We were lucky to catch up with Tristan Miller recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tristan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking a risk in creative business ownership involves confronting the two fundamental fears that hold many creatives back: the fear of failure and the fear of success. As an artist, putting your work out for scrutiny requires tremendous guts and commitment. Some will love your creations, while others will criticize them.

The fear of failure can paralyze artists and creatives considering starting a business. The thought of risking everything only to witness it come crashing down, is daunting. Exposing your artistic vision to the world makes you vulnerable. However, I learned that failure should not be seen as an end but as a stepping stone for growth. Confronting this fear required immense courage but also presented an opportunity for personal development. By embracing failure and learning from it, I transformed it into a catalyst for improvement and resilience.

Putting your work out into the world means inviting both praise and criticism. Many creatives hesitate to pursue business ownership due to the fear of negative feedback. It is essential to acknowledge that criticism, whether constructive or otherwise, can fuel growth. Overcoming this fear demanded unwavering commitment and a resilient mindset. I gradually realized that not everyone would resonate with my work, and that’s perfectly okay. Constructive criticism became a valuable tool for honing my skills and refining my artistic endeavors. Embracing criticism allowed me to develop a stronger sense of self and confidently navigate the challenges that came my way.

Success, surprisingly, can also evoke fear in creatives. As my creative business began to thrive, I grappled with doubts about my ability to handle its responsibilities. Success brought unexpected pressures, increased expectations, and heightened levels of accountability. Through self-reflection and seeking guidance from mentors, I learned to embrace success and develop the necessary skills to navigate its uncharted waters.

Embracing the risks of creative business ownership entails facing the fears of failure and success head-on. It demands unwavering courage, commitment, and resilience. While the fear of failure and the fear of success may initially loom large, they can be overcome through perseverance and self-belief.

Tristan, 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?

My name is Tristan Scott Miller, and I am a marketer and wedding filmmaker who found my way into the industry through my passion for concert photography and music journalism during my time at The University of North Texas. It all began with reaching out to press managers for bands coming to Texas, which led me on a wild journey of meeting incredible people and being granted second chances and opportunities that I didn’t initially deserve. This path eventually guided me into the captivating world of filmmaking, marketing, and videography.

In the wedding videography industry, I discovered a common gap: many wedding videos lack cinematic depth. I recognized that there is a demand for more than just a standard video; couples desire a film that evokes deep emotions and a sense of liberation. As someone who inherently possesses a poet’s heart, a love for film, and a hopeless romantic nature, I bring a unique perspective to transform their vision into reality. My goal is to provide couples with a wedding film that transcends the ordinary and is worthy of the big screen. I strive to create a cinematic experience that they can cherish for the rest of their lives—a film they can snuggle up to and watch, evoking the same nostalgic and belonging feelings they experienced while watching their favorite movies.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my distinctive eye for storytelling and my commitment to capturing the essence of each couple’s love story. I believe that a wedding film should be more than just a documentation of the day; it should be an immersive and emotive experience that transports viewers to the heart of the couple’s journey. I pay meticulous attention to detail, seeking out the subtle nuances and tender moments that make each wedding unique. Through my expertise in cinematography, editing, and a deep understanding of storytelling techniques, I aim to craft wedding films that resonate with the couple and their loved ones.

I take great pride in the fact that I can provide couples with a wedding film that goes beyond their expectations, creating a lasting memory that they can relive time and time again. The joy and satisfaction on my clients’ faces when they watch their film and feel the rush of emotions they experienced on their special day is incredibly rewarding. It is this sense of fulfillment that fuels my passion and inspires me to continuously push the boundaries of creativity in my work.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that I am dedicated to delivering a wedding film experience that is truly extraordinary. I bring a combination of artistic vision, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of their love story. I aim to provide them with a cinematic masterpiece that not only preserves their cherished moments but also transports them to a world of emotions and memories. My work is fueled by a genuine love for storytelling and a desire to create something truly magical and timeless for each couple.

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

When it comes to resources that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking, I highly recommend Donald Miller’s books. In particular, “Marketing Made Simple,” “How to Grow Your Small Business,” and “Business Made Simple” have been incredibly valuable in shaping my understanding of business ownership, marketing, sales, branding strategy, and more.

One of the reasons I find Donald Miller’s books so valuable is their ability to simplify complex concepts in entrepreneurship. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and bogged down with the intricacies of running a business, but Miller’s thinking methodology keeps things straightforward and actionable. Whether you’re a small business owner, an executive, a CEO, or even a team member looking to enhance your market value, these books provide practical insights and strategies that can be applied to various professional roles.

The wisdom and insights shared within these resources provide a comprehensive understanding of essential business principles. From developing effective marketing strategies to cultivating growth in small businesses, these books offer guidance and actionable steps to enhance business performance and achieve success.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back on my creative journey, there is one crucial realization that I wish I had known earlier: the abundance of educational resources available today. We are fortunate to live in a time where acquiring knowledge and skills is more accessible than ever before. Contrary to the belief that one needs to pursue an MBA or attend college to become a successful business owner, I now understand that formal education is not always a prerequisite unless specifically required by a particular field.

However, the vast amount of information can be overwhelming. I refer to this as the pitfall of becoming “addicted to education.” Getting caught up in consuming podcasts, books, YouTube videos, and other sources is easy without implementing the knowledge gained. The key lies in finding a method or approach that resonates with you and focusing on it wholeheartedly. Instead of constantly seeking the following information, I would have prioritized practical application and consistent action.

The gap I discovered was that success doesn’t depend solely on accumulating knowledge but rather on taking intentional steps and putting that knowledge into practice. While being a lifelong learner is immensely valuable, waiting for a silver bullet or thinking there is always something else to learn before starting can hinder progress. The real silver bullet lies within oneself—the commitment, determination, and willingness to learn and adapt as necessary.   

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tristanscottfilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanscottfilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tristanscottfilms
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tristanscottmiller
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tristanscottfilms

Image Credits
Primary Photo of Me: Annie Shannon Photography Couple Photo with My Wife: Annie Shannon Photography Website: https://www.annieshannon.co/