Why Most Creatives Stay Broke

What do weddings, music videos, and unpaid gigs have in common — and why do they shape so many creative careers?In this episode, we unpack the unspoken realities of creative work, from shooting weddings and music photography to building a sustainable agency. Drawing from real experience, we explore how early jobs — especially weddings, music videos, and low-budget or free work — become the real film school for many filmmakers and photographers.We discuss why wedding filmmaking teaches essential directing skills like commanding a room, managing pressure, and delivering results when there are no second takes. The conversation also dives into music photography and music videos as creative training grounds: incredibly valuable for skill-building and exposure, but increasingly difficult to monetize in today’s industry.Finally we'll explore the business side of creativity — pricing your work, avoiding burnout, understanding market value, and accepting a hard truth many freelancers aren’t told early enough: when you’re a creative entrepreneur, the minimum wage is zero. Learn more at bennettcreative.co

In this episode, we sit down with Kayla Fitch, Director of Social Media at Bennett Creative and a former TikTok influencer who experienced the platform’s early gold rush—millions of views, Creator Fund payouts, and brand deals—before watching influencer income and momentum slowly disappear.Kayla explains why TikTok’s Creator Fund stopped paying, where influencer money actually comes from, and why views alone don’t translate to long-term income. We also explore the mental health cost of influencer culture, including burnout, social media addiction, scripted authenticity, and relationship strain.After stepping away from being in front of the camera, Kayla transitioned into Directing Social Media at Bennett, helping brands and creators grow sustainably instead of chasing viral highs.Learn more at bennettcreative.co

In Part 2 of this conversation with Andrew Bennett and Keegan Cook of Bennett Creative, we break down the realities every creative, freelancer, and agency needs to hear about landing clients, creating content that performs, and why most brands fail on social media. From visualization-based sales tactics to the true power of curiosity loops, to the uncomfortable fact that polished videos often underperform compared to lo-fi “authentic” posts — this conversation uncovers what actually drives results. Whether you’re a filmmaker, photographer, or marketer, this is the behind-the-scenes truth about how to stand out, get hired, and make content that connects.Learn more at bennettcreative.co

What does it really feel like to run a creative agency? In this conversation with Andrew Bennett and Keegan Cook of Bennett Creative, we dive deep into the emotional reality behind the work—the pressure, the purpose, the addictive highs, and the constant fear of not delivering. You’ll hear about imposter syndrome, the chase for creative fulfillment, the grind of making ideas real, and the strange privilege of choosing a path that’s both exhilarating and exhausting.Learn more at www.bennettcreative.co

In this episode of Great Take, Andrew Bennett and Kayla Fitch of Bennett Creative discuss the real difference between marketing and advertising — and why knowing the distinction can change how you grow your business. From TV commercials to social media strategy, they share firsthand insights from running campaigns across every channel. Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned brand, this episode will help you think smarter about where your message lives and how it connects.Learn more at www.bennettcreative.co