Creative Courage

Are you putting your authentic self across in your marketing? Is there something holding you back from telling your story?  James Martin, Founder of Made By James and Creative Partner at Lincoln Design Co. joins us in this episode to share his journey from accidental entrepreneur to successful agency owner.  Made By James was a beautiful accident. Once he began to tell his story and started to reveal the inner workings of his talent, James found himself picking up 100+ logo design clients a year through his content marketing. The money was coming in, but something was missing. I last caught up with James at Adobe Max in 2023. At the time, his partnership with Lincoln Design Co. was a mere concept. Now, that partnership has come to fruition, and it’s been a match made in heaven. We get the behind-the-scenes on how James has been able to get to where he is today. James opens up about his past and we learn how he has been able to take ownership of his flaws and channel them into positive outcomes. And he shares plenty of advice for agency owners who want to take things to the next level. Covered in this episode: How James Martin was able to overcome the challenges of his past and build a successful agency. Becoming a creative partner and not just an order taker. How social media has changed the creative business landscape. How to be truly authentic on social media. The behind-the-scenes on James’ partnership with Lincoln Design Co. How James was able to shift to charging fair rates for his services. Why creatives and agency owners aren’t sharing their stories and how they can overcome those blockers. If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative.   LEARN MORE Made By James - https://themadebyjames.com/ The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ CONNECT James Martin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-martin-3b594698/ James Martin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/made.by.james/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT?si=c5205d3971864d8e Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Unlock the secret to thriving in creativity and business - with this episode's deep dive into the power of presence. Join Matt Essam as he uncovers how this singular mindset shift can not only enhance creativity, but also transform stress into success, and uncertainty into clarity. In a candid discussion, Matt opens up about his personal journey, revealing how the practice of presence pulled him through tough times in business, inspired by the profound teachings in "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. IN THIS EPISODE: Delve into the philosophical underpinnings of presence with real-life applications that will impact your creative process. Gain practical strategies to harness the power of now, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Discover meditation and listening as tools not just for personal development but as key skills for business growth. Transform your approach to creativity and business with the power of presence. Inspired by this episode? Connect with Matt on LinkedIn to share your journey or suggest topics you’re eager to hear about in future episodes. LEARN MORE Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Want a Custom Roadmap to Grow Your Creative Studio? Get yours for FREE in less than 10 minutes by clicking this link: https://social.mattessam.co.uk/LR98 LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Picture this: you're faced with a daunting challenge, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, you feel empowered and in control. How is this possible? Join Matt Essam as he uncovers three powerful strategies that can help you reduce stress, reframe negative situations, and envision the success you deserve. In this episode, Matt reflects on his personal journey, where he faced significant challenges that took years to overcome. He emphasizes that it's not the events themselves but our interpretations of them that dictate our emotional responses; he shares insights gained from cognitive-behavioral therapy and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), highlighting the profound impact of our thoughts on our emotions and behavior. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Understanding the impact of interpreting events on emotions. Harnessing mindset to achieve goal-aligned actions and success. How to understand emotional intensity and its interpretation. How to embody specific behaviors and mindsets to influence desired outcomes. Techniques for regaining control over emotions and thoughts. Reframing perceptions and visualizing success using NLP techniques. LEARN MORE Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Want a Custom Roadmap to Grow Your Creative Studio? Get yours for FREE in less than 10 minutes by clicking this link: https://social.mattessam.co.uk/LR98 LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Are you the leader your business needs to grow? Whether you're a solo founder looking to grow into a small business, or you're an established agency looking to scale… There's 1 thing that's going to determine whether you can make that vision a reality or not—that's is your leadership skill. In today's episode of the Creative Courage Podcast, I sit down with Dave Raybould who has spent the last decade coaching start-up founders running tech companies valued at $50 million dollars to military leaders responsible for more than 15,000 people, and we're now lucky enough to have him on our team as the head coach here at Creative Life. In this episode, we dig down into the crucial skill that is: Leadership. You might think, "I'm just a creative; why do I need to improve my leadership skills?" You're not alone. Many creatives assume leadership is a skill reserved for the corporate world or those with "natural" talent, but here's the thing: leadership is crucial, even in the creative industry. Leadership affects everything from how you run your sales conversations and how much you can charge, to how you handle relationships with your clients and your team. Without a strong leader, your business could be missing out on opportunities to grow and have the impact you want it to have. So, if you're looking to take that vision of your creative business from dream to reality, check out this episode. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: How to recognise and develop the traits of elite performers to excel in your field. Why you should apply leadership skills in all areas of life, from managing small teams to negotiating with clients. How to effectively align resources and communicate with confidence, ensuring your vision and goals are understood and pursued by others. Why taking ownership and responsibility is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success in any endeavour. How to establish and manage clear agreements to foster accountability and prevent misunderstandings in professional relationships. Why embracing introspection and courage leads to transformative personal growth and a more impactful leadership style. How to adapt a solution-oriented mindset to navigate complex problems and lead your team or project to success. Why building and nurturing relationships through empathetic leadership can significantly enhance team performance and project outcomes. LEARN MORE Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk CONNECT Dave Raybould on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidraybould2/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Want a Custom Roadmap to Grow Your Creative Studio? Get yours for FREE in less than 10 minutes by clicking this link: https://social.mattessam.co.uk/LR98 LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Waiting for the next project to land on your lap? Do you feel like you're not in control of your business due to the unpredictability of sales and marketing? If you're anything like me, you've probably even found yourself feeling at the mercy of the market at times. We both know the drill: you're out here offering your big-ticket projects, usually in the $30k to $50k range, and it's great when clients come knocking with a specific need. You jump in, do your magic, and they're thrilled. But once the project wraps up, it's back to waiting for the next big thing. It's this cycle that, while rewarding, doesn't exactly make for the most consistent cash flow. And let's be honest, that can be pretty stressful. It's a tough spot because, more often than not, you can't just sell your main service straight off the bat. Clients need to have that very specific need, and timing is everything. That's where the concept of the "Logical Next Step" comes into play. It's something I've got to say, it's been a game-changer for me and all my clients. The gist is, instead of waiting around for clients to come to you with those big needs, you take a step back and look at their current situation. Get to know their immediate pain points, their challenges, and then offer something that might not be your core service, but still uses your skill set to solve their immediate problems. Think of it as a way to keep the conversation going, to provide value and build a deeper relationship with potential clients before they're ready for your main thing. If you're curious about what your Logical Next Step could be or how to use this strategy to get some cash into your business… Check out this solo episode of the Creative Courage Podcast where I show you how the Logical Next Step strategy works and I give real-life examples of how my clients have used it to keep generating revenue even when the market seems to be working against you. LEARN MORE The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Want a custom roadmap to grow your creative studio? Get yours for FREE in less than 10 minutes by clicking this link https://social.mattessam.co.uk/LR1O LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLiyYtBLe03JBC8LivI Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

How to make the transition from being just a freelancer to becoming a studio owner? Erik Herrström, the visionary behind Studio Herrström, takes us through his journey from working as a freelancer, collaborating with giants like Spotify, Beats by Dre, Sony Music, Nike, and Google, to establishing his own studio. With over a hundred industry awards, Erik's expertise is undeniable. Yet, the path to owning a studio, building a team, and achieving business autonomy was filled with challenges, fears, and pivotal moments of growth. In this episode, Erik shares his initial struggles with setting prices, the overwhelm of managing projects single-handedly, and his battle against imposter syndrome. This episode is packed with advice for freelancers who are tired of working alone and want to build a small team and grow their business. Erik emphasizes the power of focusing on a specific niche, the importance of asking for advice, and changing the way he sold his services, which all played a big part in making Studio Herrström the success that it is. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: How to go from a mere freelancer to a studio owner who can live life on their terms. How to overcome imposter syndrome and the fear of transitioning to something new. Why niche specialization is key to business clarity and landing clients with ease. How to leverage industry experience and awards to build credibility and authority. The role of mentorship and community when growing a creative business. LEARN MORE Studio Herrström - https://www.studioherrstrom.com/ Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk CONNECT Erik Herrström on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikherrstrom/ Follow Studio Herrström on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioherrstrom/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Want a Custom Roadmap to Grow Your Creative Studio? Get yours for FREE in less than 10 minutes by clicking this link: https://social.mattessam.co.uk/LObB LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Looking to stand out from the competition and transform your creative business into something truly remarkable? Then it's time to “Stand the Flock Out!” with Jacob Cass, the brilliant mind behind Just Creative. Jacob's extraordinary path from aspiring design student to branding powerhouse, collaborating with giants like Nike, Disney, and even Jerry Seinfeld, serves as an inspiring blueprint for daring to be different. In this episode, Jacob pulls back the curtain on how he made his mark in the world of design. He shares the engaging tale of how a pro bono gig sparked the creation of his now-signature flamingo logo and bright pink branding, setting his business apart in a crowded market. Jacob doesn't just stop at his story. In this episode, he delves into the impact of aligning your business with your deepest values—empowerment, freedom, and curiosity. He offers golden nuggets of wisdom for creatives eager to scale, highlighting how leveraging your unique story and genuine self can establish meaningful connections with your audience and beyond. Covered in this episode: Strategies for creative businesses to distinguish themselves from competitors. The importance of aligning your brand with your values and the message you wish to convey. The backstory of Just Creative's flamingo theme and its impact on brand recognition. Insights into Jacob's personal growth, focusing on empowerment, freedom, and curiosity. Practical advice for creative professionals on how to use storytelling and authenticity to connect with their audience. LEARN MORE The Just Creative Branding Briefcase: Get access to 100's of free branding & design resources - https://justcreative.com/branding-briefcase/ Just Creative - https://justcreative.com/ Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk CONNECT Jacob Cass on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justcreativedesign/ Follow Jacob Cass on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/justcreative Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Want a Custom Roadmap to Grow Your Creative Studio? Get yours for FREE in less than 10 minutes by clicking this link: https://social.mattessam.co.uk/LCBP LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

Have you ever felt like you are holding yourself back and self sabotaging your growth? In this episode, we deep dive into the psychology behind some of our biggest internal limitations and how we can overcome them. Building a business that feels authentic in 2024 requires introspection, courage, and determination. Anneli Hansson, a brand strategist from Sweden, shares how her journey of building a social media following of over 140,000 people hasn't been a smooth ride. In this open and heartfelt conversation, Anneli delves into the essence of personal branding, the importance of vulnerability, and offers practical advice for those looking to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Whether you're battling imposter syndrome, seeking to connect with your inner child, or curious about the future of creativity in the age of AI, Anneli's insights provide a guide for navigating the complexities of a creative career with authenticity and courage. Covered in this episode: How to get out of your own way and stop self sabotaging your efforts for success. Why vulnerability is a powerful tool for connecting with your ideal clients and being able to show up authentically. Practical steps to begin your journey of self-discovery and personal development. Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding your unique voice. The significance of inner child work in growing a creative business and serving clients powerfully. LEARN MORE Anneli Hansson - https://www.annelihansson.com/ The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ CONNECT Anneli Hansson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theannelihansson/ Follow Anneli on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theannelihansson/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Want a custom roadmap to grow your creative studio? Get yours for FREE in less than 10 minutes by clicking this link - https://social.mattessam.co.uk/ep9-roadmap LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

If you want your creative work to have more of a positive impact on the world, but find yourself worrying if it will pay well, then this episode is for you. In this client case study, we explore how Colin grew his studio by niching down and only helping businesses that he really cared about. In this candid and authentic conversation, Colin shares the struggles of building an agency that did more than just pay the bills. We delve into strategies around pricing, client acquisition, and project fulfilment. Covered in this episode: What to do when your studio hits a business plateau. The power of a niche and how it allows you to cut through the noise. How to increase a client's budget without using salesy tactics. Building a value-first approach to prospecting. LEARN MORE Few and Far - https://www.few-far.co/ The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ CONNECT Colin Grist on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colingrist/ Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ Want a custom roadmap to grow your creative studio? Get yours for FREE in less than 10 minutes by clicking this link - https://social.mattessam.co.uk/roadmap-few-far LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam

What if there was a formula for success? One that was simple to follow and easy to implement? That’s exactly what I discovered (by accident) during this interview with Kristy Campbell from Pink Pony Creative. As I was asking Kristy how she built her following to over 200K on Instagram and secured a speaking slot at Adobe Max in front of 600 people, something became obvious… She used the exact same strategy to achieve ALL of her goals (without even realizing it). The best part is, she was open enough to share it. In this episode, we delve into so many great topics, from raising prices to hiring a team. All of which can be achieved using the strategy that Kristy shares. If you’re looking for a simple, predictable way to achieve big things this year, then this episode is a must listen. Covered in this episode: The simple and easy to use formula for success. Public speaking and how to put yourself out there more. Growing a team and the challenges of hiring. Branding yourself and standing out from the competition. If you enjoyed this episode please hit the subscribe button and share it with a friend. LEARN MORE The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ CONNECT Pink Pony Creative - https://www.pinkponycreative.com/ The Creative Life - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/ Want a custom roadmap to grow your creative studio? Get yours for FREE in less than 10 minutes by clicking this link - https://social.mattessam.co.uk/roadmap-kristy-campbell LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam