Dear Creator

Morgan Markowski

Dear Creator is a reflective space hosted by Morgan Markowski, created for creatives and entrepreneurs searching for answers in the chaos of business, creativity, and life. Here, you’ll find unfiltered stories, pivotal lessons, actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and lifestyle systems that help you evolve into a life-backed brand. This isn’t about pretending to have it all together — it’s about honoring your truth, embracing your next evolution, and finding freedom in the way you create, work, and live.

  1. 24 MAR

    How Sydney of Studio Mynde Pivoted from Creative Services to Launching a Physical Product

    In this episode of Dear Creator, I sit down with Sydney, founder of Studio Mynde — a creative design studio and stationery brand based in the Chicago suburbs. Sydney's the founder and creative director of Studio Mynde, a creative studio and lifestyle brand rooted in intentional design, visibility, and nurturing brand buzz. Through creative direction, products, and community-driven offerings, she helps creatives and small businesses build brands that feel lived-in, aligned, and sustainable for the lives they hope to lead!She opens up about her journey from freelance designer to multi-hyphenate entrepreneur: how she sketched her first product (the *Everyday Tear-Off* notepad) on a piece of paper, iterated for six months, and launched a physical stationery line while still running client design work.We discuss the real differences between marketing a service versus a physical product, why in-person pop-ups and local connections are making a comeback, and how to survive a business pivot without burning out. If you're a creative entrepreneur trying to balance structure with flow, online visibility with local community, or wondering whether to build in public or build in quiet… this conversation is for you.Connect with SydneyStudio Mynde: https://studiomynde.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/studiomyndeSubstack (Blurring the Lines): https://substack.com/@studiomynde Connect with Morgan (FREE) 30-Minute Lifestyle backed system reset: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/lifesystem-resetWebsite / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-upYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowskiTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

    52 min
  2. 10 MAR

    How Filmmakers Can Take Back Control of Their Work With Jerry J White III

    In this episode of Dear Creator, I sit down with Jerry J White III who over the past 20 years has directed and produced 3 distributed feature films, and started multiple film and media programs at independent schools in Los Angeles. He started Bronson Creative as an experiment around how modern creatives learn, share work, and sustain themselves throughout uncertainty. Jerry’s garage operates as a living research space, and television studio that he uses to examine media and its ever growing infatuation with our attention. We talk about the realities of building a creative career in today’s online world. Jerry shares his 20 year journey in filmmaking from film festivals and distribution deals to experimenting with YouTube and self distribution. Along the way, he opens up about the harsh truths behind the film industry, why most creators don’t actually make money from distribution and how artists can reclaim ownership of their work. We explore the power of experimentation, teaching through transparency and why the future of creativity may lie in independent platforms, collaboration and community-driven distribution. This conversation is an honest look at what it really takes to build a creative life and career. Here's what we discuss: Why traditional film distribution often fails creatorsThe realities of making money on YouTubeWhy experimentation is essential for creativityHow filmmakers can self-distribute and build their own audienceThe importance of transparency in the creative industryBuilding a creative career without chasing algorithmsIf you're a creator, filmmaker or artist trying to navigate the modern digital landscape... this conversation will give you a new perspective and actionable tips. Connect with Jerry Website: www.bronsoncreative.us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronsoncreative/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bronsoncreative Watch Jerry’s Films: https://www.bronsoncreative.us/support Substack: https://bronsoncreative.substack.com/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bronsoncreative Morgan’s Interview on Jerry’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00lV0jCfPV0&t=170s Connect with MorganWebsite / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-upYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowskiTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowskiDear Creator Articles: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/blog?category=Podcast

    1 h 1 min
  3. 3 MAR

    Going Part-Time on Social Media and Building a 200-Year Vision with Chelsea Riffe

    What does it actually mean to build a creative life on your own terms? In this episode of Dear Creator, I sit down with Chelsea Riffe, the host of the Notes from the New World, previously known as In My Non-Expert Opinion, a Top 1% show known for asking the bigger questions around the cultural zeitgeist, our inner worlds, and what's this all FOR? She's a Cultural Philosopher, obsessed with understanding how we think, and how seemingly unrelated things relate HARD (her favorite threads to pull are how reality TV is the ultimate mirror for our psyches—don't get her started). We had one of the most honest conversations we've had on this show. We talk about how living abroad reshaped her entire relationship with work and rest, why she's experimenting with going part-time on social media (while actively running a business), and the Dark Forest Philosophy that might predict where online community is headed next. We also get into the real strategy behind what drives her sales, how a three-year-old brand relationship landed her name on a magazine cover, and what it means to develop a personal philosophy so strong that it transcends any platform, niche, or algorithm. If you've ever felt burnt out by social media, unsure of your creative direction, or like you're constantly doing more without feeling like it's enough — this episode is for you! Topics: Why Chelsea is going part-time on social mediaThe Dark Forest Philosophy and the future of micro-communitiesHow long-term brand partnerships can change your careerWhat a "cultural philosopher" actually doesThe 200-year vision framework and how to start developing your own philosophyConnect with Chelsea Website: https://www.chelseariffe.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseariffe/?hl=enThreads: https://www.threads.com/@chelseariffe?xmt=AQF0QQfdAild1A6OunsXJtII4_ywYc25fr_qYkqUDW-TFyoPodcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46sFOpt34jKVVmbWZVM2FH?si=1ffe6c4fff81409c Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-my-non-expert-opinion/id1309417352

    1 h 16 min
  4. 3 FEB

    What Turning 40 Taught Me About Creative Freedom & Not Giving a F*ck With Angela Sauceda

    Join me and Angela from Lost Angeles as we discuss creative leadership coaching, navigating career transitions, and building a business around multiple skills. Perfect for multidimensional creatives, entrepreneurs struggling with "niching down," and anyone tired of rigid frameworks that don't fit real life. Connect with Angela Creative Consultancy - https://www.angelasauceda.com/ Boutique Brand Consultancy - https://www.lostangelescreative.com/ https://substack.com/@angelafromlostangeles https://www.youtube.com/@angelalostangeles https://tiktok.com/@angelafromlostangeles https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelasauceda/ https://www.instagram.com/angelafromlostangeles/ Connect with Morgan (FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop (FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/ Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski Dear Creator Substack: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

    1 h 8 min
  5. 27 ENE

    2025 Recap & January Favorites: Building Stability as a Creative Entrepreneur While Working Part-Time

    My first solo entry of Dear Creator. In this episode, I’m doing a complete 2025 business and life recap — breaking down each quarter, the wins, the challenges and what I learned as a business owner. This isn't your typical highlight reel. I'm sharing the messy middle… what it really looks like to launch your first digital product, make the hard call to close a program, seek financial stability through part-time work, and rebuild your business without burning out. 2025 Quarterly Breakdown: Q1: Investing in sales training, building a writing practice, and throwing spaghetti at the wallQ2: Launching Pivot Proof (my first digital product), hiring support, and restructuring my daily operationsQ3: Closing my group program, prioritizing mental health, and navigating my dog's cancer diagnosisQ4: Landing a stable marketing gig, going viral on TikTok, pursuing YouTube, and working through identity shiftsKey Lessons for Service Providers:• Your business can hold multiple truths at once—you can launch AND close offers in the same year• Support is not optional (therapy, coaching, peer mentorship all matter)• Sometimes the best business decision is a life decision• You are not your output—untangling worth from productivity Actionable Takeaways: How to conduct a seasonal business audit (with specific reflection questions)Ways to build stability before you need it (retainers, part-time work, signature offers)Creating sustainable structure through themed days and time blockingJanuary 2026 Updates: Turning 30 and entering a new eraDear Creator's growth and my marketing plans for Q1New ventures: UGC services and brand partnershipsHow I'm categorizing tasks in Notion for better project managementAdvice I received for my 30th birthday on Instagram: Start seeing a chiropractor, acupuncture, and massage therapistWear sunscreen and moisturizeGive less f*cksThings will unravel and reveal themselves, trust timeHottest year everIndex yourself examine what containers, externals and internals you have allowed in your 20sLet it go with loveStand on your business and f*ck everything elseEnjoy them by embracing the whole 'give less of a sh*t' that comes with themReally feels like the time we get to choose and build for ourselves and honor our energyIts your 20s but better. Don't let it scare you! 30s rule!!This has been my most fruitful decade thus far. Finally living as my true self.LINKS(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop (FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/ Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski Dear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

    35 min

Información

Dear Creator is a reflective space hosted by Morgan Markowski, created for creatives and entrepreneurs searching for answers in the chaos of business, creativity, and life. Here, you’ll find unfiltered stories, pivotal lessons, actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and lifestyle systems that help you evolve into a life-backed brand. This isn’t about pretending to have it all together — it’s about honoring your truth, embracing your next evolution, and finding freedom in the way you create, work, and live.