For this exercise I am going to work alongside you for my personal business. Let's start with thinking about a big milestone, after 10-20 years of business, 29 Pixel Studios brought what, to who, and how they did they do it.

http://www.businesstipsforcreatives.com

Episode 08 - Work on your business’ mission statement!

End of the year is rapidly approaching and how did you do this year regarding your goals? If you cannot immediately answer this question, I’m willing to bet that you did not write them down!

In this episode I talk about how 29 Pixel Studios (and me personally) handles goals! Where did I hit? Where did I miss?

I talk about SMART goals. Every year I have one umbrella goal. Where I succeeded and failed. Where I plan to go in 2017!

Episode 09 - Goals!

29 Pixel Studios was hired to help a KickStarter project for the Takamo Universe! 29 Pixel was responsible for recording the legendary Kevin J. Anderson and capturing b-roll at World Con.

During some down time, I asked Randy if I could interview him to share some business tips for creatives that might be in game development. He graciously shared some time and we captured it with video as well! https://youtu.be/IUhgF3k4n0Y

The Kickstarter project was a SUCCESS! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/takamo/kevin-j-anderson-presents-empires-rift-by-steve-rz follow them HERE: http://www.takamouniverse.com/

Episode 10 - Game developer Randy Ritnour gives tips!

Matt Peet! Getting to know each other before the show, Matt and I have a TON in common.

One big difference though, is Matt made the jump to full-time freelancing much faster than I did and is KILLING it! Listen to how he knew it was time to take the leap!

“The cemeteries are full of indispensable men.” – Get over giving up creative control.

Subscribe to his podcast HERE! : https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-creative-success/id1130721318?mt=2

Quick notes: Big thanks to Matt for backing up this recording as mine failed! He uses http://www.ecamm.com/mac/callrecorder/ also, his recommendation for an app you can’t live without is https://www.17hats.com.

Episode 11 – Finding Creative Success host Matt Peet!

In this episode, I bring up a very important question. What if this fails?

 

http://www.29pixelstudios.com is still sponsoring :) because... ya know, that's *my* business! ;)

Episode 12 - What if this fails?

So many of us want to read more as a new years resolution and its a great goal. Well, 2016 was a great year for my ‘to-read’ list. Here are my top recommendations for books!

The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. Read THIS book, this year! A+ material in my opinion. I’ll probably revisit this book every year!

Level Up Your Life: How to Unlock Adventure and Happiness by Becoming the Hero of Your Own Story by Steve Kamb. Steve is the mastermind behind Nerd Fitnesss and if you are a geek (or a nerd) this book is FOR YOU! Why are we leveling up our characters and not ourselves. This is not a fitness book, but more of a self-help book specifically for ME. *probably you too.

Sketching Light: An Illustrated Tour of the Possibilities of Flash by Joe McNally, is more for photographers that are not afraid of flash. Yeah, I’m talking to YOU… the one who says “I’m more of a ‘natural light’ photographer. In ALL my contacts, I’ve met maybe two photographers who are REALLY good with ‘natural light’ the rest are simply terrified of flash. I did a more in depth review on my personal blog.

Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy. I’m a big fan of Michael Hyatt. His wisdom and willingness to share is admirable. I cannot remember when I first heard about this book, but immediately put it at the top of the queue and  so glad I did. Another self-help book that is geared towards those who feel like they have ‘drifted off course’ and looking to right the ship!

Other books from 2016 and their ratings
(B+) The Opposite of Spoiled – Raising Kids Who are grounded generous and smart about money.
(B+) Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone
(B+) The 100 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws Of Business Success – Brian Tracy
(B) Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
(B) 60-Minute CEO: Mastering Leadership an Hour at a Time by Dick Cross
(C) The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
(D) The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

Episode 13 - Resource edition: Books of 2016

This, is THE question everyone asks.

Honestly, 80% of the time if someone is asking for advice/guidance. It is “How much should I charge.” is what is asked.

Bad news first. This question is something that freelancers with years of experience still spend time trying to figure out.

Good news. It’s something that you can adjust frequently. So, let's get to fine tuning it.

BLUF: The answer to How much should I charge? Is as easy as whatever people are willing to pay. (BTW, BLUF stands for Bottom Line Up Front… (and BTW, By The Way. *wink*))

Episode 14 - How much should I charge?

We run a little long in an interview with high school senior Josh Bell.

He is a graduating senior in Kansas City and has worked with me on a few projects at an intern/learning roll. He has chops! But, has not been accepted (to go straight into anyways) in any of the three schools he applied.

The big question... what now?

Go to a fall back college? A community college? Straight into work? Move to a different location?! We talk about ALL OF THAT in this longer than usual episode!

This episode is brought to you by www.29pixelstudios.com

Episode 15 - Josh Bell

In this episode I revisit my new years resolutions... specifically getting to 100 no's!

 

Brought to you by www.29pixelstudios.com

Episode 16 - Tap Dat Passt

In Episode 7 Motion Graphic Artist Kyle Hamrick sits down *virtually* with Business Tips for Creatives and shares his story, tips, and general advice about making it as an artist in the business world!