We were lucky to catch up with Andrew Simmons, Russell Simmons recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andrew, Russell, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Every business, especially starting out, will find issues with profitability- the creative industry more-so than others because there’s so many different avenues businesses can take their marketing. We feel Louisiana, when it comes to high production video, is a bit lagging. So while they see value in other methods of advertising and creative marketing, the masses haven’t seen the value (yet) in high production video. However, throughout the years, the people that work with and take a chance on us can see a clear difference in their audience’s engagement and response.
Another factor that we deal with, is that every person has the means to create video which has created a, somewhat, saturation, of the creative market. However, what we have found, is that high production content will not only engage your audience longer, but will, in fact, reflect the quality of care you take for your own company.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

We have both been interested in the creatives (specifically video and graphic design) for as long as we remember. Always wanted to build things, solve creative puzzles, etc. So, naturally, while getting Marketing degrees in college, found away to express that interest. Andrew would use his video talents to freelance action sports videos; such as wakeboarding (another one of our interests). And I would create logos for up and coming businesses. Throughout the years, we’ve found our niche creating videos for people. Whether it be full scale commercials or social media content, we help our client solve a problem, expressing themself through video. If the reader can take away one thing from from this, it’s that we take an attention and care in our product unlike anyone else. Some will say being a perfectionist is a weakness, and while I admit the idea of perfection is an illusion, we try our hardest to reach it regardless.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about what we do, hands down, is when the client is happy with their product. We’ve made videos for people that come from all walks of life, and there’s something about when a person sees themself in a cinematic light, that keeps us coming back. What a rewarding job this is, creating a product that shows our clients in the best light and allows them to express themselves to the world- it’s almost therapeutic.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Anyone starting in the creative field will have to learn one rule… you have to get lucky. We hate to say it, but luck is definitely one of the determining factors to whether you are profitable or not. Now, there are things to hedge your bets… one being the work you put out there. Only when you put out consistent work can luck meet you halfway. I’m sure there are creatives out there that are diamonds in the rough, however, they never get their shot. I wish I can say that creating great work alone will get you to the finish line, but I would hate to bullshit any creatives out there reading this. All I can say is that If you are an aspiring creative, the best thing to do is do the BEST you can do with every project and give it your all. Because if luck were a level playing field you would have the edge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bludotproductions.com
• Instagram: @bludotproductions
• Facebook: bludotproductions
• Youtube: bludotproductions

Image Credits
Andrew Simmons, Russell Simmons