As a creative professional, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly upgrading your gear in hopes of improving your work. However, before you go ahead and make that purchase, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions to ensure that you’re making a smart investment.
@lindsaywarlandphotography
1. How will this gear upgrade SPECIFICALLY make my workflow easier/better/more in flow?
Before you buy that new camera or computer, ask yourself how it will improve your workflow. Will it help you work more efficiently? Will it allow you to take on more complex projects? Will it save you time in post-production? If the answer to these questions is “yes,” then it may be worth the investment.
@lindsaywarlandphotography
2. How will this gear improve my work?
Will the new gear help you create better quality work? Will it allow you to experiment with new techniques? Will it open up new creative possibilities? If you can answer “yes” to these questions, then the investment may be worth it.
@lindsaywarlandphotography
3. What in my current gear do I believe is stopping me from achieving the look I want?
It’s important to understand the limitations of your current gear. Are you struggling to achieve a certain look or effect? If so, what specifically is holding you back? If you can identify the issue, you may be able to find a more cost-effective solution than simply buying new gear.
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4. If I am truly honest with myself, could I achieve the artwork I want with my current gear? Why? Why not?
This is perhaps the most important question to ask yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the desire for new gear, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about whether or not it’s truly necessary. Can you achieve the results you want with your current gear? If so, then perhaps it’s better to save your money for a different investment.
@lindsaywarlandphotography
5. If you realize the gear isn’t needed (just desired) ask yourself: What is a different way that would feel juicy to invest/circulate this money?
If you realize that new gear isn’t necessary, don’t just forget about the money you were planning to spend. Instead, consider other ways you could invest or circulate that money. Perhaps you could invest in marketing your business or taking a course to improve your skills. Personally, I have found that investing in my education and craft is what has given me the most return in investment by far.
@lindsaywarlandphotography
@lindsaywarlandphotography
Conclusion
Before you make any big gear purchases, take the time to ask yourself these important questions. By doing so, you’ll ensure that you’re making a smart investment that will truly benefit your work and your business.
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