Ep. 4: Andrew Huang, author of Make Your Own Rules
Mar 28, 2024
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Andrew Huang, a pioneer in the Creator Economy, shares insights on focusing output on specific platforms, creating online music production courses, scaling as a creator authentically, and writing his first book filled with timeless advice.
Andrew Huang emphasizes the importance of authenticity as a creator in the digital space.
Exploration of diverse income streams underscores Andrew's evolution as a creator.
Innovative content creation formats align with Andrew's passion for music while emphasizing simplicity.
Andrew Huang advocates for genuine collaborations and audience engagement in content creation.
Deep dives
Andrew Huang's Diverse Creative Ventures
Andrew Huang, known for his music and educational content, has diversified into various creative pursuits, including making videos on music theory, instruments, song creation, and producing musical tools like apps and plugins. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity as a creator and explores a wide range of musical and creative endeavors, catering to a diverse audience of music enthusiasts, from professionals to amateurs.
Defining 'Creator' in the Digital Age
Andrew discusses the evolving definition of a 'creator' in the digital landscape, highlighting that it encompasses individuals posting their creations online. He delves into the overlaps and distinctions between creators, influencers, and artists, illustrating the broad, all-encompassing nature of the term 'creator' in the digital era.
Crafting Financially and Time-wise Creative Choices
Andrew reflects on his income streams over different creative seasons, focusing on products like courses and plugins. He aims to streamline his focus on music creation, contemplating innovative content creation formats to align with his passion for music, while acknowledging the importance of simplicity and clarity in directing audience actions in content.
Artistic Commentary and Audience Diversity
Through projects like 'SpaceTime,' Andrew weaves social commentary with artistic vision, challenging standard content formats. He values audience authenticity and diversity, recognizing the richness in connecting with a varied audience ranging from music makers to enthusiasts. Andrew's reflections shed light on balancing creativity, financial opportunities, and audience engagement.
The Influencer's Responsibility to Authenticity
Andrew underscores the role of authenticity and honesty in content creation, sharing the impact of positivity and honesty on audience engagement. He navigates the fine line between commercial partnerships and maintaining artistic integrity, emphasizing transparency and ethical content sharing. Andrew's experiences highlight the significance of genuine connections with varying audience demographics.
Evolution of Income Strategies and Content Formats
Andrew's income evolution showcases the importance of exploring diverse content, leveraging audience feedback and analytics to optimize creative outputs. He's transitioning toward a music-centric focus, contemplating innovative content formats while encouraging audience interaction and feedback for sustainable growth. Andrew's iterative approach emphasizes creative experimentation and receptiveness to audience preferences.
Productive Collaborations and Audience Engagement
Andrew emphasizes the value of productive collaborations, sharing insights into effective growth strategies through engaging audience interactions. He advocates for seeking authenticity in content creation, reflecting on audience diversity and ethical commercial partnerships. Andrew's disclosures offer insights into nurturing audience connections and maintaining artistic vision amidst diverse income streams.
Andrew Huang is lifelong musician and a pioneer in the Creator Economy. He made his first dollar online auctioning off songwriting commissions on eBay two decades ago and has since became a celebrated YouTuber with 2.36 million followers, produced commercial commissions for international brands, and published a book.
Make Your Own Rules: Stories and Hard-Earned Advice from a Creator in the Digital Age came out in February 2024. We spoke with Andrew shortly after about:
📍 Why he focuses his output on just a few platforms
🧑🏫 His approach to creating his online music production course
🪞 Scaling as a creator without losing authenticity
📕 Writing this book (his first) and giving timeless advice
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