Creator Science

Cat Coquillette, a vibrant location-independent artist known for her colorful designs featured in major brands, shares her journey from agency life to full-time artistic freedom. She discusses how travel and nature fuel her creativity, leading to impactful works that resonate with audiences. Cat highlights the importance of licensing agreements and negotiating strategies to maximize earnings. She also reflects on using social media for visibility and the creative joy of transforming commissions into meaningful art. Her story is an inspiring mix of entrepreneurship and creativity.

Michael Sacca, VP of Product at Dribbble and co-host of Rocketship.fm, shares insights from his 15-year journey in product design and agency work. He discusses the challenges of building a tech agency and the importance of balancing a 9-5 job with creative outlets. Sacca reflects on the transition from agency life to developing software products, including an educational game. He emphasizes the growth found in personal projects like his podcast, highlighting how constraints can fuel creativity and innovation.

Vanessa Van Edwards, Lead Investigator at Science of People and bestselling author, shares her journey from awkwardness to becoming a communication expert. She discusses the significance of conversational skills, revealing effective strategies for authentic connections. Vanessa delves into overcoming self-doubt, the importance of emotional intelligence, and her pivot into entrepreneurship. She highlights her adventures in generating passive income through platforms like Udemy while recounting the ups and downs of her brand evolution amid challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Amy Landino, creator of the award-winning series AmyTV and author of best-sellers like "Vlog Like a Boss," shares her insights from over a decade on YouTube. She dives into the importance of building an authentic audience and crafting a compelling online persona. Amy emphasizes the significance of consistency in content creation and the impact of a structured morning routine on productivity. With her unique perspective, she inspires others to embrace their creative journeys and achieve their desired lives.

Jason Zook, a serial entrepreneur and author of 'Own Your Weird', shares his unconventional journey of turning eccentric ideas into success. He discusses the importance of embracing individuality and the foundational skills needed to thrive in online business. Zook dives into strategies for effective email communication and the challenges of imposter syndrome. He emphasizes the power of community support and highlights how authenticity can lead to personal fulfillment and creative storytelling. Zook's insights are both humorous and inspiring!

Adam Turla, the talented guitarist and lead singer of Murder By Death, shares insights from their 20-year musical journey. He discusses how they built a loyal fanbase through unique experiences like cave concerts and performances at haunted venues. Adam also delves into the band's early days touring, their unexpected ties to the Emo movement, and the crucial role of Kickstarter in funding albums. His reflections on gratitude highlight the band's strong connection with fans, making their journey in the music industry all the more meaningful.

Val Geisler, Founder and CEO of Fix My Churn, dives into her journey from corporate constraints to shaping a fulfilling career in email copywriting. She shares how her theatrical background and wedding planning experiences inform her writing style. Val opens up about imposter syndrome and embraces the 'Everything is Figure-out-able' mindset that fuels her entrepreneurial spirit. The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity in freelance work and finding one's unique voice through consistent creation.

Grant Baldwin, creator of The Speaker Lab and author of The Successful Speaker, shares his journey from delivering nearly 1,000 presentations to empowering others to become paid speakers. He discusses the SPEAK framework for booking gigs and emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication. Listeners will learn how to define their core message, identify their audience, and balance creativity with business savvy. Grant also highlights the significance of professionalism and proactive outreach in establishing a successful speaking career.

Matt Giovanisci, a self-proclaimed 'pool nerd' and creator of Swim University and MoneyLab, dives into fascinating topics like web design and affiliate marketing. He shares his journey from navigating setbacks to earning over $400K in a year. Matt reveals his creative side, discussing the production of a rap album and how personal interests can lead to career success. He emphasizes the importance of understanding personal finance as a creator and reflects on finding authenticity and humor while building a thriving business.

Ash Ambirge, an internet entrepreneur and founder of The Middle Finger Project, shares her inspiring journey from hardship in Pennsylvania to creative entrepreneurship. She reflects on her 'Middle Finger moment' that ignited her passion for writing. The conversation touches upon her struggles with corporate life, the impact of key setbacks, and how Rihanna unexpectedly influenced her path. Ash also discusses building a brand, embracing polarization in messaging, and the freedom found in creative expression.