during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 was pure entertainment gold. Their chemistry and dynamic partnership added a layer of enjoyment to the coverage that neither could have achieved alone.

In the freelance world, collaboration can be just as powerful. While there’s nothing wrong with working independently, partnering with others often leads to unexpected, innovative solutions and exciting results. Just as Snoop and Kevin brought out the best in each other, collaborating with other creatives can push you to new heights.

Here are some practical ways to embrace collaboration in your freelance career.

Reach out to other freelancers whose skills complement yours. Just send an email or DM. If they don’t reply or aren’t interested, you haven’t lost anything.
Participate in design challenges or hackathons.
Consider forming a collective with other freelancers for larger projects.
Attend industry events or workshops to meet potential collaborators.
Be open to feedback and ideas from others, even if they’re outside your field.

Remember, collaboration doesn’t mean compromising your vision. It’s about combining diverse perspectives and skills to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

6. Keep It light: don’t take yourself too seriously

Snoop Dogg’s ability to keep things light and humorous was one of the most endearing aspects of his Olympic coverage, from invading the Spanish commentator’s booth to comically fibbing about being the volleyball team’s coach. And more generally, his laid-back demeanour, even in the face of intense moments, is a reminder that it’s okay not to take yourself too seriously all the time.

As freelancers, we often put immense pressure on ourselves to be perfect. We worry about making mistakes, disappointing clients, or falling behind our peers. But ultimately, you’re not a brain surgeon or an aircraft engineer, and you have to ask yourself: what’s the absolute worst that can happen? In this light, maintaining a sense of humour and lightness isn’t really that difficult. It doesn’t just lift your own spirits and that of others; it can also be pivotal to achieving long-term success and satisfaction in your career.

Here are some practical ways to keep things light, even when times are tough.

Find humour in challenging situations when possible.
Share your mishaps or learning experiences with other freelancers (with a smile)/
Create a ‘wall of fame’ for your rejected ideas or designs. While this might be painful at the time, it can be fun and often enlightening at a later date.
Take regular breaks to do something completely unrelated to work.
Remember that even ‘failures’ are opportunities for growth and learning.

If you take a lighthearted approach, you’ll probably find it makes you more relatable and approachable to clients, leading to stronger working relationships. It can also help you navigate criticism more easily and bounce back from setbacks with resilience. So, really, there’s a whole lot of upside and very little downside.

7. Embrace new experiences: dive into the unknown

One of the key takeaways from Snoop’s Olympics journey was his willingness to embrace new experiences, whether commenting on sports he’d never engaged with before or interacting with French culture. His openness to the unfamiliar is a valuable lesson for us all.

Similarly, in your creative career, it’s vital not to shy away from trying new things. Whether learning a new skill, exploring different design genres, or working with diverse clients, new experiences can spark creativity and lead to unexpected opportunities.

Here are some practical ways to embrace new experiences:

Learn a new design tool or technique each month.
Take on a project in an unfamiliar industry.
Travel (even locally) for inspiration and fresh perspectives.
Attend workshops or conferences outside your immediate field.
Experiment with combining different art forms or mediums.

Staying curious and open to the unknown is the best way to keep your creative spirit alive and your work fresh and exciting. Every new experience, even if you don’t end up enjoying it, is an opportunity for growth and inspiration.

So, the next time you face a challenging project or an unexpected opportunity, ask yourself: “What would Snoop do?” The answer might just lead you to your next big creative breakthrough.