Creative, Inc. book cover

Creative, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho Summary

Creative, Inc.
Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho
3.83 (1131 Reviews)
Business
Creativity
Leadership
Overview
Key Takeaways
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FAQs

Overview of Creative, Inc.

Creative, Inc. transforms artistic passion into profitable business with essential freelance wisdom. Praised for balancing creative integrity with economic savvy, this guide became the secret weapon for countless entrepreneurs navigating the pre-Etsy era. What's the one skill most freelancers overlook that costs them clients?

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Key takeaways

1

From Passion to Paycheck: The Creative Freelancer's Bible

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Have you ever gazed longingly at your sketchbook or camera and wondered if you could actually make a living doing what you love? Creative Inc. has become the definitive guide for artists brave enough to transform their passion into profession. Since its publication, it's achieved cult status among both fresh art school graduates and mid-career professionals looking to break free from corporate constraints. The book's enduring popularity speaks to a universal desire: finding freedom through creativity while building something sustainable and uniquely yours. In a world where the gig economy continues to expand, this roadmap helps navigate the exciting yet challenging journey from creative hobbyist to thriving business owner.

2

The Essential Traits and Identity of Successful Freelancers

3

Marketing Strategies and Portfolio Development

4

Mastering Client Relationships and Communication

5

Setting Rates and Negotiating Your Value

6

Balancing Creativity and Personal Life

7

Growing Your Creative Business for Long-Term Success

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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254
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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12
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108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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comments
254
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17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

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