Almost Creative Podcast

This week, Travis flies solo to share one of the biggest lessons that's helped grow Visual Filmworks and Bella Tiamo Films: speed. From responding to inquiries faster to delivering content while clients are still excited, Travis explains how moving quickly has become one of the biggest competitive advantages for their business. In this episode, we discuss same-day wedding teasers, faster clien...

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 crea...

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...

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 camer...

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-product...

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 b...

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...

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 creati...

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...

In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with John Doherty, founder of The Family Album Company, to talk about why preserving memories isn’t just nostalgic, it’s a creative responsibility. John shares how he went from institutional archival work to helping families preserve photos, films, and stories before they’re lost forever. We discuss deteriorating media, the emotional powe...

In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with Chicago wedding photographer Rachael Watson to break down what actually builds a sustainable wedding photography business, and why client experience often matters more than the photos themselves. Rachael shares how she built a referral-driven wedding photography brand over the past decade, how strong relationships consistently outper...

In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast , we sit down with a financial advisor to talk about the money conversations most creatives avoid — budgeting, taxes, long-term planning, and financial freedom. We break down why freelancers and creative business owners often ignore their finances, the hidden cost of constantly reinvesting in gear, and how having a real financial plan can create more...

In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we bring back our Riches in the Niches series and dive deep into one of the most talked-about topics in the creative industry: podcast retainers Retainer clients are often pitched online as the ultimate path to stability but are they actually the best move for videographers and creatives? We break down when retainers do make sense, when they don’t, a...

In this episode of Almost Creative , Christian Diaz sits down with Kayla Kalisz, a third-generation entertainer whose work spans NBA halftime shows, luxury events, and large-scale productions, to break down the world of specialty entertainment and circus arts. Kayla shares her journey from dance and acrobatics into aerial performance, immersive character work, and professional circus acts — along...

In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we reflect on three client projects from this past year that genuinely stuck with us — not because they were perfect, but because of what they taught us about trust, communication, and creative leadership We walk through one project where the client fully trusted the creative process, one where that trust was missing and things unraveled, and a third...

In this episode of the Almost Creative Podcast, Chris and Travis take a break from interviews and tactics to reflect on something more personal — the movies that shaped who they are as creatives. Instead of listing “the best films of all time,” they share the ten movies that helped form their taste, curiosity, and creative direction, from childhood inspiration to career-defining moments. Along the...

If you haven't noticed yet we are talking off for the holidays. We plan to be back in Janurary with a BANG! Look out for 1 new episode each week of Jan.

Ever wondered why your back hurts after editing… or why shooting weddings wrecks your shoulders? In this episode, Travis sits down with Dr. Paul Castle , a chiropractor with 22+ years of experience, to talk about the habits, health tips, and daily choices creatives overlook — and how fixing your body can actually fix your business. From New Year’s resolutions to posture, diet, movement, and stayin...

In this episode of Almost Creative, we sit down with Nick Faldstein — a veteran wedding filmmaker and the founder of Newlyweds Cinema — to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in the creative world: the rise of the wedding content creator. After nearly a decade behind the camera, Nick decided to evolve from crafting cinematic highlight films to capturing real, unfiltered moments in the a...

Ever wondered why some photographers capture emotion effortlessly while others struggle? In this episode, Travis sits down with portrait artist Ranka Djajic Sparavalo — founder of Ranka Photography and the 40 Over 40 Project — to talk about how psychology, empathy, and human connection create powerful images and a stronger creative business. Ranka shares how her hospitality background shaped her c...

How do hostage negotiation skills help you book more clients? In this episode, Travis talks with Scott Tillema , keynote speaker and former SWAT negotiator, about the art of conflict resolution for creatives. From endless client revisions to knowing when to stay silent, Scott breaks down practical ways to set boundaries, gain confidence, and turn tough conversations into better business outcomes.

Ever feel like clients only see your price tag and not your value? In this mini episode, We breaks down why “too expensive” usually isn’t the real problem. Travis shares how he turned a $2K inquiry into a $6K booking by focusing on the experience instead of just the services. From handling budget-conscious couples to knowing when to say no, this fireside chat is packed with practical lessons for c...

Ever feel like you’re not good enough, even when your work speaks for itself? In this episode, Chris and Travis unpack the messy reality of imposter syndrome —how it sneaks into the lives of artists, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, and what it really takes to overcome it. They dive into where self-doubt starts, why pricing your work can feel like a battle, and how to shift your mindset so you can...

Ever wonder what it really takes to succeed as a model in today’s industry? In this episode of Almost Creative, special guest Anna Geyer shares her journey from early agency days to building a thriving freelance career. We dive into the realities behind industry standards, how to set boundaries, and why diversifying your skills can open unexpected doors.“This is more than a conversation about mode...

🎙️ Did you know limiting your clients, actually gets you way more work? In this insightful episode of Almost Creative, Marketing expert Sam Thimothy shares how he grew from a creative agency startup to helping manufacturing and B2B companies scale nationwide. Learn why niching down works, how to get ROI from your marketing, and the secrets behind “Search Everywhere Optimization.” Packed with tips...