How I Built a Career in Video Production & SCALED A 6-FIGURE Marketing Agency –What I'd DO Different

Introduction

In this article, I'll share my journey in building a career in video production and scaling a six-figure marketing agency. From the beginnings of my creative passion to navigating the bustling world of Los Angeles, and ultimately finding my way to Atlanta and the success that followed, I’ll also reflect on the lessons learned along the way and what I would do differently if given the chance.

Early Beginnings

My creative journey started at a young age. By the time I was twelve, I was already deep into graphic design and video production thanks to exposure to tools like Photoshop and classes that stimulated my interest. My formal education at the University of Central Florida in film and marketing equipped me with theoretical knowledge, but I often wonder if I would have been better off forgoing college for hands-on experience in the industry.

Pursuing Opportunity

After graduation, I faced the reality of entering the job market. My first internship in Los Angeles led to multiple jobs with a creative agency and BuzzFeed. Despite being overextended with three positions, I was determined to learn from each experience. Networking through platforms like LinkedIn was critical; I flooded contacts from major production companies with personalized messages, which drew attention and numerous valuable connections.

The Shift to Atlanta

After a year in LA, I decided that the high cost of living was unsustainable and relocated to Atlanta, where opportunities in video production were burgeoning. I began reaching out to local artists and influencers on social media platforms, offering my services and creating music videos. In a short span, I established solid connections and produced notable projects, including one for an artist under Jamie Foxx.

Challenges in the Industry

Despite my initial successes, working with larger clients often led to challenges. I noticed some clients taking credit for my work, which led me to reflect on what I truly wanted to do. I had initially pursued video production as a means to a more artistic end, but the reality of client demands often overshadowed my creative aspirations. This period of introspection compelled me to consider the business side of things more seriously.

Building a Marketing Agency

COVID-19 presented challenges but also opportunities. With in-person video production projects on hold, I pivoted towards social media marketing, leveraging my understanding of the algorithms and outreach tactics I had honed during my video production journey. It became my primary focus, and within a year, I found myself running a six-figure agency. While the income was rewarding, I increasingly felt detached from the creative aspects that initially inspired me.

Burnout and Reflection

The rapid growth of my marketing agency came with its own set of pressures and responsibilities. I found myself managing teams, handling client issues, and losing touch with the creativity that drove me. I learned the importance of not compromising my passions for the sake of my business. Eventually, I made the tough decision to step away from social media marketing and return to focusing on video production.

A New Chapter

Currently, I work as a social media director for a larger marketing agency, relieving some of the pressures of running my own business. It's a position that allows me to balance my creative pursuits while also providing a steady income. This change has empowered me to focus on my projects and rediscover my passion for content creation.

Lessons Learned

If I could do it all again, I would prioritize creating for myself from the beginning and choose a steadier source of income that allows for creative pursuits rather than chasing after multiple unstable positions. Working a traditional job alongside pursuing passion projects could have led me to develop my skills even further without the worry of financial instability.

In Conclusion, embrace the journey, be open to new paths, and never shy away from leveraging jobs that create space for your creativity.

---

Keyword

• Video production
• Marketing agency
• Networking
• Creative passion
• Social media marketing
• COVID-19
• Entrepreneurship
• Burnout

FAQ

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in video production?

   • I have had a passion for creating from a young age, which was fueled by my education and early exposure to graphic design and filmmaking.

2. Did attending university help you in your career?

   • While I made valuable connections and learned the basics, I believe that focused hands-on experience could have had a more immediate impact on my career trajectory.

3. How did you scale your marketing agency to six figures?

   • During the pandemic, I pivoted towards social media marketing, leveraging my understanding of algorithms and outreach tactics, leading to significant client acquisition.

4. What challenges did you face while working with bigger clients?

   • I encountered issues such as client micromanagement and credit disputes, which made me reconsider my direction and aspirations in the industry.

5. What would you do differently if you started over?

   • I would prioritize creating my own projects from the outset and seek a steady income to support my creative endeavors.