Mistakes Most People Make When Choosing a Skill Set in the Media Space

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If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about the media space, it’s that shiny object syndrome is real. Everyone is hopping from one skill to another, trying to do everything at once.

Today it’s video editing, tomorrow it’s graphic design, next week it’s UI/UX, and before you know it, they’re calling themselves “media experts” without actually being skilled at anything.

I get it. The media industry is vast, and the fear of missing out makes people feel they must learn every single thing to stay relevant. But in reality, this approach leads to confusion, burnout, and a lack of expertise.

Let’s talk about the common mistakes people make when choosing a skill in the media space and practical ways to avoid them.

Chasing Trends Instead of Passion

A few months ago, AI-generated content was all the rage. Before that, it was motion graphics. Before that? UI/UX design was the golden skill. Every time a new trend pops up, people abandon their current skills and jump on the next big thing.

I once had a friend who started with video editing. He was getting really good at it, but then he saw a tweet about UI/UX designers making big money. He switched immediately.

Two months later, he got tired and moved to digital marketing. Today, he’s still struggling to find his footing because he never gave himself time to master anything.

The fix? Choose a skill based on what you actually enjoy doing, not just what’s trending. Trends come and go, but passion keeps you going when things get tough.

Trying to Learn Everything at Once

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard people say:
“I want to learn graphic design, video editing, UI/UX, motion graphics, photography, and copywriting all at the same time.”

And I just shake my head.

Yes, being multi-skilled is great, but trying to learn everything at the same time is a recipe for burnout. It’s like trying to learn Spanish, French, and German all at once; you'll end up confused, mixing everything up, and mastering nothing.

Take it one step at a time. Start with one or two core skills, get really good at them, and then expand.

Ignoring Market Demand

Some skills are cool, but are they profitable?

A friend of mine spent months learning 3D animation. He was really good at it. The problem? He lived in a place where almost nobody was paying for 3D animation services. He struggled for clients, got frustrated, and eventually had to learn another skill that was more in demand.

The lesson? Before diving into a skill, ask yourself:
✔ Are people actually paying for this?
✔ Is there a demand for this skill in my location or online?
✔ Can I build a sustainable career with this?

It’s not just about what you like; it’s also about what the market wants.

Skipping the Business Side of Things

One harsh truth about the media space:
Being talented is not enough.

I know highly skilled people who are struggling financially because they don’t know how to market themselves. On the other hand, I know people with average skills who are making a lot of money because they understand branding, networking, and pricing.

If you don’t learn how to:
✔ Package your services
✔ Market yourself properly
✔ Price your work well

...then you’ll end up talented but broke.

Not Practicing Enough

Watching tutorials is not the same as doing the actual work.

I once met a guy who said he was a video editor. I asked to see his work, and guess what? He had zero projects to show. He had spent months watching YouTube tutorials but never actually practiced.

Imagine someone saying they’re a footballer because they watch matches every weekend. It sounds ridiculous, right? It’s the same with media skills.

Practice, practice, practice. Edit that video. Design that flyer. Write that copy. Make mistakes. Learn from them. That’s how you get better.

Comparing Your Journey to Others

Social media makes it so easy to compare yourself to others. You see someone blowing up in six months, and you start feeling like you’re behind.

But here’s the thing: Everyone’s journey is different.

Some people blow up quickly because they have the right connections. Some have been learning in private for years before showing their work. Some have access to better tools and resources.

Instead of rushing, focus on your own growth. Learn, improve, and build at your own pace. The media space is big enough for everyone.

In conclusion, the media industry is full of opportunities, but how you approach it matters.

✔ Don’t chase trends; follow what truly excites you.
✔ Take your time to master one or two core skills before expanding.
✔ Make sure there’s a demand for the skill you’re choosing.
✔ Learn the business side of things, not just the creative side.
✔ Put in the work; watching tutorials is not enough.
✔ Stop comparing your journey to others.

If you’re in the media space, what’s one mistake you made when starting out? Let’s talk in the comment section.