Not sure what’s next in your creative career? This practical, thoughtful guide explores how to plan your next move without losing yourself in the process. With insights from Storyfolk’s Sarah Gross and psychologist Tara Hurster, you’ll learn how to reflect on what matters, set meaningful goals, and take action — with the help of peer support from NNC Circles. For anyone standing at a career crossroads, this is a reminder that clarity, community, and courage go a long way.
Planning your next step can feel a bit like assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions — a mix of hope, confusion, and maybe a few existential questions. The creative path rarely follows a straight line, and figuring out where to go next isn’t always obvious.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, curious about freelancing, or wondering if it’s time for a bigger leap, there’s power in pausing to think about where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there without losing your mind (or your weekends).
In this conversation, we heard from Sarah Gross, Creative Director and Partner at Storyfolk, and Tara Hurster, psychologist and founder of The TARA Clinic. Sarah brings a wealth of experience guiding creatives through big decisions. Tara offers insight into how our minds (and sometimes our fears) shape the choices we make. The session was hosted by Andy Wright, founder of Never Not Creative and CEO of Streamtime.
Before jumping into job boards or updating your portfolio, Sarah suggests checking in with yourself: “Where are you now — and what do you want?”
This isn’t just about roles or titles. It’s about your values, your energy, your appetite for change. What motivates you? What drains you? What does ‘meaningful work’ actually look like for you?
Tara adds: “Ask yourself what’s driving the desire for change. Is it creative growth? More stability? A need for breathing room?”
Knowing your why makes it easier to figure out the what — and to spot the kind of work that truly fits.
Once you’ve mapped out where you are, it’s time to name where you want to go — and how you’ll know you’re getting there.
Sarah recommends keeping it simple and grounded: “Set goals that are specific, realistic, and time-bound.” Think: “Reach out to three mentors this month” rather than “Figure out my entire future.”
Tara points out that goals aren’t just helpful for direction — they’re good for your brain too. They create momentum, structure, and that small-but-mighty feeling of progress.
Creative careers can feel isolating, especially during moments of change. But they don’t have to.
Sarah and Tara both stress the importance of support — whether it’s a mentor, a trusted peer, or a group like NNC Circles. These small peer groups are built for honest chats, shared experiences, and collective problem-solving. No egos, no ladders to climb — just people helping people figure things out.
Tara puts it simply: “You’re not meant to do this on your own. The right support can shift everything.”
Once you’ve got clarity and community, the next move is action — even if it’s tiny.
Update your website. Reach out to someone you admire. Schedule that coffee. Apply for one role. Book the free webinar. Sarah says: “Start small. Progress comes from stacking the small things.”
And remember, as Tara notes: “Action builds confidence. Not the other way around.”
Planning matters. But so does staying open.
Sometimes your next opportunity comes from a conversation you weren’t planning to have, or a side project you started just for fun. Sarah reminds us that flexibility isn’t failure — it’s wisdom. “You don’t have to stick rigidly to a plan. If something better shows up, explore it.”
Tara echoes the thought: “Careers aren’t linear. Trust the detours — they’re often where the good stuff lives.”
Making a career move isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about getting curious, staying intentional, and remembering that you’re allowed to change direction.
Start by understanding where you’re at. Set goals that feel honest. Surround yourself with people who get it. And keep taking small, steady steps toward the work that feels right.
And if the path ahead still feels fuzzy? That’s OK too. You’re not alone in this. There are circles of creatives out there — including in the NNC community — ready to walk alongside you, share what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and remind you that you’re allowed to grow at your own pace.
Creative Director and Partner at Storyfolk, a Melbourne and Torquay branding studio. Blends strategy, design, art direction and copy to craft bold, meaningful brands. Believes in design as a force for good.
Psychologist & founder of The TARA Clinic, helping high-achievers overcome addiction without shame. Focused on practical, flexible solutions like on-demand courses to support lasting change.
Founder of Never Not Creative, CEO of Streamtime & co-chair of Mentally Healthy, driven to make the creative industry fairer & more human. Believes great work should never cost wellbeing.
