The Creative Adventure Podcast

You get good at what you spend your time doing, and most learning actually happens on the job. We spend so much of our lives working. While being an artist can be fun work, there is a significant learning component to that. That learning comes in the form of learning to be more efficient, make better decisions, work faster, and be a better collaborator. Along the way, you'll find yourself in s...

My Book: https://a.co/d/2MoMV6n00:00 Welcome to my life!02:20 1. Find what works for you02:26 2. Wake up02:40 3. Drink water02:45 4. Leave 3 hours before your first task02:55 5. Do one thing for yourself first04:36 6. Basic resets: teeth, bed, clothes04:40 7. No caffeine in the first hour04:46 8. Avoid overdoing caffeine05:05 9. No AI before noon05:12 10. Eat breakfast06:15 11. 12-hour dish rule06...

3 Major communication skills have helped me build my freelance career. Beyond freelancing, these strategies can be taken into job interviews and even friendships to help build lasting friendships and network connections. Those are Brevity (24 hour rule), Asynchronous communication, and Proactivity. Chapters below! 00:00 - Start00:16 - Life Update02:19 - Books that helped me learn to communicate05:...

So in my years as a freelancer, I have summed up 5 key behaviors I don't like dealing with as far as clients. While it's important to do good work, some people just aren't good to work with for both parties. Generally speaking, these are the 5 main freelance clients that I have run into that are hard to work with. But in general, your goal should be to find clients where there is mutual respect, t...

What’s actually stopping you from making art? In this episode of The Creative Adventure Podcast, we dive deep into the fears, perfectionism, and invisible pressures that keep artists stuck, and how to break free. Ian, my ZBrush mentor who’s worked across toy, game, and animation industries, shares his personal journey from beginner struggles to professional success. From embracing the suck to buil...

Ep. 17 – You’re Not Luke Skywalker: Ego, Empathy & Freelancing Like a Pro (ft. Daniel Adoff) In this episode of The Creative Adventure Podcast , I sit down with Daniel Adoff — creative director at Dyno Creative and a mentor who’s helped countless artists and freelancers thrive — to unpack what it actually takes to succeed in the freelance and creative world in 2025. Whether you're an art s...

So in this episode, I share a bit of a personal episode on my experience in Croatia and what I got from the experience. Beyond it being a vacation, I used it as an opportunity to experience creative reset. This creative reset was important for me because it enabled me to experience life from a completely different perspective. That new perspective involved finding a greater sense of presence and e...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Michael Weissmueller, a seasoned veteran of the gaming industry whose career spans from journalism to Marvel Comics and ultimately to a prestigious role in business development at Epic Games. In this episode, Michael shares candid insights about his unconventional career path, the importance of relationship-building in the gaming industry, and his expe...

In this episode of the *Creative Adventure Podcast*, we sit down with composer and artist Zach Heyde, who shares his journey of staying true to his artistic passion while navigating the demands of freelance work. Zach discusses the importance of maintaining a personal connection to your craft and how to avoid losing sight of why you started in the first place. He emphasizes the need for play, curi...

Join creative freelancer Jon Jags Nee in the tavern as he delves into the intricacies of contracts and legal documents for freelance artists. Through a unique fantasy RPG storytelling approach, Jon breaks down complex topics like NDAs, terms and conditions, and creative briefs into digestible, practical advice for creative professionals. The episode emphasizes the importance of trust over excessiv...

In this podcast, we explore the essential elements of building a compelling portfolio for creative freelancers. From crafting the perfect reel to designing a professional website, we break down everything you need to showcase your work effectively. Learn why timing matters, how to curate your best pieces, and the crucial components every creative website needs to attract potential clients. Whether...

In this tavern-themed creative freelancing podcast where we dive into the nitty-gritty of landing your first client as an artist. Through storytelling and RPG-inspired metaphors, Jags shares his personal experiences and practical wisdom about building genuine connections, creating spec work, and navigating the freelance world without falling into the cold-calling trap. Drawing from years of experi...

Step into the cozy tavern of creative wisdom, where you'll discover the essential strategies for mastering your freelance journey. In this episode, you'll learn how to transform your creative practice from a simple skill set into a holistic approach to self-mastery, understanding that success isn't just about perfecting your craft – it's about developing the mindset and tools to na...

In this episode of the Creative Adventure Podcast, we explore the multifaceted world of modern freelancing for artists. We delve into the numerous "hats" creative professionals must wear beyond their artistic skills—from sales, marketing, and accounting to project management and client relations. We emphasize that freelancers must not only develop their craft but also handle business adm...

This podcast episode features Kyle Wlodyga, a toy designer who shares his journey from illustration student to professional toy designer at Super7. Kyle describes how he "Forrest Gumped" his way into toy design through genuine connections and networking, starting with a Magic: The Gathering tournament that led to an internship at Cryptozoic, which eventually opened doors to toy design. H...

Step into a unique exploration of your creative freelancing journey through an immersive fantasy RPG lens. You'll find yourself in a tavern where you must choose between joining the traditional studio ("the battalion") with its predictable benefits, or embarking on the uncertain path of freelancing, all while navigating through a world of recruiters, mercenaries, and adventures. You&...

Join your fellow adventurer at the tavern as you explore the crucial concept of niching down in the creative industry. Through tales of a holy paladin freelancer and insights from successful artists like Jonathan Winbush, Kyle Wlodyga, and Patrick4D, you'll discover how specialization can give you a competitive edge in the freelance world. Learn about sales advantages, comparative advantages,...

In this episode, we'll explore together the powerful "Let Them" theory by Mel Robbins and discover how it can revolutionize our approach to freelancing. Through a narrative blend of fantasy storytelling and practical wisdom, we'll see how this mindset shift can transform our freelance journey, especially when we're dealing with challenging clients, perfectionism, and the fear...

In this episode of The Creative Adventure Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most essential skills for freelancers: time management. As a freelancer, you’re in control of your own schedule, but with great freedom comes the responsibility of crafting a routine that works for you. Whether you prefer to work fewer hours at a higher rate or take a more flexible approach, the key is understanding yo...

In this episode, we explore the concept of the Hero’s Journey, as outlined by Joseph Campbell, and how it parallels the path of a freelancer. From overcoming self-doubt and stepping out of your comfort zone, to facing challenges and emerging stronger, the Hero’s Journey provides a powerful framework for personal and professional growth. We discuss how key elements like accountability, emotional in...

In this episode of The Creative Adventure: An Artist's Guide to Modern Freelancing we embark on a unique journey, blending the world of freelancing with the familiar structure of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons and World of Warcraft. Just as RPG characters choose a class—be it a warrior, mage, or rogue—freelancers have their own strengths and weaknesses that shape how they navigate the pro...

In this episode, we explore the four key aspects of freelancing—freedom, money, pain, and creativity—and how they shape our journey as independent professionals. Drawing parallels to iconic pop-culture heroes like The Mandalorian and John Wick, we discuss how mastering these elements can help freelancers build a fulfilling, successful career. We delve into the balance between achieving freedom ove...

In the first episode of The Creative Adventurer Podcast , host Jon Jags Nee kicks things off by sharing what this podcast is all about: a guide for freelancers and creators who are into gaming, geek culture, and want to level up both their personal and professional lives. Jon talks about his own journey from a directionless gamer to a content creator and small business owner, and how he’s learned...