We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Babajide Kolawole. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Babajide below.

Babajide, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Earning from your creative work can be an exciting and rewarding journey, when you are able to earn from doing what you love doing, your life feels like vacation(I Imagine). but it often requires dedication, creativity, and a strategic approach. Whether you’re a filmmaker, artist, writer, musician, or artisan, there are several avenues you can explore to monetize your talents. Here are some key strategies to consider:

1. **Sell Your Work:** One of the most direct ways to earn from your craft is to sell your creations. You can set up an online store on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or your own website to showcase and sell your products. Make sure to use high-quality images and descriptions to attract potential buyers.

2. **Offer Services:** In addition to selling your products, you can offer services related to your craft. For example, if you’re a writer, you can offer content writing services. If you’re a musician, you can offer music lessons or performances at events.

3. **Teach Workshops:** Share your skills and knowledge with others by teaching workshops or classes. You can conduct these in person or online through platforms like Zoom or Skillshare. Teaching can not only be a source of income but also a way to build a community around your craft.

4. **Collaborate with Others:** Collaborating with other artists or businesses can help you reach new audiences and expand your earning potential. Look for opportunities to collaborate on projects, products, or events that align with your brand and values.

5. **License Your Work:** Consider licensing your work to companies or individuals who want to use it for commercial purposes. This can include licensing your designs for merchandise, your music for film or advertisements, or your writing for publications.

6. **Create Merchandise:** Expand your product line by creating merchandise based on your craft. This can include things like branded apparel, accessories, or home decor items. Merchandise can be a great way to reach a wider audience and generate additional income.

7. **Build an Online Presence:** Having a strong online presence is crucial for earning from your craft. Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your work, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your online store or website.

8. **Diversify Your Income Streams:** To create a stable income from your craft, consider diversifying your income streams. This can include combining selling products with offering services, teaching workshops, and collaborating with others.

9. **Focus on Quality and Authenticity:** Ultimately, the key to earning from your craft is to focus on creating high-quality, authentic work that resonates with your audience. Building a loyal following who appreciates your work can lead to sustainable income opportunities over time.

10. **Stay Flexible and Adaptive:** The creative industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay flexible and adaptive. Be open to trying new strategies, learning new skills, and adapting to changes in the market to maximize your earning potential.

Earning from your craft can be challenging, but with passion, perseverance, and a strategic approach, we can turn our passion into a profitable venture.

Babajide, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Babajide Kolawole is professionally known as JIDE KOL, I am a photographer and filmmaker. My creative journey started in Nigeria then I moved to Los Angeles, California in 2021. My skill set extends into writing, directing, producing, photographing, and acting.

I was Born in Nigeria, I discovered my passion for the arts at a very tender age, I can’t remember the exact year but It’ll be somewhere around 1996-1998 when I used to love painting and pencil art, the passion for creating art would later mature into photography and eventual storytelling. My love for storytelling and visual aesthetics led me to embark on a career as an actor and photographer in my homeland. My works in Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry provided me with a solid foundation and invaluable experiences that would eventually shape my future as a filmmaker.

In a bid to further hone my craft and expand my horizons, I made a pivotal decision to pursue formal training at New York Film Academy, Los Angeles Campus where we were immersed in the world of cinema, acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to become a full-stack filmmaker.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing your art, watching your creation come to live in the public space, watching people experience an idea, a thought that you conceptualized. This is the biggest reward for any creative, well maybe me.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I think the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki was very influential in shaping my choices as an entrepreneur and business management philosophies.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jidekol.com
• Instagram: @jidekol
• Facebook: @jidekol
• Linkedin: @jidekol
• Twitter: @jidekol
• Youtube: @jidekol

Image Credits
Photos are properties of www.jidekolpictures.com My headshots were taken by @shinaokelolaphotography