e22 — Build it and they will come 🤩

Build it and they will come 🤩

Edition 22 — September 8st, 2024

Let me be straight with you.
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The creative industry today is stuck. It’s full of safe, cookie-cutter work, driven by people trying to fit into a mold—people afraid to shake things up. Why? Because they’ve been told to listen to business experts, to play by the rules, and to fit in. But here’s the deal: fitting in has nothing to do with artistry. It has nothing to do with making something that will last.
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If you want to build a creative studio that matters, the formula is simple—create outstanding work. Not good work, not safe work—outstanding work. That means taking risks. It means listening to yourself, following your gut, and trusting your intuition.
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Here’s the thing—Build it, and they will come works. If you build something remarkable, something that breaks the mold, you won’t have to chase clients. The right people, the ones you want to work with, will find you. The problem is, most people never get there.

Unfortunately…

Most people are stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. They take on “good enough” projects, thinking that somehow, one day, it’ll lead to something bigger. But that’s not how it works. Playing it safe never gets you in front of clients that seek innovation. Safe work attracts safe clients—those who seek mediocrity.

The number one reason people never build something remarkable is fear.

They’re afraid to bet on themselves. Afraid to create extraordinary work without knowing if it’ll pay off. And that’s why they settle for mediocrity. Here are the other reasons they stay stuck:

They rely on clients to fund their best work. They wait for permission to create something great.
They don’t take risks. They stick to the familiar because it’s comfortable, even if it doesn’t push boundaries.
They think “good” work will lead to great work. But “good” is just a stepping stone to more mediocrity.
They don’t promote their most innovative projects. They assume their work will speak for itself, and it gets lost in the noise.
They follow generic business advice that crushes creativity instead of embracing their role as innovators.

Here’s the truth: outstanding work doesn’t come with a paycheck upfront. It’s not going to fall into your lap. But when you create it, you build the foundation for everything that follows.
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Here’s how you break free from the limitations and build something that will naturally attract the right clients:

Step 1: Invest in your best work.

You can’t wait for clients to finance your fresh ideas. The work you want to be known for—the work that will define your studio’s future—has to come from you. No one’s going to pay you to be innovative; you’ve got to put in the time and effort first.
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Look at Apple, Tesla, or Sagmeister. None of them waited for the market to tell them what to create. They made the bold move first—and then the world caught up.

Step 2: Promote the hell out of your work.

Most creatives think their work will magically get noticed, but that’s just fantasy. The reality is, you have to promote your work like your life depends on it. Don’t think of it as selling out. Think of it as amplifying your voice so the right people can hear it.
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Nor ManvsMachine nor Rick Rubin ever compromise their creativity. They made sure their best work was seen by the right audience. That’s how you get your work recognized without lowering your standards.

Step 3: Focus on innovation, not profit.

Here’s where traditional business advice fails: it tells you to streamline, to maximize profits, to play by the rules. But if you’re in the creative industry, you can’t operate that way. Your job isn’t to fit in—it’s to push boundaries, to create something that changes the game.
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If you follow the crowd, you’ll drown in mediocrity. If you follow your instincts, you’ll lead. When you prioritize creative innovation, clients will come to you because of your unique vision—not despite it.

Build It, and They Will Come

When you focus on creating outstanding work—truly outstanding work, you’re not just building a creative business—you’re building a legacy. One that attracts clients who share your vision. One that stands the test of time.
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Invest in yourself. Take risks. Push your creativity to the edge. Promote what you create. And when you do, trust me—the right clients will come.

Ready to Build Something Remarkable?

Ask for our VIP program and start creating the outstanding work that will attract those high-ticket clients. Push boundaries, invest in yourself, and build a legacy that stands the test of time. Don’t settle for mediocrity—take the leap.

Reply back and let's talk about your business.

Next week, we drop something big. We’re not just creating, we’re making meaning—real, lasting, soul-shaking meaning. We call it PARADISO. Yes, my annoucnement has been delayed, but innovation isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about building something that matters. Stay tuned. 🤩

—Marko

Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Book a 1:1 Call

p.s:. If you’re ready to build your dream and live as your true self, I’ve started a community of like-minded studio owners called The Creative Business Club. Reach out to learn how to join us.

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