Why you shouldn't wait for permission to be creative
+tips for aspiring entrepreneurs and the cultural moments | news that caught our attention this week
quick summary ⚡️
In our latest M.T. Deco Contributor piece, writer, producer, director - and independent creative - Jason Blackman will inspire you with his approach to creativity, plus a really fun video he produced !
TikTok wants you to post horizontal video, how Nara Smith is taking over TikTok and more in the cultural moments and news that caught our attention this week
Programming note [2/29]: RSVP to our first M.T. Deco masterclass on how to build your personal brand [for execs] using digital platforms
The 5 things to know before starting a business
put your art into the world however you can
**Jason Blackman is a 3 time Emmy winning writer and producer and co-creator of Wooby & Fotty, a musical puppet show on YouTube about a pair of childhood blankets. Throughout his 12 year career, Jason has worked at brands like The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Warner Bros. Animation. He offers services in copywriting, content strategy, ghost writing, writing, blogging, editing and advertising.**
Wow! First of all, it’s an honor just to be featured in M.T. Deco!
I’m Jason Blackman & I’m a creative person.
Professionally, I’ve been a writer & producer (The Ellen DeGeneres Show), a director (a horror short based on my experiences with OCD), a song writer, and the co-creator of Wooby & Fotty, a musical kids puppet show (parents, subscribe here! ⬇️).
I love making things— and even more so, I love making fun things with fun people.
The last couple of years have been tough for creatives in Film & TV. Smaller budgets, corporate consolidation, and dual strikes meant less and less opportunities to do what we love.
But I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit & I really don’t like waiting for permission to be creative— so I’m always writing, developing & producing films, shows, music and more— independently.
The means of production have been in the hands of the people for so long now. There are so many like-minded, enthusiastic creatives out there just waiting for the right collaborative partner— and I PROMISE they’re as talented as anybody working on a major motion picture for a big studio.
So if you’re a creative person like me, and making art & telling stories is at the core of your being, then I urge you to bet on yourself. Put your art into the world in whatever way you can.
Let’s be independent, together. (Is that super cheesy? Like basketball coach in a lifetime movie vibes? Eh, who cares.)
And if you need a little inspo- check out this video I put together that details my EPIC morning routine:
for more head to the MTD blog x connect withJason at blackman.jason@gmail.com x check out Wooby & Fotty on YouTube
💎cultural gems💎
The cultural moments and news that caught our attention this week:
TikTok goes full YouTube (The Verge). TikTok is incentivizing creators to post longer form, horizontal video.
Wait, who is Nara Smith? (The Cut). Are you even on TikTok if you haven’t seen one of Nara’s cooking videos?
Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo songs vanish from TikTok as licensing battle with Universal Music heats up (Rolling Stone). Universal Music Group, the biggest music company in the world, has removed all their music from TikTok.
Elmo asked how everyone’s doing and, um, they’re not great! (Washington Post). “It was a Monday morning at the end of a long January — a double whammy of devastation — and Elmo had a question… Celebrities, news outlets, Sesame Street characters’ accounts and everyday people replied — many with existential dread, despair and exhaustion.”
programming note:
In an upcoming WIE Suite Masterclass on Thursday, February 29th at 12p ET, Melissa will help you craft a thought leadership strategy using digital media.
From social media to podcasting to personal blogs, you’ll be guided through the intricacies of navigating the digital landscape to create an impactful strategy. By defining your ‘greater why,’ understanding your true target audience, and implementing best practices, you’ll be on the path to using digital platforms achieve your business goals.
RSVP for the Masterclass here [anyone can attend, not just WIE Suite members!]
inspo
Starting my own company after years in a corporate structure has been the best, most fulfilling experience I could have imagined.
Yes, it’s very hard and I regularly struggle with the balance between work and life, but if there is an entrepreneurial spark inside you, I’m here to tell you to embrace it.
One thing that I’ve discovered is important is helping each other out. So if you’re thinking about starting - here’s the advice I’ve given to others:
Sell something people actually need - This might seem obvious, but you won’t truly understand the market you’re entering until you’re faced with selling your product.
Price accordingly - A great piece of advice I received early in my career is that you’re only as valuable as the amount people are willing to pay you. Stay humble, know the value of your work and don’t under price.
Get comfortable with being vulnerable - When the company is yours, everything is yours. The branding is your vision, the strategy, the clients, the goals, the revenue, the employees, the social accounts -- there is nothing to hide behind.
Ask for help - I love getting advice from peers, influencers, business publications, podcasts, my parents [dentists], clients, you name it.
Be open to evolving - When you start out, it’s great to offer a menu to clients and as you work with them, but be highly attuned to what their needs are. Most of the time you will uncover pain points or additional opportunities.
- Melissa
more on the MTD blog