Its Almost Here | Stoke-Ness
If you are new here, I am guessing you signed up for the Pitch Deck Kit.
I had planned to release it today, but I want it to be just right for all of you, so I’ll be releasing later this week.
In other news, I am filming a workshop this week with the crew at Strohl Works about how to become a full-time freelancer. I am stoked to get to show you all how I went from a full-time job to freelancing while having a family. It’s going to be a fun month and I can’t wait to share it.
In this month’s issue, I’ll be sharing a peek into the pitch deck kit and a condensed version of my typical newsletter.
Be stoked,
Isaac
Photo/Video Technique
How to get Brands to pay you to shoot photos, video, or write.
There is a gulf between creators. I see a small group of photographers, filmmakers, and writers that work full time on their passion. Then there is a larger group of equally talented creators that make amazing work but only do it as a hobby.
The only difference between the two groups is the ability to convince brands to fund your work.
If you are in the second group, I want to teach you how to get brands to pay you. It’s a large subject to cover, much too large to talk about in this newsletter. In fact, I am creating an online Workshop with Strohl Works this month to cover it in detail. I’ll share more about that when it’s close to launching, but in the meantime here are some bite-size tips to get you started.
Brands don’t know you exist.
We all know this but somehow think that if we have a Squarespace site and post on social media that the brands will come to us. Even the creators with the largest social media followings and beautiful websites do outreach.
Even in 2020, the best way to connect with people is by saying hello. Get used to being the first to build the relationship. I do this with Instagram DM’s, email, and phone calls. In-person is best but hard in today’s situation.Social media and a good website are still important.
After you reach out you will want to link to your work. Instagram and a website that has full-size images will give them a chance to see what you can do without having to imagine you are as good as you say you are.Show your work
This seems obvious, but you need to have made good work before you can get paid to make simliar work. The more you create and share what you are making the more people will see you as an expert. You will become an expert. In fact, the only difference between you and an expert is the experience they have at their niche. Make the work you eventually want to be paid for over and over, and you will eventually be able to charge for it.Keep reaching out.
Persistence pays. If you get two hundred “no” responses to your ask and one “yes” then you now know how many times you need to reach out to get paid.
Also, it helps to know that a “no” response doesn’t usually mean they don’t like you or your work. It most often means they don’t have the budget or the timing isn’t right for their marketing needs. Don’t take it personally and keep asking.
If all this seems basic, it’s because it is. You can optimize all of these processes later, but doing these simple steps over and over will get you work. It’s the difference between creating art as a hobby and creating art as a freelancer.
I’d love to hear if you are interested in my upcoming workshop where I’ll go into detail about how to become a full-time creator. Shoot me an email or a DM. Thanks!
Who I'm loving on Instagram
I get requests all the time to keep an eye out for a sweet vintage enduro moto or a Landcruiser. I send links to all my friends religiously. That is the idea behind my new account @CheapOldMotors.
I’ll be sharing the deals I find on cool motorcycles and 4x4’s all over the US and Canada. If you love browing and dreaming or are looking for your next photogenic vintage vehicle give it a look.
See it here @cheapoldmotors
Music I'm Diggin'
I should probably get moving by Box Boys
This song is both calming and has a nice groove to get your head moving. Sometimes a song comes through my Spotify discover that gets stuck in my rotation for weeks ‘cause it just has that groove.
Listen on Spotify here
Videos, Movies, and TV
Not Another Tesla movie
My friend Jesse just released a new video about his new car, with a twist. Jesse hasn’t had a car in 10 years, yep 10 years, so this is a big deal.
Watch it HERE
Reads
The Ship It Journal
If you have ever had a big idea for a project, business, or product but didn't know where to start, then you need this journal. It’s a series of questions that you fill out that help you create the project with a plan before you start. It’s so helpful and is what I used to plan my Pitch Deck Kits before I ever started making them.
Get the hard book Here
Or the free PDF version Here
Thanks for your patience while I make the Pitch Deck Kit perfect. If you are interested in helping me promote it, let me know and I’ll send you a promo packet with a discount code for the kit.
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
