Almost Creative Podcast

Almost Creative
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

New Episode every Wednesday! Hey Creatives! Almost Creative is the podcast for creative entrepreneurs who are building a business that revolves around what they love. Hosts Travis & Christian dive deep into the realities of branding, marketing, and running a creative business. If you are a photographer, videographer, or any other creative trying to thrive and not just survive. Each bi-weekly episode features real talk, rants, and conversations with others who've turned passion into profit and can help you do the same. Stay Creative.

  1. The Reality of Being a Creative Professional in 2026

    6d ago

    The Reality of Being a Creative Professional in 2026

    In this episode of the Almost Creative Podcast, Travis sits down with graphic designer, vocalist, and longtime friend Tom Cirillo to talk about creativity, design, music, freelancing, and building a sustainable creative career. Tom shares how he got started in graphic design, why music and design have always gone hand in hand, and how he's balanced freelance projects alongside a full-time creative career. They also discuss client work, creative problem solving, working in churches and nonprofits, and the growing impact of AI on the design industry. In this episode:• How Tom got started in graphic design and music• Freelancing vs working full-time as a creative• Why client work can make you a better artist• Building a career in design without a traditional agency path• Working in churches, nonprofits, and creative teams• The future of graphic design in the age of AI Whether you're a designer, videographer, musician, freelancer, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation offers an honest look at building a career around creativity while adapting to a rapidly changing industry.

    56 min
  2. Do New Cameras Even Matter Anymore? | Sony A7R VI Discussion

    Jun 10

    Do New Cameras Even Matter Anymore? | Sony A7R VI Discussion

    The Sony A7R VI is here, and it got us asking a bigger question: do new cameras actually matter anymore? This week, Chris and Travis look back at the evolution of cameras from the DSLR boom to today's mirrorless flagships and discuss whether we've finally reached a point where gear is no longer the limiting factor for most creators. They talk about camera history, Sony's impact on the industry, the gear acquisition trap, and why business, storytelling, and creativity often matter far more than the latest specs. Whether you're a photographer, videographer, filmmaker, or just a camera nerd, this one's for you.

    48 min
  3. Everything Young Creatives Are Asking Right Now

    May 27

    Everything Young Creatives Are Asking Right Now

    Welcome back to the Almost Creative Podcast. This week, Travis flies solo for a different kind of episode after speaking to students at a career center about creative work, videography, photography, drones, business, and building a career in the industry. The episode turns into an honest Q&A covering some of the biggest questions beginners ask when getting started as creatives. From what camera to buy, to booking your first wedding, building a team, making money, and getting out of your own way… this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone trying to turn creativity into a real career. The Almost Creative Podcast is for creatives trying to turn their passion into a full-time career through honest conversations, business lessons, and real-world experiences from the creative industry.

    21 min
  4. Breaking Down a $50K Client Project as Videographers

    May 13

    Breaking Down a $50K Client Project as Videographers

    Welcome back to the Almost Creative Podcast. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest client projects we’ve ever taken on: a nonprofit campaign that turned into a $50,000 production involving multiple shoot days, 12+ deliverables, interviews, strategy, revisions, and full-scale project management. We walk through the entire process from discovery calls and pitching to pricing, pre-production, client communication, revisions, and the realities of scaling creative work beyond just making videos. If you’ve ever wondered what larger commercial productions actually look like behind the scenes, this episode gives an honest look at the business, pressure, and systems required to pull them off successfully. 🎯 In This Episode• Landing a $50K video project• Competing against larger production companies• Discovery calls and client communication• Structuring proposals and pricing• Managing multi-day productions• Scope creep, revisions, and organization systems• Lessons learned from one of our biggest projects yet 📲 Follow Almost CreativeInstagram: @almostcreativepodTravis: @trheberlingChris: @chrisshootsvideo

    37 min
  5. The Truth About Running a Creative Business (30 Years of Experience) | Paul Nelhart

    Apr 29

    The Truth About Running a Creative Business (30 Years of Experience) | Paul Nelhart

    In this episode, we sit down with Paul Nelhart, a growth consultant with 30+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development. But his real focus isn’t tactics—it’s people. We break down why so many creatives struggle to grow, not because of their skill, but because of identity, communication, and the way they approach their work. This conversation challenges how you think about business, self-awareness, and what it really takes to build something sustainable. In this episode, we cover: Why business is really about people, not tacticsThe identity trap creatives fall into“Covert contracts” and hidden expectationsWhy communication is often the biggest bottleneckWork-life balance vs entrepreneurial guiltBuilding a business that aligns with who you areTimestamps:0:00 Intro + Who is Paul Nelhart1:30 Paul’s background (30 years in business)3:30 What consulting actually means5:30 Identity vs work (creative struggle)8:30 Work-life balance vs entrepreneurial guilt11:30 Hobby vs career conflict13:00 The biggest struggle in business13:15 Covert contracts explained15:30 Real-world example (wedding story)21:00 Why communication drives growth27:00 Scaling, leadership, and letting go36:00 Systems, hiring, and delegation42:00 Growth plateaus + self-awareness48:00 Final advice + key takeaways If you want to better understand yourself as a creative, improve how you communicate with clients, and build a business that actually fits your life, this episode is packed with insights you can start applying immediately. Follow Almost Creative:Instagram: @almostcreativepodTravis: @trheberlingChris: @chrisshootsvideoYouTube: Almost Creative

    53 min
  6. The Questions Every Videographer Asks (Answered)

    Apr 15

    The Questions Every Videographer Asks (Answered)

    After a stretch of travel, client work, and a packed schedule, we’re back and getting back to basics. This episode is a relaxed, FAQ-style conversation built around the questions we get asked all the time. From what camera you should buy to whether AI is actually replacing creatives, we break it all down in a way that makes sense, especially if you’re just getting started. We also talk about where the industry is heading, why entry-level creatives are feeling the pressure, and how to position yourself so you don’t get left behind. In this episode: • What camera you should actually buy (and when) • The difference between hobbyists, hustlers, and high-end creatives • Is AI replacing videographers or just changing the game? • Why taste and direction matter more than gear • How to approach getting started the right way Follow us: Instagram: @almostcreativepod Travis: @trheberling Chris: @chrisshootsvideo YouTube: Almost Creative

    56 min
  7. The people skills you're missing (From HR) | EP 26

    Apr 1

    The people skills you're missing (From HR) | EP 26

    In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with a special guest to talk about the side of creative work most people overlook - people. We break down how working with clients, teams, and collaborators actually shapes your success, and why communication, expectations, and professionalism matter just as much as your creative skill. This conversation covers real-world scenarios creatives face every day - from handling difficult situations to building trust, setting boundaries, and creating long-term opportunities through the way you work with others. If you’re a creative entrepreneur trying to grow your career, get better clients, and operate at a higher level, this episode will challenge how you think about communication and professionalism. Follow us on Instagram: @almostcreativepodWatch on YouTube: Almost Creative

    3 min
  8. Why ADHD Isn’t a Weakness in Business (Steve Long) | EP 25

    Mar 25

    Why ADHD Isn’t a Weakness in Business (Steve Long) | EP 25

    In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with Steve Long, co-founder of Blink Tee's to talk about what it really looks like to run a business with ADHD. Steve shares his experience navigating focus, dopamine, and motivation, and why ADHD can be a creative advantage when understood properly. We discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, unfinished ideas, and how understanding ADHD can improve communication, relationships, and business outcomes. This conversation isn’t just for people diagnosed with ADHD. It’s for anyone working with clients, partners, or teammates who think and operate differently. In this episode:• What ADHD actually is beyond the stereotypes• Why ADHD can function like a creative advantage• Dopamine, focus, and motivation• Why starting is easy but finishing is hard• How ADHD impacts leadership, marriage, and teamwork• Tools and frameworks that actually help If you're a creative entrepreneur trying to build systems that work with your brain, not against it, this episode will change how you think about focus and productivity.

    49 min
See All (32)

About

New Episode every Wednesday! Hey Creatives! Almost Creative is the podcast for creative entrepreneurs who are building a business that revolves around what they love. Hosts Travis & Christian dive deep into the realities of branding, marketing, and running a creative business. If you are a photographer, videographer, or any other creative trying to thrive and not just survive. Each bi-weekly episode features real talk, rants, and conversations with others who've turned passion into profit and can help you do the same. Stay Creative.

Information

  • Creator
    Almost Creative
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Almost Creative
  • Show Website
    Almost Creative Podcast