We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Josh Titus. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Josh below.
Alright, Josh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At Founding Creative, our mission is to bridge the gap between the structured world of agencies and the agility of freelancers. My business partner, Tyler Lukey, and I started this journey because we often saw a void in the creative industry—a lack of systematic, efficient processes that can drive real value for clients. Throughout our careers in design and creative production, we’ve been frustrated by inefficiencies and disorganization that sometimes plague creative projects. We’re committed to delivering custom creative solutions that are visually stunning, strategically sound, and cost-effective by leveraging a systematic approach to creative to ensure our clients get the most bang for their buck.
We see and hear the faults in the old agency model—nickel-and-diming clients and delivering a robotic interaction. There’s a fear of systematic creative approaches because agencies often try to standardize the wrong things–the creative itself. We think there’s a place for systems to support that path instead towards creative in a way that frees us up to engage in a richer and more meaningful collaboration for clients.
Our mission is about more than just delivering creative results; it’s just as much about how we get there. We foster a collaborative environment where projects run smoothly, leading to our clients feeling valued and empowered. Our holistic approach ensures that the creativity we deliver is not only impactful but also meaningful and lasting to both the end-audience, and more importantly, our clients.
Josh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve been creating ever since I could hold a pencil. Back then it was drawings of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Today it’s the same child-like wonder but amplified by a lifetime of experiences thus far. Drawing. Music. Design. Pottery. Stained glass. I aim to never stop learning new ways of expression and communication to connect with the world around me.
With regard to my current company, Founding Creative, it’s a conduit to direct all my creative energy for the use of others. On the surface we deliver creative solutions like brand strategy, visual identity development, and interactive solutions. Deeper than that though, we provide the answers for our clients to express what it is they do to their own audience in an uncomplicated, unmatched, and unforgettable way.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most valuable lessons I had to unlearn is the notion that good creative work only comes from relentless, grueling effort—pounding the desk into the moonlit hours of the night. Early in my career, I believed that creativity was synonymous with constant struggle and sacrifice. However, as I’ve grown and evolved in my profession, I’ve realized that this mindset often leads to burnout and stifles true innovation.
What I’ve learned is that good creative doesn’t have to be hard. It comes from experiencing the world, interacting with all walks of life, and viewing every situation through a lens of opportunity. By embracing diverse experiences and allowing myself time to recharge and explore, I’ve discovered that inspiration flows more naturally and the quality of my work improves. Creativity thrives in an environment where curiosity and openness are encouraged, rather than one dominated by stress and exhaustion. This shift in perspective has not only enhanced my creative output but also made the journey far more enjoyable and fulfilling.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Tyler and I bootstrapped Founding Creative from the ground up. We didn’t rely on initial investments, capital funding, or even a line of credit. This option became available to us later in life, once we had built a comfortable personal cushion through years of working for others. In many ways, our initial investment into our business was the accumulation of labor and learning under other roofs, which equipped us with the skills and knowledge to take this leap.
I understand that bootstrapping isn’t an option for everyone, but I want to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs that starting a business without funding can be incredibly rewarding. When you build something from zero dollars, your drive is stronger, your hunger is more intense, and your dedication is unmatched. This journey has pushed me to focus on my mental health and commit to being a better human being. It’s made me truer to my word, more committed in everything I do, and more aware of my positive impact on the world around me. Building a business from scratch instills a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that is truly inspiring. It feels like answering a true calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: foundingcreative.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tituscreative/
- Other: tituscreative.com