50 Ways to Create a Creator
Ways to add value and become part of the creator economy.
Photo Credit: Single Grain
Well, maybe not 50 ways like Paul Simon said in his song about leaving your lover, but here are a number of items you might want to consider if interested in the booming creator economy.
First, while we have all spent the last two years hibernating due to COVID-19, the economic world has changed in many ways. The structure of what is called the “creator economy” has formed, and it’s ready for you.
If we had to describe what the creator economy is in one sentence, we would say that a subscription-based approach for content is now available to creators. In this approach, creators can earn almost 90 cents for every dollar in revenue created rather than getting three cents or less per dollar of advertising on Facebook, YouTube or Spotify.
To help you think about how to participate in this economy, let’s first review the skill sets required for various levels. The venture capital company Andreessen Horowitz’s a16z newsletter shared a wonderful paper on the four levels of creators in this economy.
Hobbyists: Those creating content just for fun.
Full-Time Creators: Creators who are utilizing the new technology tools to make a living off content.
Stars: Creators with big enough communities to make their fanbases active from their inputs.
Moguls: Creators who build businesses that tend to outlive them and grow in all kinds of ways, including some ways we haven’t encountered yet as the creator economy moves forward.
Take a look, especially at the opportunities in technology, business and marketing support, and creator support.
Photo Credit: Future / a16z
Second, do you want to get up-to-date on current trends and issues in the creator economy? Fast Company covers this area very well, and here is their 2022 trends article for creators.
It looks like last year 50 million people made a living using a subscription-based model, and this number should grow up to 200-300 million in the next few years! Major brands are starting to get involved, and as employment opportunities for creators expand, burnout issues will have to be addressed.
Finally, where does one look for employment opportunities in this new economic boom?
Well, it’s still early, and new companies such as Every and The Information are examples to start your search. Additionally, search traditional job sites for help wanted ads with the keyword “creator.” We think you will surprised at how many are listed and growing in numbers.
This is great news for liberal arts majors, especially in music, English and journalism. As we said earlier, the creator economy is just getting started (sort of like the internet around 1995) with new companies you might be interested in from an investor or employment approach. Here are some starting suggestions.
If you want to start alone as an entrepreneur, subscribe to both Fast Company Magazine and Entrepreneur.
We will be covering this area in a big way as one of us teaches a course in Media Entrepreneurship, so stay tuned and stay current!
Did we at least give you 49 ways? LOL
Best,
Craig