Joy Deangdeelert Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco

Overview

Creative, Inc.

is a book written by Joy Deangdeelert Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco, aimed at helping creative professionals navigate the business side of their careers. The authors draw on their own experiences and insights to provide practical advice and strategies for creative entrepreneurs to thrive in the industry. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and actionable tips, Creative, Inc. offers a comprehensive guide to building a successful creative business.

Key Points / Ideas

1. Embracing Creativity and Business

One of the key arguments in Creative, Inc. is the importance of combining creativity with business acumen. The authors emphasize that creative professionals should not shy away from the business side of their careers but instead embrace it as an essential part of their success. They provide practical tips for monetizing creative skills, understanding contracts, and pricing services effectively.

An example of evidence supporting this argument is an interview with successful artist and illustrator Lisa Congdon, who shares her experiences in managing her creative business. Congdon emphasizes the necessity of understanding finances, contracts, and marketing to sustain and grow a creative career.

2. Building a Strong Brand

Creative, Inc. also highlights the importance of building a strong brand as a creative professional. The authors discuss the significance of defining a unique selling point and establishing a consistent visual identity. They delve into the process of creating a portfolio and developing effective communication strategies to attract clients and stand out in a competitive market.

To support their argument, the authors share success stories of creative professionals who have effectively built their brands. They provide examples of how these individuals have crafted compelling narratives around their work, utilized social media platforms, and engaged in strategic networking to enhance their brand presence.

3. Navigating the Creative Marketplace

Creative, Inc. offers insights and strategies for navigating the ever-evolving creative marketplace. The authors discuss the role of agents and managers in the industry, offering guidance on finding the right representation and negotiating fair deals. They also explore alternative avenues for showcasing work, such as licensing, collaborations, and self-publishing.

The authors support their arguments with real-life examples of individuals who have successfully navigated different aspects of the creative marketplace. They provide anecdotes and advice from artists, designers, and other creative professionals who have explored unconventional paths and found success outside of traditional career trajectories.

Conclusion

Creative, Inc. is a valuable resource for creative professionals looking to blend their artistic passions with business savvy. The book offers practical advice, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories to help readers build successful creative careers. By emphasizing the importance of embracing the business side of creativity, building a strong brand, and navigating the creative marketplace, the authors empower readers to take control of their professional journeys.

To further explore the topic, readers may also consider books like "The Artist's Guide to Success in the Music Business" by Loren Weisman and "Art, Inc." by Lisa Congdon, which offer additional insights into the business of creativity.