5 Common Reasons Creatives Struggle to Get Work—And How to Fix Them
It’s one of the most frustrating experiences for any creative: you're showing up, doing the work, putting yourself out there—and still not seeing results. No new clients. No replies. No leads.
Recently, I spoke to an illustrator who was in exactly that place. She was updating her portfolio, posting on social media, sending outreach emails—but nothing was landing. She was starting to wonder if it was time to give up.
But the truth is, she was much closer than she thought.
Her approach wasn’t wrong—it was just slightly off. Small missteps in strategy were standing in the way of her success.
Once we identified the gaps and made a few key changes, things started to shift. Leads picked up, conversations opened, and her confidence returned.
If you’re feeling stuck, here are five common reasons creatives struggle to get work—and what to do instead.
1. Generic Outreach
Sending emails is great, but if those messages aren’t personalised, relevant, or intentional, they’re likely being ignored.
What wasn’t working:
She was reaching out to people at random, with polite but generic messages—no context, no personalisation, just a link and a hopeful sign-off.
What we changed:
Identified her ideal clients (industries, company types, roles)
Researched each contact before reaching out
Wrote tailored messages that showed she understood their brand and needs
Included specific examples of how her work could support their goals
Asked open-ended questions to start a conversation
Why it works:
Intentional outreach isn’t about promotion—it’s about connection. When someone feels seen and understood, they’re far more likely to respond.
2. A Portfolio That Doesn’t Reflect Her Goals
Your portfolio isn’t just a gallery—it’s a marketing tool. And if it doesn’t clearly communicate what kind of work you do (and want), it’s holding you back.
What wasn’t working:
Her work was beautiful, but her site was cluttered and disorganised. The layout was distracting, there was no clear direction, and her call to action was buried.
What we changed:
Removed any work that didn’t align with her goals
Grouped work into themed sections or projects
Improved layout and navigation for clarity and focus
Ensured it was mobile-friendly
Added short case studies to highlight the value behind the work
Included a clear, visible CTA for enquiries
Why it works:
An effective portfolio is more than just a gallery. It shows what you can do, who you help, and how. Clarity builds trust.
3. Social Media Without Strategy
Showing up consistently on social media is important. But if you're only sharing finished work without context, you're missing a big opportunity.
What wasn’t working:
She was posting great work, but not engaging with her audience. There were no stories behind the pieces, no comments on others’ posts, and no real conversation.
What we changed:
Shared process and behind-the-scenes insights
Wrote about the thinking behind her work
Replied to every comment and message
Made time to engage with her creative community
Shared helpful tips and insights—not just self-promotion
Why it works:
Social media is social. Connection happens when you open up, offer value, and invite people in.
4. Visibility in the Wrong Places
It’s easy to focus on platforms that feel comfortable—but those aren’t always where your clients are.
What wasn’t working:
She was sharing work primarily on Instagram, where she had a strong following—but most of her ideal clients weren’t there.
What we changed:
Set up a LinkedIn profile geared toward commissioners and art directors
Created a Behance portfolio to showcase detailed project work
Aligned her messaging across platforms
Why it works:
Being visible is good. Being visible in the right places is better. You want to meet potential clients where they already are.
5. Not Building a Network
You can send out pitches all day, but if you’re not building relationships, you’ll always be starting from scratch.
What wasn’t working:
She was applying to jobs and reaching out, but not nurturing long-term relationships or staying connected with people in her industry.
What we changed:
Started leaving thoughtful comments on other creatives’ work
Reached out to past clients with updates or kind messages
Joined online creative communities
Sent notes of encouragement or collaboration ideas to peers
Why it works:
The creative industry thrives on relationships. Whether it’s a referral, a collaboration, or an unexpected opportunity, your network matters.
Wrapping Up
If you're doing “all the right things” and still not getting traction, it might not be about working harder—but working smarter.
Small shifts in how you present yourself, who you reach out to, and how you connect can unlock new momentum. You don’t have to overhaul everything—just refine it.
Because when you’re clear on your goals, intentional with your outreach, and generous with your presence, people take notice.
If this resonated with you, you’ll find more practical tips like this throughout the blog—and in my Creative Toolkit, a growing resource hub for illustrators and designers looking to build a sustainable creative career.
