Why Most Creative Businesses Stop Growing — Skyler Mullins of Influence on How to Break Through

Why Most Creative Businesses Stop Growing — Skyler Mullins of Influence on How to Break Through

What does it actually take to scale a creative business past the referral wall? Skyler Mullins, co-founder of Influence Studios, Marketing & Rentals, sits down with Colton to break down the unsexy (but very sexy, depending on who you ask) business side of running a creative agency. Skyler shares how a SoundCloud rapper music video at 18 turned into producing thousands of TV spots for 17 different automotive manufacturers, how getting let go during COVID forced him to bet fully on the business he'd quietly been building since 2016, and how he eventually packed up his life in Washington and moved to Arizona to scale Influence with business partner Steffan. This episode goes deep on the operational realities most creative entrepreneurs avoid: how to qualify a discovery call in the first five minutes, why "the first person to speak dies" is the best sales lesson he ever got from an automotive Chief of Operations, how to deliver pricing without flinching, and why scaling on referrals alone eventually hits a wall. We also get into the harder stuff: the burnout, the missed milestones (including his daughter's first steps), the moment his seven-year-old told him he had enough toys, and why Skyler now treats the business as a marathon instead of a sprint. Topics covered: * Getting fired during COVID and going all-in on Influence * Producing thousands of commercials for Ford, Mazda, Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and more * Producing a Nike commercial and Jordan product photography * Why the referral-only growth model eventually breaks * Building scalable SOPs and "thinking like a big company" * The five things to look for on a discovery call * Qualifying clients by revenue, decision-making authority, and existing content * Letting clients sell themselves (the PB Backdrops story) * The Microsoft logo and the perceived value of creative work * Why "the first person to speak dies" applies to pricing * Sustainable growth, sustainable scaling, and avoiding burnout * Recognizing wins instead of always chasing the next milestone * Skyler's book recommendation: Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff * Hot take: superhero movies are cash grabs 📧 Contact: hello@hardcopymedia.com [hello@hardcopymedia.com] 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week  #CreativeEntrepreneur  #AgencyOwner  #VideoProduction  #HardCopyMedia  -- 00:00 Introduction & Meet Skyler Mullins of Influence 02:18 The Origin Story: Filming a SoundCloud Rapper at 18 04:15 Producing Spots for Ford, Mazda, Honda, Toyota & More 05:02 Getting Let Go During COVID & Going All-In on Influence 07:00 Meeting Steffan & The Move to Arizona 10:11 Why Referral-Only Growth Eventually Hits a Wall 13:44 Splitting Roles: Creative vs. Business in a Partnership 21:09 Scaling Sustainably: SOPs & Thinking Like a Big Company 23:25 The Discovery Call: Top 5 Things to Look For 28:00 The PB Backdrops Story: Let the Client Sell Themselves 30:19 The $50 Million Microsoft Logo & Perceived Value 32:18 The Best Sales Lesson: "The First Person to Speak Dies" 33:34 Don't Justify Your Pricing (Just Drop the Number) 41:18 What Skyler Would Tell His Pre-Influence Self 44:15 Scaling Fast Without Sustainable Systems 49:29 Burnout, Missed Moments & Working 30 Days Straight 55:23 LIGHTNING ROUND: Hot Take — Superhero Movies Are Trash 57:20 Book Rec: Finish by Jon Acuff & "Noble Obstacles" 01:01:21 Where to Connect & How to Follow Skyler

From Biology Degree to Filmmaker: Building Arizona's Creative Community with David Navarrete

What does a biology degree, a failed military application, and a pretty Nikon saleswoman have in common? They all played a part in making David Navarrete one of Arizona's most creative filmmakers and community builders. David is the founder of Moneta De Sine — a full-service creative production company specializing in video, photo, and high-end event activations — and the creator of Arizona Filmmakers, one of the Southwest's most active filmmaker communities. In this conversation, we cover: * 🎬 How a depressive pivot away from medicine led David to pick up his first camera * 💼 Running 3 jobs simultaneously (UPS, door-to-door sales, and filmmaking) to build Moneta De Sine * 🏛️ The mythology-inspired meaning behind the name "Moneta De Sine" (mother of the muses, goddess of memories) * 🤝 How David built Arizona Filmmakers from a Facebook group idea to 260-person events * 📋 The community-building principles that actually work: show up on your word, give before you ask, build a flywheel * 📸 The premium studio-quality photo booth and slow-motion robot activation services David offers at events * 🔥 Hot take: Solo videographers with big egos are missing out on the best part of filmmaking * 🛗 The upcoming "Elevator Pitch Show" concept being built for the Moneta Network If you're a filmmaker, creative, or entrepreneur trying to build something real — this one's for you. 🔗 Follow David: * Instagram: @monetadesine * Instagram (personal): @storytellerdavidn * Arizona Filmmakers: @arizonafilmmakers 📧 Reach the show: hello@hardcopymedia.com [hello@hardcopymedia.com]  👍 Like, Subscribe & Share — it helps the algorithm gods smile upon us.

The 3 Rules That Will Get You Called Back on Every Shoot

In this solo episode of the Hard Copy Media Podcast, Colton breaks down the real reasons creatives get called back for more work—and why talent and gear matter far less than most people think. Whether you’re fresh out of college, trying to break into film and media, or looking to level up into higher-budget productions, this episode lays out a simple framework for building trust, reputation, and momentum in your creative career. Colton shares his three non-negotiable rules for success on set: * Why being a good human matters more than technical skill * How showing up early communicates professionalism and respect * Why doing the best work possible—within real-world constraints—gets you rehired The episode also covers: * How to get your first opportunities on set * Why Instagram DMs actually work for networking * When it’s okay to work for free (and when it’s not) * How honesty, humility, and effort compound over time * Why nobody is coming to “discover” you—and what to do instead If you want more callbacks, referrals, and meaningful relationships in the creative industry, this episode is a practical, no-BS roadmap for standing out in a crowded field. Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more honest conversations about creativity, storytelling, and building a sustainable creative career. #FilmmakingLife #CreativeCareers #HardCopyMedia 00:00 – Welcome Back & Solo Episode Intro 01:10 – Why Creatives Struggle to Get Called Back 02:30 – Rule #1: Be a Good Human (Don’t Be a Dick) 04:45 – Why Empathy & Kindness Matter on Set 06:30 – Small Actions That Build Trust on Productions 08:10 – Rule #2: Show Up Early (Early Is On Time) 10:30 – Why Being Late Kills Opportunities 13:00 – Respecting Clients, Executives & Crews 15:40 – Rule #3: Do the Best Work You Can 18:10 – Working Within Real-World Limitations 21:30 – Why Clients Pay for Results, Not Gear 24:00 – How These 3 Rules Lead to Referrals 26:20 – Getting Your First Opportunity on Set 29:00 – Reaching Out to Creatives the Right Way 32:40 – Using Instagram DMs for Networking 35:30 – When Working for Free Makes Sense 38:20 – Why Honesty Beats Over-Selling Yourself 41:30 – Learning on Set vs Learning Online 44:20 – Why Nobody Is Coming to Discover You 47:30 – Taking Action & Asking for Opportunities 50:30 – Final Thoughts & Career Mindset 53:10 – Subscribe & Closing

Branding, Taste & Creativity (with. Ivan Ramirez)

In this episode of the Hard Copy Media Podcast, Colton sits down with Ivan Ramirez—DP, creative director at Influence Media, and all-around visual problem solver—for a wide-ranging conversation about branding, creative identity, filmmaking careers, and the realities of modern creator culture. Ivan shares his journey from graphic design and early DIY filmmaking in Wisconsin to working professionally in Arizona’s production scene. Together, they explore how personal taste shapes brands, why strong visual cohesion matters, and how creative careers are built through resilience, curiosity, and collaboration—not just gear or trends. This episode covers: * How branding and visual identity influence trust and recall * Separating personal taste from business branding * Ivan’s path from design to cinematography and camera operating * Freelance burnout, resilience, and surviving industry lows * Why creative careers require grit—not just talent * Thoughts on AI in creative work and ethical concerns * Why cameras have largely “peaked” and gear matters less than vision * Personal projects vs client work * A hot take: not everyone should be a creator * Protecting hobbies so creativity doesn’t turn into burnout Whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, content creator, or creative business owner, this episode offers honest insight into building a sustainable career, developing taste, and staying creative in an oversaturated world. Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more honest conversations about creativity, storytelling, and building a sustainable creative career. #CreativeCareers #Branding #HardCopyMedia 00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Ivan Ramirez 01:10 – Ivan’s Creative Background & Role at Influence Media 03:00 – Branding, Aesthetics & Making Work Feel Intentional 05:30 – PlayStation Ads, Edge & Emotional Marketing 08:10 – Personal Taste vs Business Branding 10:45 – Hard Copy Media’s Visual Identity & Retro Futurism 13:30 – Ivan’s Path Into Design & Filmmaking 15:50 – DIY Filmmaking, Early Experiments & Learning by Doing 18:30 – Moving to Arizona & Finding Creative Community 20:30 – Camera Department, AC Work & On-Set Learning 23:10 – Production Stories & Learning on the Job 25:40 – Freelance Reality, Burnout & Resilience 28:10 – The Highs & Lows of Creative Careers 30:20 – AI in Filmmaking: Tool vs Replacement 33:40 – Ethics, Economics & the AI Hype Cycle 36:10 – Long-Term Creative Goals & Indie Film Aspirations 37:50 – Hot Take: Cameras Have Peaked 40:10 – Personal Projects vs Client Work 42:15 – Hot Take: Not Everyone Should Be a Creator 44:50 – Protecting Hobbies & Creative Joy 47:30 – Inspiration, FilmGrab & Studying Cinematography 49:30 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Ivan

How to Build a Studio That Looks Great on Camera

In this solo episode of the Hard Copy Media Podcast, Colton dives deep into the practical, real-world process of building studios and sets that actually work—for podcasts, talking-head videos, branded content, and in-house creative teams. Drawing from years of hands-on experience building sets for clients, companies, and personal projects, Colton walks through everything from safety fundamentals and planning workflows to lighting, audio considerations, camera choices, and long-term adaptability. This episode covers: * How to plan and sketch a studio layout before buying gear * Studio safety fundamentals (anchors, studs, safety cables) * Choosing materials that look good on camera, not just in store aisles * How lighting, color, and surfaces affect video quality * Audio considerations most people overlook in studio builds * Power routing, cable management, and floor-space safety * Choosing cameras and lights without overspending * Multi-use studios vs purpose-built sets * LED walls, TV arrays, and when they’re worth the investment * How to build evergreen sets that won’t age with brand changes Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, marketing director, or business owner looking to build a studio for yourself or your team, this episode offers a grounded, practical roadmap to creating spaces that are safe, flexible, and production-ready. Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more honest conversations about creativity, storytelling, and building a sustainable creative career. #studiobuild #filmmakinglife #hardcopymedia  00:00 – Welcome & Solo Episode Intro 01:20 – Why Studio & Set Building Matters 03:10 – Growing Up Building Things by Hand 05:30 – Planning a Studio Before You Build 07:10 – Studio Safety Fundamentals 09:45 – Anchors, Studs & Safety Cables 12:30 – Buying Materials That Look Good on Camera 15:00 – Lighting Changes Color & Texture 17:20 – Sketching, Measuring & Planning Layouts 20:00 – Small Studio Hacks & Floor Space Solutions 22:45 – Multi-Use Studios vs Purpose-Built Sets 25:20 – Branded Sets vs Evergreen Design 28:40 – Audio Treatment & Echo Control 32:10 – Why Sound Matters as Much as Video 35:00 – Lighting Choices for Small Studios 38:20 – Ceiling Mounts, Clearance & Headroom 41:10 – Cable Management & Power Routing 44:00 – Camera Choices for Studio Content 47:30 – LED Walls, TV Arrays & Testing Gear 51:00 – Building Multiple Studio Spaces 54:30 – Green Screen vs Physical Sets 57:30 – Final Studio Build Checklist 01:01:00 – Lessons Learned From Past Builds 01:05:00 – Viewer Questions & Call to Action 01:07:30 – Subscribe & Closing Thoughts