07/09/2026
Okay I’m not exactly 24 but… here’s what I wish someone told me when I was just a kid with a camera and no clue.
Skill doesn’t make you money. Strategy does.
I can shoot better than I did last year. But I make way more money now because I stopped asking “how do I make this look good?” and started asking “how does this solve your problem?” The moment that clicked, clients stopped being hard to find.
Stop shooting everything.
For real though. I was the guy saying yes to every gig the weddings, corporate, real estate, food, events. Made decent money. Made zero impact. The second I said “we do hospitality and creative brands” everything changed. You get leverage through focus, not by being the guy who does everything. Explore broadly, build narrowly.
Consistency beats the 10/10 creative who disappears.
There’s a creator out there way more talented than me making nothing because they show up once a month. I’m like a solid 6/10 on pure skill, but I show up daily. That’s the real difference. The algorithm rewards the consistent, not the perfect
Your real network is your net worth.
Not followers. Not clout. I’m talking about the 5-7 people who actually believe in what you’re building. Those are the people who refer you, collaborate with you, push you. 500 followers who don’t know you? They don’t move the needle. The right 5 will change everything.
Stop saying yes to every job.
Hear me out I know, it sounds crazy when you’re building. But saying yes to work that doesn’t align with your vision kills your freedom. Every random gig is time you’re not spending on work that actually matters to your long-term vision. Be selective. Build with intention.
Learn the business side early
Pricing, Contracts, Communication, Onboarding Systems, the creatives who actually win aren’t the best shooters they’re the most organized. They have systems. They know their numbers. That’s not selling out. That’s being professional.
If you have any questions, send me through DM
Save this. Future you will thank you.
