No Set Path: Creative Entrepreneurship Growth Stories

📺 Watch the video interview HERE: https://youtu.be/YkTDNtgIPN4Join Jason Murray, Creative Director and lifelong maker, as he dives deep into the art and business of creativity. This episode explores the power of ownership, the process of building your own IP, and what it really takes to grow a creator business in today’s world. Whether you’re a designer, filmmaker, or entrepreneur, you’ll find insights and inspiration to turn your ideas into assets.💡TakeawaysOwnership beats freelancing. Building IP you control creates sustainable leverage, while trading time for money keeps you stuck in the gig cycleThe Creative 2.0 mindset reverses the traditional service model. Instead of helping brands execute their ideas, create your own work first, then let brands attach themselves to what you ownSelf-imposed limitations are the biggest barrier to growth. Most creatives already know what they need to do next but hold themselves back from taking actionAdvertising insights translate directly to content creation. Finding unspoken human truths that make people see problems differently is what creates valuable, shareable contentBuilding a media business provides multiple paths forward. Even if content doesn't generate direct income immediately, it positions you as an expert and brings inbound opportunitiesFollowing your interests matters more than picking a lane. Career paths naturally evolve when you pursue genuine curiosity rather than forcing yourself into predefined boxesLife and career operate in seasons. What works now doesn't have to be forever, and giving yourself permission to experiment keeps momentum going🔗 Links & ResourcesJason Murray on Instagram: @jason_sweatManyChat (AI chat automation tool)Adobe Creative CloudTeachable (online course platform)👋 Connect with Drew Drew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drewenglishh/Drew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewenglish/Drew's Website: http://www.drewenglish.com/

Drew goes solo this week to unpack themes from his recent newsletter, "Working Until You Die." He explores the difference between working because you want to and working because you have to, and why the "just figure it out" hustle mentality can leave you grinding at 70 with nothing to show for it. Drew gets honest about his own financial reality this year, why he's turning down 35-40% of incoming gigs, and how intentionality beats reactivity when building a sustainable creative career. This one's part pep talk, part wake-up call.Key TakeawaysHustle culture is a trap that keeps you in survival mode Intentionality beats reactivity when building something sustainableDo the honest assessment: what's working, what isn't, what has potentialThe goal isn't to stop working, it's to have the choice to keep goingStop saying yes to everything and raise your pricesRelated Links & ResourcesNo Set Path Newsletter: thedrewenglish.substack.comEmail Drew: nosetpathpodcast@gmail.comSubscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

Drew tries something new this episode, reading his latest newsletter aloud and adding real-time commentary. The result is a raw, honest exploration of what it means to build something creative without having all the answers. He gets personal about a professionally difficult year, shares why polished content might be losing its edge, and makes the case that your rough edges might be exactly what your audience is looking for. TakeawaysMessy is a feature, not a bug -In an age where AI can generate "good enough" content instantly, your unique perspective and real experiences become your greatest assets. People are searching for authentic voices, not another optimized piece of content.The fear versus reality gap is where opportunity lives -We're all afraid that showing our struggles will cost us credibility. But the paradox is that vulnerability creates connection, and connection is what makes people actually care about what you're building.You are not your thoughts -Just because you're questioning everything and considering a thousand possibilities doesn't mean any of it defines you. Working through uncertainty in public can benefit others going through similar transitions.Community matters more than perfection -The people who keep showing up for you aren't responding to your best work. They're responding to your most real work.Related LinksNo Set Path Newsletter: thedrewenglish.substack.comContact Drew: nosetpathpodcast@gmail.comReferenced: "The Obstacle Is the Way" by Ryan HolidayPast Guest Mentioned: Blake Pfeil

Sometimes, your path leads you right back home. This week on No Set Path, Jordan Koschei joins Drew English to talk about how his journey through design and tech inspired him to give back to the Hudson Valley through his passion project, ConnectHV. It’s a story about creativity, community, and coming full circle.Join the NewsletterJoin the No Set Path Newsletter HERE - https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/TakeawaysProfessional identity doesn't have to fit into neat categories - you can exist between disciplines and create your own pathStaying rooted in your community and building a life first, then fitting work around it, can lead to more fulfillment than chasing traditional career ambitionsRemote work and post-COVID shifts have created critical mass for creative communities in places like the Hudson ValleyBuilding platforms and communities is about being a temporary steward, not an owner - the goal is for the community to outlive and outgrow the creatorCreativity is fundamentally about play - as adults, we're just doing fancier versions of the same exploratory, world-building activities we did as childrenThe most sustainable creative work happens when you remove outcome-based thinking and create for the joy of making somethingTrue platforms enable others to create value that far exceeds what the platform itself generatesWork-life balance requires ruthless prioritization and automation - family first, then letting everything else fit around itCommunity building in the digital age still requires real-life interaction and grassroots connectionLinks & ResourcesConnectHV - https://connecthv.comConnectHV About Page - https://connecthv.com/aboutTracks Coffee (Beacon, NY) - "No Sleep Till Beacon"Monkey Joe Coffee (Kingston, NY)Connect with DrewDrew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drewenglishh/Drew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewenglish/Drew's Website: http://www.drewenglish.com/

Drew English, a multidisciplinary creative and director of photography, shares his journey from music production to podcasting and filmmaking. He discusses the evolution of Upstate Podcast Studio from a basement setup to a professional space and the challenge of balancing various creative ventures. Drew emphasizes the importance of storytelling over technology, his efforts to connect the Hudson Valley creative community, and the meaningful conversations sparked by his podcast during COVID. His unique interview style focuses on personal journeys rather than technicalities.

Drew shares the full story behind walking away from a $100,000 in-house media position and how that decision led to earning 50% more while staying freelance. He breaks down the red flags that made him trust his gut, the corporate culture problems he encountered, and why alignment with your values matters more than security. This solo episode dives deep into the importance of knowing your North Star and making decisions that serve your long-term creative and personal goals.Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – Why Drew turned down $100K and made 50% more staying freelance01:27 – Red flag #1: Meetings about meetings and corporate culture chaos01:50 – No real game plan: throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks02:34 – The pressure campaign: formal emails, office meetings, and coffee chats03:17 – The deal breaker: written approval required for any outside freelance work04:50 – What happened to the colleague who took the job (spoiler: it ended badly)05:27 – The importance of trusting your gut and staying aligned with your values06:40 – How saying no opened doors to building multiple revenue streams07:35 – Drew's current North Star: maximum money, minimum time, maximum family timeTakeawaysTrust your gut when red flags appear, even when the money looks goodCorporate culture problems rarely improve after you're hired full-timeAlignment with your values and goals matters more than short-term securitySaying no to the wrong opportunities creates space for the right onesYour North Star evolves as your life circumstances changeWrite down your goals and priorities to stay clear on your directionConsider practices like morning pages from "The Artist's Way" for clarityResources & LinksThe Artist's Way - Julia CameronUpstate Podcast Studio: www.upstatepodcaststudio.comConnect with DrewNo Set Path Newsletter: https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/Drew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drewenglishhDrew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewenglish/Drew's Website: www.drewenglish.com

In this solo episode, host Drew English unpacks the concept of leverage and why 2025 is the best time for creatives to build independent success. He argues that cheap tech, free global distribution, and direct-to-audience marketing have removed the traditional gatekeepers. Creators who shift from selling services to building assets can own their future in the “Creator 2.0” era.Key TakeawaysTech is cheap: Your phone can produce market-ready visuals—hardware is no longer the hurdle.Distribution is free: Platforms like YouTube give instant access to a worldwide audience; the game now is earning the click.Marketing is direct: Email lists and social media let you talk to fans anytime—no middlemen required.Assets > services: Follow the athlete model—use your primary skill to build IP, products, or partnerships that earn while you sleep.Real-world examples:The Umbrella Academy evolved from graphic novel to Netflix hit.A24 green-lit “The Backrooms,” a YouTube horror series created by a 19-year-old.Producer Alex LeMay urges filmmakers to “think platform first, not format.”Action items for listeners:Audit your expertise - what unique knowledge or story can become IP?Choose one primary platform (e.g., YouTube) and design content natively for it.Start an email list to own your relationship with fans.Package and test ideas in small formats (web series, mini-docs, digital products).Lean into human connection - your perspective and trust can’t be replicated by AI. Resources MentionedJason Murray on “Creator 2.0” (@jason_swet on Instagram)Producer Alex LeMay’s Substack article HEREThe Umbrella Academy (graphic novel → Netflix)A24’s upcoming film “The Backrooms” (originated on YouTube)Connect with DrewSubscribe to Drew’s Substack newsletter Creative Balance for deeper dives.Follow No Set Path on YouTube, Instagram, and wherever you get your podcasts.Share the episode and tag @drewenglishh to keep the conversation going.

Blake Pfeil, a multidisciplinary artist and the creator of the Ambie-winning podcast Abandoned: The All American Ruins Podcast, shares his journey of self-discovery through abandoned spaces. He discusses how these haunting locations inspired his creativity and aided in his recovery from grief and addiction. Blake emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability, navigating societal pressures to fit into a niche, and the transformative power of storytelling. He offers insights for creators on maintaining authenticity amidst a fast-paced world.

Episode OverviewDrew sits down with LA-based composer and educator Zach Heyde to unpack how he’s blended film scoring, a 100,000-subscriber YouTube channel and a thriving mentorship program into a balanced creative life. They dig into sustaining passion, ditching hustle culture, and why sharing knowledge can be a business model in itself.Key Topics & Timestamps00:01 – Zach’s early start: piano at 7 and first composing gigs → landing “Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight” (dream job) NSP - Zach Heyde08:00 – Reality of writing 10 min of orchestral music per week & protecting creative energy NSP - Zach Heyde16:00 – Moving from Tennessee to LA for community, not clout—how genuine relationships create work opportunities NSP - Zach Heyde20:50 – 18 years on YouTube: what 100 K subs taught Zach about intention vs. vanity metrics NSP - Zach Heyde33:00 – Inside Zach’s Composer Bootcamp & Pro Group: teaching the business of music, not just theory NSP - Zach Heyde42:30 – Lowering the “publish” barrier: tactics for beating over-thinking and sharing in real time NSP - Zach Heyde50:00 – Upcoming projects: recording live strings in Budapest and turning the process into content NSP - Zach HeydeTakeawaysYour creative “North Star” evolves. Let the fog clear naturally.Time-boxed scoring (3 hrs/minute) demands new workflows; balance craft with sustainability.Authentic networking = making friends first; work follows.Audience trust grows faster when your content serves genuine curiosity, not algorithms.Teaching can satisfy creative, financial, and community needs simultaneously.Ship fast: capture the impulse before perfectionism kills momentum.Resources & LinksZach’s YouTube channel – https://youtube.com/zachheydeZach’s IG: @zachheydeZach’s Composer Pro Group & Bootcamp – details on https://zachheyde.comThe Call of Raven’s Hollow (Album): https://zachheyde.bandcamp.com/album/the-call-of-ravens-hollowConnect with DrewCreative Balance Newsletter: https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/Drew’s IG: @drewenglishhDrew’s Website: www.drewenglish.com

Episode Summary:In this solo episode, Drew reflects on the real challenges creative professionals face in 2025 like unstable industries, outdated mindsets, and the constant push for "success" at any cost. Sharing his personal journey from music to film to entrepreneurship, Drew explores why reinventing yourself is not only necessary but healthy, and how obstacles often reveal the true path forward.If you’re feeling stuck, questioning your career direction, or wondering how to balance ambition with a meaningful life, this episode is for you.What You'll Learn:Why major life transitions often feel impossible until they're behind youHow outdated mindsets (like stability = success) can hold you backLessons from "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan HolidayThe hard truths about building a creative career in today's worldWhy redefining success on your own terms is more important than everHow to leverage your skills into a new, sustainable direction without starting overResources & Links:Sign up for the newsletter: drewenglish.kit.com/newsletterConnect on Instagram and Threads: @drewenglishhLinkedIn: Drew EnglishBook Mentioned: The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan HolidayCommunity Question:👉 What obstacle are you currently facing that might actually be pointing you toward your next big move?Leave a comment, DM Drew, or reply to the newsletter — we’d love to hear from you!