Description

Talent alone won’t build a thriving business—you must value yourself and your craft. In this episode of Minding My Creative Business, hosts Ron “iRonic” Lee Jr. and ShySpeaks sit down with acclaimed photographer Tolulope Berry (T Berry Pictures) to explore how he turned a gift from his mother into a flourishing photography empire. The conversation covers valuing your work, building sustainable systems, and adopting a CEO mindset. In today’s creative economy, passion isn’t enough: a 2025 report notes that design services remain in high demand but that agencies must embrace new tools and strategic pricing to stay competitive. Another 2025 article warns that designers often underprice their services and need business literacy to defend their worth.

You’ll hear how Tolulope transitioned from hobbyist to professional by investing in his skills, pricing based on value, and creating clear client processes. He shares systems for client on-boarding, contracts, and file delivery that help maintain integrity and reliability. The hosts also discuss why “slow motion is better than no motion,” how networking and signature edits attract premium clients, and why building a team (re-toucher, manager, assistant, lawyer) is essential for scaling. The conversation highlights the broader industry context: as digital transformation opens doors, competition intensifies and creatives must balance artistry with business strategy. Studies show that 36 % of businesses hired freelance designers in the past year and that thriving agencies integrate strategy consulting (81 %), copy writing (77 %) and AI tools to remain relevant. Embracing this mindset will help you build a sustainable, scalable and enjoyable creative career.

🕒 Episode Chapters

0:00 – From hobby to photography business

4:44 – Learning photography through experimentation

8:38 – Valuing myself and my craft

11:22 – Reaching a sustainable salary

15:59 – AI revolutionizes networking efficiency 1

9:20 – Client experience and workflow process

21:42 – Photo rights and editing process

23:23 – Integrity in client experience

26:32 – Favorite editing & upload tools

30:29 – Talent vs. intangibles balance

33:04 – Vibes matter in creative work

37:31 – Teamwork gets the job done

39:48 – Creative to CEO challenge

44:56 – Embracing growth through discomfort

49:39 – Training & duplication insights

52:03 – Creative to CEO challenge

53:22 – End with self and mantra

🔑 Key Points

1. Value and pricing: Too many designers undercharge for their services, undermining themselves and the industry. Tolu shares how valuing your time, skill and learning lets you attract higher-paying clients and why value‑based pricing beats hourly rates.
2. Business literacy and mindset: In 2025’s digital landscape, creative professionals need business skills to survive. Tolu emphasizes systems—contracts, SOPs, clear communication—and the importance of treating your craft like a business.
3. Industry trends: The creative economy is dynamic and competitive; 36 % of businesses hired freelance designers in the past year, and agencies are adding strategy consulting and copy writing to meet demand. Embracing AI and efficient tools is essential, though 35 % of agencies worry about AI compromising creative quality.
4. Balancing talent with intangibles: Technical skill matters, but so do communication, reliability and positive energy. Building a team and investing in relationships turns good work into great business.

🔗 Links & Resources:...