Having a manager helps. But not having one does not take you out of the game. Today, many artists are building real careers without a manager, just with intention, structure and vision. If you're just starting out, this is the norm. And you can organise yourself to move forward without depending on anyone.
Here are some real keys to self-management without collapsing.
1. Be your own team (with head)
Divide your project into areas:
- Artistic (composition, rehearsals, recordings)
- Visual (covers, videos, photos)
- Communication (networks, mails, content)
- Administration (registers, contracts, timetables)
You don't have to do it all every week, but you do need to have minimum one action per active area. That is moving with direction.
2. Use simple tools
No need for Notion premium or weird apps. You can start with:
- A Google Calendar to organise launches, rehearsals, content, etc.
- An Excel or Drive spreadsheet with tasks, contacts, passwords, ideas, etc.
- A WhatsApp group with yourself to save ideas, links and reminders.
It is not the tool that is important, it is the habit.
3. Have a minimum project routine
Even if you have little time:
- 1 day per week for planning and mails
- 2 times a week for networking
- 1 space to compose or work on music
- 15 minutes a day for listening, observing and analysing
This does not take away your creative freedom: gives you clarity to move forward.
4. Learn to say "no now".
You can't collaborate with everyone, or be at every event, or upload daily content.
Select. Prioritise. Do what adds to your narrative and energy.
5. Set realistic quarterly targets
Examples:
- "Launch 2 songs with good content".
- "Improve my visual aesthetics".
- "Increase interaction in networks".
- "Register my themes and organise my splits".
Targets without pressure yield more results than anxiousness to do everything.
Conclusion
Not having a manager does not detract from your value. If you know how to organise your project, communicate it and keep it active, you can move forward with strength, visibility and professional respect. And when someone comes to help you, let them find you with the basics in place.
