Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Evan Dorian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Evan , appreciate you joining us today. 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?

I’ve been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it definitely didn’t happen overnight. The journey has been anything but linear.

In the early days, I was juggling side gigs, taking on projects that paid the bills while dreaming about the kind of work I wanted to be doing. The turning point came when I shifted my focus from just surviving to actually building something sustainable. I started Dorian Media Group with the intention of creating high-quality, storytelling-driven content for brands—but also with a long-term vision of growing it into a full-service creative agency.

Some of the major milestones included landing our first big client, hiring my first team member, and developing full-scale brand and digital solutions like the one we proposed for Palm Springs Surf Club. Each step was a building block—learning how to pitch, how to price, how to scale, and most importantly, how to say no to work that didn’t align with the vision.

Looking back, yes—I could’ve sped up the process by investing earlier in systems, better delegation, and by surrounding myself with mentors. But honestly, the slow grind taught me lessons that no shortcut ever could. It gave me depth, resilience, and clarity about what kind of creative business I really wanted to build.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Evan Dorian, and I’m the founder and creative director of Dorian Media Group—a full-service creative agency based in Southern California. Our roots are in storytelling, but our work spans across brand development, website design, photography, video production, and digital marketing.

My journey into this industry was driven by passion. I started out behind the camera, fueled by a love for visual storytelling. I was shooting photos and videos before I even realized it could be a business. Over time, that creative curiosity evolved into a deeper understanding of branding and strategy—how visuals, words, and digital experiences shape the way people connect with companies and content. That’s when I knew I didn’t just want to be a creator—I wanted to build a team that could help brands tell their stories with purpose and impact.

Dorian Media Group was born out of that vision: to bring brands to life through thoughtful design, powerful visuals, and strategic execution. Whether we’re building a modern, user-centric website like we proposed for Palm Springs Surf Club, producing a commercial campaign, or helping a client define their brand identity, we always approach the work with the same core goal—to create something that resonates.

What we offer:

Website Design & Development
Photography & Video Production
Brand Strategy & Identity
Digital Marketing & Content Creation
We solve problems by helping brands look, sound, and feel cohesive across every platform. From helping startups find their voice to giving legacy brands a digital makeover, our work is grounded in real strategy and elevated by strong aesthetics.

What sets us apart is our obsession with quality and our ability to wear both the creative and strategic hats. We don’t just make things look good—we make sure they work for the business. Every website we launch, every campaign we shoot, is built to drive results—whether that’s bookings, sales, or brand awareness.

What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve earned. From boutique brands to larger organizations, clients know they can count on us to deliver work that’s intentional, beautiful, and effective. We’ve grown our business through relationships, reputation, and results—and that means everything to me.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about me and this brand—it’s that we’re not here to do “cookie cutter.” We’re here to create meaningful, lasting impressions. We bring a mix of heart, hustle, and high standards to every project. And whether you’re a startup or an established brand, we’re ready to help you tell your story in a way that truly connects.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’ll be the first to admit—I’ve never been someone who sits down to read a bunch of business books cover to cover. That’s just not how I absorb information. I’m more of a visual learner, so I gravitate toward motivational videos, entrepreneurial podcasts, and following business-minded creators and leaders on social media. I learn by watching, listening, and most importantly—doing.

Some of the biggest game changers for me have actually been the conversations and connections I’ve had with mentors along the way. Learning from people who’ve been through the trenches, who’ve built successful businesses, and who were generous enough to share their knowledge—that’s been incredibly valuable. From understanding how to present yourself professionally, to crafting high-end proposals, to bidding a project correctly so you’re not undervaluing your work—I’ve picked up a lot from real-world experience and real-world advice.

At the end of the day, I think it comes down to mentality. You have to be willing to learn from others to grow. That means checking your ego, staying curious, and staying humble enough to ask questions. I’ve always tried to keep that mindset—whether I’m watching a quick video clip that fires me up for the day or sitting down with someone who’s five steps ahead of me in their business. Those moments shape you just as much as any book ever could.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely—there’s a clear mission that drives everything I do creatively: helping businesses and brands build a powerful presence in the digital world.

I’ve always loved the process of building something from the ground up—taking a brand from idea to reality, and creating a finished product that not only looks great but actually performs. Whether it’s a logo, a website, a video campaign, or a full digital strategy, I’m all about crafting experiences that stand out and drive results. That’s the sweet spot for me—where creativity meets purpose.

What keeps me inspired is the constant evolution of the digital landscape. There are always new tools, new platforms, and new ways to reach audiences. My mission is to stay ahead of the curve and help businesses tap into those innovations—whether it’s through design, content, strategy, or technology.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help brands develop a strong, authentic, and effective online presence—and to continue evolving Dorian Media Group to offer the latest advancements in digital media, marketing, and storytelling. I want every client we work with to feel like their brand is not just keeping up—but leading the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dorianmediagroup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorianmedia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17916213
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DorianMedia

Image Credits

We have the rights to all images.