TL;DR As I approach my company’s 10-year anniversary, I’ve been reflecting on what I would do differently if I were just launching my business today. This isn’t a diary of regrets, but a candid, “up close” look for The Creative Director’s Up Close blog on the lessons I’ve learned, what I’d change, and my plans […]
CDUC — If I Were Starting My Video Production Company Today Read More »
When we think of the word hope, it usually carries a warm glow — optimism, positivity, the sense that things might get better. Hope that something changes. In our lives. For our friends. For the world. That kind of hope feels good — and the intention behind it is fine. But after almost ten years
CDUC: Hope is a Dangerous Thing Read More »
TL;DR:After 9+ years in business, I’ve learned I’m not built for constant client turnover. Our 73% retention rate over the last 5 years shows that long-term relationships work—for both creative flow and business stability. I’ve shifted my focus from always “obtaining” new clients to maintaining the ones we already know and trust. It’s better for
CDUC – Obtaining vs Maintaining Read More »
TL;DR: Generative AI is shaking up video production—especially when it comes to replacing stock footage. Instead of searching endlessly for the perfect shot, you can now create exactly what you need. It’s powerful, but still rough around the edges. Prompting takes skill, AI visuals can look a little off, and there’s a real question around
CDUC: Where Do I Stand On AI Generative Content Read More »
Today, I planned to write something educational about video marketing—but after a few recent events, I felt compelled to talk about something else: trust. As people, we’re naturally skeptical. As kids, we were skeptical about what we were told to eat. As teenagers, we questioned the people we hung out with. As adults, we’re cautious
Losing the Gig Hurts—Losing the Trust Hurts More Read More »
There are about 734 different types of videos out there—formats, styles, lengths, purposes. Many non-creatives assume video production is a one-size-fits-all process. That’s like assuming a moviegoer will enjoy every film they’ve ever seen. Not a chance. When I started my career, I was mostly editing webinar recordings and training videos. Simple stuff: screen shares,
Sticking to Zone of Genius Read More »
I debated writing about this topic. It’s been almost a year since this incident. But for anyone searching for coaching and consulting this is an important topic to be very wary about. First, I want to bring up a little background before I dive into my story. In the video production/content creation world, there are
The Online Course/Coaching Misdirection World Read More »
We made it past January! Gosh that felt like there were 56 days in the month…. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on a concept that’s been shaping how I think about challenges: puzzles vs. problems. In business, there are always obstacles to overcome—that’s the whole reason many of us started our ventures in the first place.
Puzzles vs. Problems Read More »
When I first stepped into the post-college world, the word “networking” made me cringe. It felt like schmoozing without substance, as if I was just pretending to have skills and hoping someone would buy it. I thought networking was about “making the sale” or getting something out of people. Thankfully, I soon realized that’s not
Networking and Introverts Read More »
Welcome to Creative Director Up Close, where I give you full access to my fun, amazing, chaotic, occasionally brilliant, and definitely weird mind as a creative director and entrepreneur. Running a video production company for private schools, non-profits, and businesses isn’t just lights, cameras, and action—I often find myself navigating the current market, relationships, stress,
Creative Director Up Close: Good Advice/Bad Advice Read More »