As a newly graduated illustrator, I’ve been navigating the early stages of my creative career, and one thing quickly became clear—the business side of the creative world is not talked about enough. That realization, coupled with inspiration from Ben Tallon and my experience networking at New Designers with UCLan, led me to embark on a new journey: launching a podcast focused on the business side of creative jobs.
But like any new venture, the process has been full of lessons, challenges, and exciting possibilities. Here’s a look at what I’ve learned so far and where I’m headed next.
The Why: A Podcast Born from Passion and Purpose
The idea for this podcast wasn’t just a random spark; it was fueled by my experiences and a genuine need I saw within the creative community. While at New Designers, I had the chance to meet and network with so many incredible creatives. It struck me how little we often discuss the business aspects of our work—things like pricing, finding clients, staying consistent, and managing the ups and downs of a creative career.
Inspired by Ben Tallon, whose work I admire, I realized that a podcast could be a powerful platform to explore these topics. Not only would it provide valuable insights to others, but it would also push me to network consistently and hold myself accountable in my own business journey. My target audience? Creative business owners like illustrators, graphic designers, and especially those new to the industry, like myself.
Planning and Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
When it came to planning the podcast, I knew I had to be strategic. I’ve reached out to a number of creatives who have kindly agreed to be guests on the show, covering topics like networking, finding clients, and staying consistent in your work. To ensure the podcast has longevity, I’m recording at least six episodes in advance. This way, I can maintain a steady flow of content, even when life gets busy.
I’ve done my homework, too. I’ve watched countless videos about podcasting, soaked up advice from friends with successful podcasts, and dove into research about what makes a podcast thrive. But honestly, I was surprised by how much there is to learn! From setting up the equipment to recording, editing, and promoting, the process is more complex than I initially thought.
Overcoming Challenges: Turning Knowledge into Action
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is translating all the knowledge I’ve gained into actionable steps for the podcast. I didn’t realize just how many moving parts there are—from technical setup to maintaining momentum over time. But I’m tackling each challenge head-on.
I’ve invested in a Samson Q2U microphone for crisp audio, and I’m using Riverside.fm to record and edit the episodes. For video, I’m keeping it simple with my iPhone 11, which still delivers high-quality visuals. My recording space? Just my room—nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.
Looking Ahead: Building a Community and Expanding the Podcast
So, what’s next? My ultimate goal is to transform this podcast into a thriving community where creatives can come together to discuss the often-overlooked business side of our professions. I want this to be a space where we can share advice, learn from each other, and grow together.
Guest interviews are high on my list of priorities. I’m eager to bring on seasoned creatives who can share their wisdom and experiences with the audience, offering insights that are invaluable to those of us just starting out. I’m excited about the possibilities and can’t wait to see how the podcast evolves as it gains traction.
Final Thoughts: The Journey Is Just Beginning
Launching this podcast has been a learning experience in every sense of the word. From the initial concept to the technical setup, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to create something meaningful and lasting. While I still have a long way to go, I’m excited about the path ahead.
This podcast isn’t just a side project—it’s a commitment to my growth as a creative professional and to the creative community at large. I’m looking forward to sharing more lessons, connecting with other creatives, and building something that not only supports my career but helps others navigate the business side of their creative journeys.
Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!
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