Imagine this. You, just beginning your career, thinking it’s going to be an uphill slog, suddenly encounter someone who asks, “What’s the dream? Money is no issue. Tell me what you really want to do.” 

This might seem like an easy question to answer, but for many of us, it’s far from it. In fact, this question can be one of the most difficult to answer. I know because I’ve been asking people this question for years. 

In my experience, one in ten people respond with clarity, brevity, and purpose. Most of the time, the answers range from “No idea” to “Oh, good question, I don’t really know.” 

Not good enough. 

Knowing what you want is essential. This way, when the opportunity arises, you can pounce. Because at some point in your career, you will meet someone with all the money who also makes all the decisions. These are typically the CEO types or finance gurus with an artistic side who have the power and influence to make things happen, like right now. 

But they only respond to people with a plan. They respond to confidence, vision, and drive, and they will ask you what you want. They will ask who you want to be, and they will ask about the moonshot, the too-good-to-be-true dream job. 

Whether anything comes from the question, it sure feels good to have an answer because having an answer means you’ve given the idea thought.  

Don’t forget your special sauce

I believe one of the most interesting things about humans is that we are flawed creatures. Our imperfections, emotions, and unpredictability are what make us human. What I like and what I want to do are, most likely, different from yours. My blend of ingredients makes me, and yours makes you. And all the ingredients matter. 

Just because you want to be a writer, photographer, artist, or graphic designer doesn’t mean your parallel love of food, or adventure, or math, or space travel shouldn’t be included, and on equal par to anything else in your resume.  One of my favorite writers loves long-distance hiking. One of my favorite designers loves birding, and one of my favorite chefs is also a world-class archer. 

When someone asks who you want to be and what you want to do, blending all your passions is key to both the explanation and to showing you are a unique, one-of-a-kind, creative individual. Those making hiring decisions are often basing them on more than just the portfolio. They are making decisions based on the person.  

Turn your answer into a book

Want to know one of the best ways to prepare for this moment? Make a book. 

I know, I know. I always say that. But listen. The book will force you to think and make decisions. 

Years ago, I made my business card into a book. I did what I’m suggesting you do. I made a small book that was about my life and all the things I like to do. When I meet someone I find interesting, I give them a copy. It’s that simple. 

The book shows my photography, writing, interviews, and more. If I were going to remake this book today, it would include even more details like motorcycles, bikes, birds, travel, journals, and my all-time favorite books. It’s a business card, website, resume, and personal history all in one. 

Pro tip: A 6×9-inch paperback book is a perfect sweet spot for such a publication. Large enough to show off, small enough to carry around, and inexpensive enough to give away.  

Get ready. Yes, right now!

If you are wondering if a situation like this ever happened to me, I’m happy to report that it did. It happened more than once. The first time, I was entirely unprepared, but the second time, I was more than ready. 

My publication was the spark at the center of my creative fire, and when I was asked what I wanted, I handed over my little book and gave my answer. This led to a year of working with total creative freedom in a field unrelated to my own. Video, audio, stills, and copy. Everything I wanted.  

So, the moral of this story is to be ready.

Whether you are a young creative just beginning your career, or a mid to late career artist reaching a plateau or needing to reinvent, now is the time to ask yourself the questions: 

• What’s the dream job? 
• Who are you really? 
• And what is it you want to do? 

And it’s also time to put the answers into print and be prepared to share your dreams.

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Dan Milnor is Blurb’s creative ambassador. He shares photography, marketing, and self-publishing advice monthly. Register to get his insights straight to your inbox.