Money, Networking, and Growth: Hard Lessons for Creatives

Understanding how to manage the business side of your creative career can make the difference between struggling and thriving. From finances to networking, mastering a few key principles can save you years of frustration and help you build a more sustainable career.

Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this insightful video explores the hard-learned lessons from his journey as a photographer. One standout point is the importance of managing money using the "50-30-15-5" rule. Choucino explains how to divide your income into percentages: 50% for salary, 30% for operating costs, 15% for taxes, and 5% for bonuses. He shows how this system ensures financial stability and long-term planning, emphasizing that knowing your numbers is non-negotiable. This clarity lets you focus on your work instead of worrying about where your next paycheck is going.

Choucino also highlights the need to diversify your income streams. His seven sources include photography, studio workshops, YouTube ad revenue, sponsorship deals, and more. The takeaway here is that relying on one source of income is risky. Whether you rent out gear, offer classes, or explore other side ventures, having multiple revenue streams builds resilience. This advice is crucial in a rapidly changing industry, where platforms and trends can shift overnight.

Another critical lesson is about focusing on your own progress instead of comparing yourself to others. Choucino advises against wasting energy watching competitors climb their ladders, reminding you to spend that time working on your own goals. Hiding someone’s posts instead of unfollowing them can help you avoid getting sidetracked while maintaining professional courtesy. Staying in your lane and prioritizing your growth over distractions is key to long-term success.

He also touches on the value of effort over talent. Choucino admits he’s not naturally gifted but stresses that consistent hard work outperforms talent when talent coasts on minimal effort. This mindset reinforces the idea that success is about showing up and putting in the hours rather than relying on inherent skill alone. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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