3 Things Every Creator Needs For Christmas | Stoke-Ness
As I write this,
it’s the day after Thanksgiving. Yesterday we hosted family, ran a Turkey Trot, hot tubbed, swam in the river and then ate until we couldn’t anymore (then had desert). Now the girls are decorating for Christmas while Bing Crosby is singing about white stuff. It’s been a good holiday.
This month I’m sharing a perfect video for relaxing, a technique that gets you money and why you should look at old magazines.
Be stoked,
Isaac
Gear
3 things you should put on your Christmas list if you are a Creator
Japanese Note Books
You need to be writing down your creative ideas and these note books are the best I’ve found for writing and drawing. It’s pretty good for Xmas lists too.
Hoya Circular Polarizer
If you want to level up your photos with richer colors then you need a Circular Polarizer. This one from Hoya is a good one to start with.
Forrest Mankins Presets or Danny Gevirtz Luts.
If you don’t have these yet for you photos and video editing you have been missing out. They are such a great base to start your edits or color grades.
Forrest https://geni.us/hrpl8f
Danny https://geni.us/hC6hB
Photo/Video Technique
Get a Photo or Video Job in 1 month
Do you feel like you can’t get work as a creative? Here are some steps I use to get work and have been using since I started creative freelancing.
Even if you don’t feel like your skill is good enough, there are clients that need + will appreciate your work. Quality of creative work is subjective and if you can stop using your perception of your work not being good enough as a barrier you can get a job this month.
Here’s how:
Post your creative projects. Either simple Squarespace website or you Instagram will do. Make sure that its your best selections, is varied and is at least 30 images or 5 videos. It needs to look like you’ve done this before. (If you don’t have that much work, get out and make that much work)
Make a list of the top 20 companies you would love to work with. If you are just starting out then you should reach out to smaller companies that will be more likely to take a chance on a new Creator. I make this list by picking categories of stuff I use on all my adventures and then finding companies that make those products. Example: Tie down straps, tires, jackets, tents, flashlights, fire starter, motorcycle gear…
Ask for work. DM companies through Instagram saying “I love your (products) and have always wanted to create photos or videos for your brand. Is there someone I can talk to at (brand name) about potentially working together?” You are trying to get the contact info for the decision maker at the company. Follow up 3-4 times if you don’t here back. Space these follow ups out a few days minimum.
Once you get the brands marketing contact email, craft an email. I usually say something along the lines I’ve already said but with a bit more “Hello (contact name), I received your email after messaging the (brand) Instagram. I love your (products) and have always wanted to create photos or videos for your brand. I have a couple of ideas for projects that might be a fit for your brand. If there is interest I’d love to share more. Is there a time this week or next we could have a short chat about your needs and how I can help?” It’s important here to add your website and instagram in the signature line as links. They will want to be reminded of your work. Follow up 3-4 times if you don’t here back. Space these follow ups out a few days minimum.
You have a phone call set up now and it’s time to share your ideas. No need to get nervous here, they are interested enough to connect and that means they like your work so far. Here’s what needs to be asked on this call: How can I help? (photos, videos and of what) What budget do you have for this? (you don’t want to propose a $10k project when all they have is $500). Here are my ideas (have at least two project ideas that fit with the product they sell). Most likely they will need to talk to their boss or team and get back to you with a more specific idea off what they need and can pay. Follow up until you hear back.
You got a job! Now be specific on an email or simple contract about what they are getting, where they can use it, how long they can use it, how much they are paying, when your deliverables are due and when payment is due. These are all flexible based on the agreement but they have to be specified or you will have problems later.
Do the work. Now go do your work. Be early on delivering, work harder than you need to and deliver more options than you promised. Do it with good communication and a pleasant attitude. You now have a past client. Add that job to your website and repeat the process. You are now in business.
I am considering doing online tutoring to help folks just starting out on their creative journey. If you are interested then let me know by replying to this email.
Who I am Following
Image by Steve McCurry
Old National Geographic Magazines
I usually take this section to tell you about someone you should follow on the internet. My aim is to show you someone you can be inspired by and possibly make your own art a little better. But, I think being inspired by only current creators can be limiting. Instead this month I want to tell you what has been inspiring me.
I recently purchased a 290 volume collection of National Geographic Magazines starting in 1977. I’ve been reading them and book marking my favorite images and articles.
If novel is a mix of new and old than these near forgotten images that were the most interesting of their day are the perfect inspiration.
You can get your own at your local library or buy a few magazines on eBay, craigslist or sometimes yard sales. They are refreshing and captivating, no better way to stop the endless scroll and get inspired.
Music I'm Diggin'
Gnossienne No. 5 (French 79 Rework (FRAGMENTS / Erik Satie))
If you have read this newsletter for a while then you know French 79 makes good tunes. I’ve featured him a couple of times and this song is maybe the best one yet.
Listen to it on Spotify Here
Videos, Movies, and TV
1,000 Miles Across Alaska
A premise I love and a set of bikes i’ve been wanting to try against each other. My first motorcycle was a Honda 90 and this film brought both nostalgia and new excitement. Give it a watch.
Reads
Bomber Mafia by Malcom Gladwell
Unlike most people, I am usually not a fan of Malcom Gladwell’s books. After reading three of them (you think I would have given up after one) I had decided they weren’t for me. But then I found the Bomber Mafia. It’s a well written and captivating account of the pilots, tech and strategies that developed for dropping bombs from planes. I don’t feel like I am doing it justice, but it is a great book.
10/10
Get the book Here
Parting Thought:
Mutual respect is a better tool to change people than shame. Instead of outrage ask questions and ask for permission to share your opinion. The world is changed by modeled behavior one person at a time.
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
This newsletter, my photography and my videos are all free, but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy me virtual coffee.
Don't have the funds to buy a coffee at the moment? Then sharing this newsletter with someone you think would like it is the next best thing. Thanks!
