Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk

Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk

By Alien Eyez Photos MediaBusinessEntrepreneurshipMarketing
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Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk episodes

  • Should Everyone Have A Podcast

    Should everyone have a podcast?

    In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson breaks down one of the biggest questions in podcasting: who should actually start a podcast and why?

    Steve’s answer is simple: not everyone needs a podcast. But if you are a business owner, creative entrepreneur, service provider, expert, or problem-solver with something valuable to offer, podcasting can become a powerful marketing and documentation tool.

    This episode explores the difference between simply wanting to talk and building a podcast with a clear purpose, audience, message, and long-term strategy. Steve explains why business podcasts should help educate an audience, showcase products and services, build trust, create sponsorship opportunities, document expertise, and support the larger goals of the business.

    He also challenges aspiring podcasters to think beyond launch day.

    What will your podcast look like in five months?

    Will you still be recording a year from now?

    Will you still be consistent three years from now?

    Those questions matter because podcasting is not only about starting. It is about having enough clarity, knowledge, consistency, and purpose to keep going.

    Steve shares how Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk has become a major marketing arm of Alien Eyez Photos Media. The podcast helps him create content, stay consistent, document his entrepreneurial journey, teach creative entrepreneurs, share business lessons, and leave behind a record that future generations can learn from.

    The episode also explores why your story matters. Your voice, perspective, mindset, lessons, growth, business decisions, successes, setbacks, and journey can become valuable documentation for people now and years into the future.

    In This Episode
    • Should everyone have a podcast?
    • Why Steve believes every business should consider podcasting
    • The difference between a podcast and simply wanting to talk
    • How podcasts can support marketing and business growth
    • Using podcasting to showcase expertise, products, and services
    • Building an audience around a specific niche or problem
    • Creating sponsorship and collaboration opportunities
    • Why consistency matters more than simply launching
    • Questions to ask before starting a podcast
    • Using podcasting to document your entrepreneurial journey
    • Building long-term content and brand authority
    • Why your business story is worth documenting
    • Podcast production, distribution, and SEO show notes
    • Using podcast appearances to collaborate within your industry
    Key Takeaway

    You do not need a podcast simply because podcasting is popular.

    Start one because you have something useful to say, someone specific to help, a business or mission it supports, and the willingness to stay consistent.

    If you are serious about starting or growing a podcast, Alien Eyez Photos Media can help with podcast strategy, production, distribution, video production, SEO show notes, and guidance.


    Be great. Collaborate.

    For photography booking:

    https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz


    Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

    https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

    AlienEyezPhotos.com


    All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

    Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min
  • What I Learned From Chase for Business Coaching for Impact | 2026 Graduate

    I recently graduated from the 2026 Chase for Business Coaching for Impact program, and this episode is about what I learned, what changed in my business thinking, and how I plan to apply those lessons moving forward. Chase For Business Coaching For…

    In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, I reflect on the value of coaching, mentorship, accountability, business planning, knowing your numbers, and becoming more intentional as an entrepreneur.

    One of my biggest takeaways from the program was simple:

    Be more proactive than reactive.

    Instead of waiting for opportunities, clients, and business to come to you, plan ahead. Fill your calendar. Book in advance. Think beyond the next week or month and start building around the year.

    That shift has helped me think more strategically about projections, revenue, expenses, scheduling, and where the business is going instead of only responding to what happens next.

    I also talk about why every entrepreneur should consider having a coach, mentor, or both.

    You do not always need someone ten steps ahead of you. Sometimes the right person is only one or two steps ahead, has recently experienced the problem you are facing, and can help you avoid mistakes, see opportunities, and execute faster.

    But coaching only works if you actually apply what you learn.

    You can attend programs, listen to advice, take notes, and build strategies—but without execution, nothing changes.


    In This Episode
    • Graduating from Chase for Business Coaching for Impact
    • Moving from reactive to proactive business planning
    • Planning your calendar further in advance
    • Understanding revenue, expenses, and projections
    • Why entrepreneurs need coaches and mentors
    • Paying for expertise, strategy, and perspective
    • Learning from people who are a few steps ahead
    • Becoming more intentional with your business
    • Staying open to growth and new ideas
    • Turning coaching and education into execution
    • Building stronger systems for the future
    • Why knowing your numbers matters

    The program also reinforced something I continue to believe:

    Growth requires action.

    Learning is important. Strategy is important. Coaching is important. But eventually, you have to execute.

    My experience with the program helped me look at Alien Eyez Photos Media differently and think more intentionally about planning, scaling, coaching, and the next phase of the business.

    If you are building a business, look for programs, mentors, coaches, and communities that challenge the way you think and help you move forward.

    Then take what you learn and put it into action.

    Learn. Plan. Execute. Measure. Improve.

    For photography booking:

    https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz


    Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

    https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

    AlienEyezPhotos.com


    All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

    Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min
  • What Is Legacy? Documenting Your Impact, Story & Creative Entrepreneur Journey
    What does legacy actually mean and how do you build one while you are still living it?


    In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson reflects on legacy, documentation, entrepreneurship, creativity and the impact we leave behind.

    For Steve, legacy is more than money, recognition or something discussed after someone is gone. It is your lineage, family, imprint, impact, story and evidence of what you contributed while you were here.

    That belief is deeply connected to the mission behind Alien Eyez Photos Media.

    Steve reflects on places from his childhood that no longer physically exist his childhood home, schools and even the hospital where he was born. Without photographs, videos or other documentation, those parts of personal history can become memories without physical evidence.

    That realization helped shape his commitment to documenting people, businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations and meaningful moments.

    Photography becomes more than taking pictures.

    Podcasting becomes more than creating content.

    Video becomes more than marketing.

    They become records of history.

    Steve also explains how Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk functions as documentation of his own entrepreneurial journey the seasons, relationships, ideas, lessons, collaborations and people who have contributed to his development.

    Years from now, those conversations can become a record of what was happening, what he believed, what he was building and who was building alongside him.

    The episode also explores the connection between creative entrepreneurship and impact.

    Steve challenges artists and creators to think beyond simply making art.

    How can your creativity solve a problem?

    How can your skills create value?

    How can your work generate income while still contributing something meaningful?

    From his earlier years creating music, poetry and books to photography, podcasting and media production today, storytelling has remained a consistent thread.

    The medium changed.

    The mission continued.

    Steve ultimately defines legacy as something that should remain in motion.

    You build it through the people you help, the stories you preserve, the businesses you build, the knowledge you share and the work you leave behind.


    In This Episode
    • What legacy means to Photographer Jackson
    • Why documentation matters
    • Preserving personal and family history
    • Photography as historical documentation
    • Podcasting as an entrepreneurial archive
    • Building an evidence-based record of your journey
    • Why your network becomes part of your legacy
    • Creating impact through entrepreneurship
    • Helping clients document their own stories
    • Turning creativity into valuable services
    • Why creative entrepreneurs should be paid for their work
    • Storytelling through music, poetry, books, photography and media
    • Creating something from nothing
    • Building a legacy that continues beyond you


    Key Takeaway

    Your legacy isn't only what people remember about you. It's what you intentionally create, document, teach, preserve and leave in motion for the people who come after you.

    What are you documenting today that future generations will be able to learn from tomorrow?

    For photography booking:

    https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz


    Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

    https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

    AlienEyezPhotos.com


    All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

    Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
  • Shawn Lee Jones of Creative Healing Foundation and G6 Landscaping

    What does it really mean to build something that lasts beyond you?

    In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson sits down with longtime mentor, photographer, filmmaker, veteran and entrepreneur Shawn Lee Jones for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, mentorship, financial discipline, resilience and legacy.

    Shawn's journey spans military service, photography, community work, landscaping, filmmaking, entrepreneurship and youth mentorship. After serving 17 years, six months and five days in the military, he redirected much of the discipline, leadership and perspective he developed into building businesses and helping younger people develop practical skills of their own.

    One of those businesses is G6 Landscaping and Snow Removal, a company built around battery-powered landscaping equipment, efficiency and community service.

    But the story behind G6 goes much deeper than cutting grass.

    The name originally represented Shawn's six grandchildren and became a reminder of why he wanted to build something that could continue beyond himself.

    Shawn explains how experimenting with battery-powered lawn equipment eventually opened his eyes to a different approach to landscaping. What began with maintaining his own yard and helping neighbors grew into larger ideas around business systems, senior and veteran services, youth entrepreneurship and eventually the possibility of expanding the model even further.

    Throughout the conversation, Shawn repeatedly returns to one central idea:

    Build something that teaches people how to provide for themselves.

    For Shawn, entrepreneurship is not only about making money. It is about skills, responsibility, ownership, relationships and creating opportunities for the next generation.


    From Military Service to Entrepreneurship

    Shawn reflects on how his military experience influenced the way he approaches business and life.

    The military taught him about discipline, preparation, logistics, budgets, fuel, systems and the importance of understanding numbers.

    Those lessons eventually influenced his approach to personal finances and entrepreneurship.

    Rather than simply asking how much money he wanted to make, Shawn began asking a more practical question:

    How much does my life actually cost?

    He talks about examining previous expenses, understanding monthly costs, studying patterns and making decisions based on real numbers instead of assumptions.

    That mindset eventually played a major role in his decision to step away from traditional employment and put more energy into building the businesses and ideas he could already see in his mind.

    Photography as a Tool, Business and Lifelong Passion


    A camera is a tool—and what matters is how you use it.


    Creativity, Mentorship and the Creative Healing Foundation


    “I have a camera. Don't worry about it. You can use one of mine.”


    Think for Yourself in the Age of AI

    “Have your own mind. Think for yourself.”


    Advice for Creative Entrepreneurs: Get In It

    When asked what advice he would give an aspiring creative entrepreneur, Shawn's answer is simple:

    “Get in it.”

    Don't spend years talking about becoming a photographer, filmmaker, actor, artist or entrepreneur without actually participating in the craft.

    Study.

    Take notes.

    Practice.

    Volunteer.

    Intern.

    Use YouTube.

    Use Google.

    Use AI.

    Go to the library.

    Find mentors.

    Purchase the tools you can afford.

    And most importantly, apply what you learn.

    Shawn emphasizes that consuming information is not the same thing as learning.

    Watching four videos about photography doesn't automatically make someone a photographer.

    At some point, you have to pick up the camera.


    Shawn Lee Jones

    Veteran entrepreneur, photographer, filmmaker, community builder and mentor.

    Shawn is connected to:

    G6 Landscaping and Snow Removal

    Instagram/Facebook: G6 No Gas

    Liquid Vision Film

    Instagram: _LiquidVFilm

    Creative Healing Foundation

    For photography booking:

    https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz


    Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

    https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

    AlienEyezPhotos.com


    All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

    Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 hr
  • You Should Not Need a Setback to Get Focused Do the Work, Get Your Rest Creative Entrepreneurs
    Do the Work, Get Your Rest: Focus, Recovery & Gratitude for Creative Entrepreneurs

    Sometimes it takes being forced to slow down to realize how much you've been carrying.

    In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson reflects while recovering from being under the weather and thinking about work, rest, gratitude, focus and the responsibilities that come with being a creative entrepreneur.

    After spending several days recovering, resting and thinking about everything waiting to be completed, Steve noticed something: once some of his energy returned, his focus sharpened.

    Tasks started getting finished.

    Ideas became action.

    The to-do list started getting shorter.

    But that realization created a bigger question:

    Why should it take a setback before we become fully focused?

    This episode is a reminder not to wait until life forces you to slow down before appreciating your health, your progress, your opportunities and your ability to work.

    Steve reflects on his own tendency to operate on limited sleep, the difference he notices when properly rested, and his growing realization that performing at a higher level sometimes means taking on fewer projects, getting more recovery and protecting his capacity.

    The message isn't simply "work harder."

    It's:

    Stay focused. Do the work. Get your rest.

    Steve also talks about gratitude and recognizing your own progress. Entrepreneurs and creatives are often so focused on the next milestone that they overlook how far they've already come.

    Sometimes you need to stop and acknowledge yourself.

    Celebrate the work you've already completed.

    Celebrate the small wins.

    Then keep moving.

    The second half of the episode moves behind the scenes of Steve's growing podcast and media ecosystem.

    He reflects on the episode milestones being reached across Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, The Pull Up Experience Podcast, and other productions he contributes to, while discussing what hundreds of collective podcast episodes have taught the team.

    Steve also explains his philosophy around podcasting for entrepreneurs and business owners.

    A podcast can be more than content.

    It can demonstrate expertise.

    It can support an offer.

    It can create relationships.

    Guests can become collaborators, partners or clients.

    And a podcast can become a long-term marketing and authority asset for a business.

    Steve previews upcoming podcast education through FutureLand and The Pull Up Experience and discusses the expanding collaboration between Alien Eyez Photos Media and Overflow Studios for creators and organizations looking for a more complete podcast-production solution.

    That can include photography, behind-the-scenes content, video production, editing, SEO titles, show notes, content strategy and post-production support.

    This episode is for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, podcasters, service-based business owners and anyone building something while learning how to manage their energy at the same time.

    What You'll Learn
    • Why a setback can create unexpected clarity
    • Why you shouldn't need a setback before becoming focused
    • The relationship between rest and creative performance
    • Why recognizing small wins matters
    • How gratitude changes your perspective on progress
    • Why entrepreneurs should protect their capacity
    • How Steve approaches his growing podcast-production ecosystem
    • Why podcasting can be valuable for business owners
    • How a podcast can establish expertise
    • Why podcast guests can become partners or clients
    • How podcasting connects to marketing and business development
    • What's developing around The Pull Up Experience, FutureLand and podcast education
    • How Alien Eyez Photos Media and Overflow Studios can work together on podcast production
    Key Reminder

    Stay focused.

    Do the work.

    Get your rest.

    And don't forget to recognize how far you've already come.

    For photography booking:

    https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz


    Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

    https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

    AlienEyezPhotos.com


    All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

    Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min
  • What Is a Creative Entrepreneur? Turning Creativity Into a Profitable Business

    Keep the Creative Spark. Build the Business.

    A creative entrepreneur is someone who builds a business around creative talent, artistic skill, ideas or intellectual property. Steve also gets personal about losing books and creative work in a computer crash, becoming more business-focused, pursuing his first six-figure year, rebuilding personal creativity, attracting clients instead of constantly chasing, and why artists should value professional bookings.


    Who can be a creative entrepreneur?

    Creative entrepreneurs can include photographers, podcasters, YouTubers, videographers, filmmakers, writers, authors, copywriters, graphic designers, illustrators, fashion designers, interior decorators, musicians, dancers, actors, painters, digital artists, craftspeople, makers and other professionals who use creativity to produce value.

    How do creative entrepreneurs make money?

    They make money by packaging creative ability into services, products, performances, intellectual property, media, consulting, production, licensing, education or other commercial offers. The strongest models connect the creative work to a clear customer problem or desired outcome.

    hould artists work for free?

    The episode argues that when a creator is being booked professionally, compensation should be part of the conversation. A creator may still choose an unpaid opportunity strategically, but free work should be intentional rather than treated as the default value of creative labor.


    Are you more of an artist, an entrepreneur, or a creative entrepreneur right now? And when was the last time you created something that was not for a client? Drop your answer below.


    #CreativeEntrepreneur #CreativeEntrepreneurship #CreativeBusiness #CreatorEconomy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #CreativePodcast #CreativeIndustry #CreativeProfessionals #CreativeMindset #CreativeBusinessOwner #ArtistEntrepreneur #ArtistsInBusiness #MonetizeYourCreativity #MakeMoneyCreating #CreativeCareer #CreativeLife #CreativeStrategy #BusinessMindset #EntrepreneurMindset #PersonalBranding #BrandVisibility #ContentCreator #ContentCreation #Podcasting #Podcaster #PodcastBusiness #PhotographyBusiness #Photographer #Videographer #Filmmaker #GraphicDesigner #Writer #Author #Poet #Musician #Artist #DigitalCreator #MediaBusiness #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #SixFigureBusiness #GetPaidForYourWork #KnowYourValue #CreativeFreedom #ClientWork #ClevelandCreatives #ClevelandBusiness #ClevelandPhotographer #AlienEyezPhotos

    For photography booking:

    https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz


    Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

    https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

    AlienEyezPhotos.com


    All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

    Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  • Brother Tremain Lasenby of Lasenby Illustrations

    Tremain Lasenby From Photography to Purpose, $1M Goals, AI, Coaching & Building a Legacy

    What happens when you love your craft but begin questioning whether it is still the path you want to build your entire life around?

    In this powerful conversation on Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson sits down with Tremain Lasenby, also known as Tremain X, for a wide-ranging discussion about creativity, entrepreneurship, photography, videography, business growth, burnout, purpose, spirituality, artificial intelligence, mentorship, financial freedom, and legacy.

    The conversation begins with Tremain explaining the meaning behind the “X” in Tremain X and his philosophy of “X marks the unknown” while exploring identity, history, creativity, and personal discovery.

    From there, the conversation becomes a candid examination of what it means to build a creative business while asking a much bigger question:

    What if the next level of your life requires you to think beyond the thing you're already good at?


    Creativity Is Bigger Than One SkillCan You Build a $1 Million Business Without Burning Out?

    The conversation explores:


    • Photography business growth
    • Video production
    • Pre-production and post-production
    • Building a larger team
    • Hiring employees and contractors
    • Delegating responsibilities
    • Managing deadlines
    • Client relationships
    • Business systems
    • Passive income
    • Scalability
    • Burnout prevention
    • Creating income beyond hourly or project-based services


    Don't Confuse the Business Model With the CraftFrom Photographer to Coach and MentorFinding Purpose Beyond Money

    Although the $1 million goal is discussed throughout the conversation, the episode ultimately moves beyond money.

    The two creators discuss what they actually want their lives to look like.

    Family, relationships, helping people, creating opportunities, personal freedom, and leaving a legacy become more important parts of the conversation.

    The central question becomes:

    What is the purpose behind the financial goal?

    Money can provide options, but the conversation argues that financial achievement alone does not automatically answer questions about purpose, identity, fulfillment, or legacy.

    The Power of Taking Time to Think

    Tremain discusses the importance of having uninterrupted time to define what you actually want.

    The conversation references a prompt from Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice that encourages setting aside an hour in a peaceful environment to clarify what you want to be, do, and create.

    Sometimes clarity requires stopping long enough to think.

    Build a Foundation Before You Build HigherLeadership Is About VisionAI as a Tool for Creators and Entrepreneurs

    Artificial intelligence becomes another major topic. Jackson explains how he has been using AI to organize thoughts, structure business ideas, develop standard operating procedures, clarify missions and goals, and reduce the mental clutter that can prevent him from focusing on creation. For creative entrepreneurs, the opportunity is to use technology to reduce repetitive work so more time can be spent on thinking, creating, leading, and executing meaningful ideas.

    Pound De-Rooted and the Bigger Vision

    Tremain also discusses Pound De-Rooted, describing it as a lifestyle, movement, podcast, clothing brand, and creative space connected with Lasenby Illustrations.

    The concept centers on bringing like-minded people together around subjects including financial literacy, history, self-knowledge, spirituality, consciousness, culture, and personal development.

    This portion of the conversation demonstrates how a creative project can evolve into something broader than a single product or service.

    The Bigger Question: What Are You Building?

    By the end of the conversation, the $1 million goal has been placed into a much larger context.

    The goal isn't simply to accumulate money.

    It's about determining what kind of life, business, community, and legacy you want to create.

    For photography booking:

    https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz


    Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

    https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

    AlienEyezPhotos.com


    All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

    Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 50 min
  • Always Be Launching How Consistency Focus & Doing the Work Drive Business Growth
    The Entrepreneur Mindset for Consistency, Focus & Business Growth

    In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson breaks down what recent work behind the scenes at conferences, festivals, and creative events taught him about entrepreneurship: there is always another level to reach.

    From helping produce Nicole D. Miller’s virtual faith conference to supporting the South Euclid Wine and Dine Festival with Nakia Hudson of 2 You Wines, Jackson shares lessons on business growth, event production, teamwork, profitability, branding, consistency, and staying focused as an entrepreneur.

    The bigger message is simple: launch, improve, repeat.


    Jackson reflects on several recent experiences that challenged him to think beyond his traditional role as a photographer.

    He discusses:


    • Event production and being a jack of all trades
    • The power of teamwork and community
    • Learning from other entrepreneurs
    • Profitability and business growth
    • Building an investable business
    • Brand identity
    • Personal development
    • Consistency over perfection
    • Eliminating distractions
    • The importance of launching

    There Is Always Another Level

    One of the central themes of the episode is continuous improvement.

    Jackson compares entrepreneurship to investing: when you invest in something, you want it to grow. The same principle applies to your mindset, business, skills, relationships, and personal development.

    That growth doesn't always happen through one major breakthrough. Sometimes it comes from reading a few pages, attending a workshop, meeting someone new, improving an event, creating better content, or simply showing up consistently.

    The goal is progression.


    From Photographer to Producer and Problem Solver

    Jackson also explains how working behind the scenes has expanded his perspective.

    At the South Euclid Wine and Dine Festival, he wasn't simply focused on taking photographs. He helped wherever he was needed — assisting with interviews, video, event logistics, guest flow, and other production responsibilities.

    That experience reinforced an important entrepreneurial lesson:

    Your value isn't always limited to your job title.

    Understanding how an event or business actually operates gives you a better perspective on how to improve your own company.


    Profitability, Investment and Building a Business

    Jackson also challenges the idea that an event or business must generate a large immediate profit to be considered successful.

    Breaking even can still create significant value if the experience produces:

    • New customers
    • Stronger relationships
    • Greater visibility
    • Future partnerships
    • New content
    • Audience growth
    • Business opportunities

    Revenue keeps the business moving. Profit gives the business room to grow.


    Focus, Consistency and Doing the Work

    Jackson talks about setting goals, reading consistently, reducing distractions, taking social media breaks, and being intentional about where his attention goes.

    His message to entrepreneurs is direct:

    Set the goal. Do the work. Stay focused. Improve. Repeat.

    You don't have to execute perfectly every day. You do have to keep moving.

    Whether you're building a photography business, podcast, creative agency, personal brand, or another entrepreneurial venture, progress requires consistent action.

    For photography booking:

    https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz


    Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

    https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

    AlienEyezPhotos.com


    All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

    Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  • Shcarra Benn The Creative Leo of Creative Leo Designs

    How to Trust Your Creativity and Turn It Into Influence?

    What happens when you stop asking whether your creativity is “good enough” and start trusting what makes your creative voice uniquely yours?

    In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, host Steve Jackson sits down with Shakara Ben, aka the Creative Leo, for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, graphic design, commercial printing, creative consulting, set design, networking, artificial intelligence, personal growth and legacy.

    Shakara describes herself as a creative who refuses to limit creativity to one discipline. Her work includes graphic design, commercial printing and creative consultancy, while her creative interests also extend into event planning, decor and set design. Her central belief is simple: creativity is in everyone's DNA, and creativity deserves to be seen and heard.

    But the conversation goes deeper than simply talking about being creative.

    Shakara discusses how she grew up being told she was artistic and creative, yet it took years before she truly believed in her own creativity. That transition—from hearing other people recognize your creativity to actually trusting it yourself—is one of the most important themes of the episode.

    The conversation also explores how creativity can become a business.

    Shakara shares the story of a professor asking her what her legacy would be as a designer. That question ultimately became a catalyst: she started her business about a month later. Her first client came through that same educational relationship, and she eventually began taking graphic design more seriously and building her brand.

    Steve and Shakara also discuss networking and the importance of being visible in creative industries. Shakara shares her desire to work on major movie sets and explains how joining the Greater Cleveland Film Commission helped her move toward that goal. Steve shares his own experience working as a production assistant on Superman and emphasizes the role relationships and networking can play in getting opportunities.

    Another major discussion centers around artificial intelligence and technology. Rather than treating technological evolution as something separate from creativity, Shakara argues that creativity itself drives technological advancement. The conversation examines how convenience changes society while asking an important question for creatives: how do we use new tools without abandoning our own creative thinking?

    Then comes one of the most memorable portions of the episode: Shakara describes her creative process as a weather forecast.

    There are sunny skies, quiet storms, heavy rain and cloudy periods. Sometimes ideas pour in. Sometimes she hits a creative block and needs to step away, listen to music, breathe, pause and return with a clearer perspective. She explains that hearing her clients describe their vision helps activate her own creative process because she considers herself an audiovisual learner.

    The conversation ultimately expands from creativity into creative influence and legacy.

    Shakara encourages creatives to recognize that their work may influence people even when they cannot immediately see the impact. She believes creatives should use their influence to create positive change and asks listeners to consider what their creativity will leave behind.

    Her final message is direct:

    Your creativity deserves to be seen and heard. Use your creativity to influence. Ask yourself what your creative legacy will be.

    If you're a graphic designer, photographer, entrepreneur, artist, filmmaker, event professional, writer, musician, consultant or simply someone trying to reconnect with your creative identity, this conversation offers plenty to think about.

    Listen, take notes and ask yourself:

    What are you going to do with the creativity you were given?

    For photography booking:

    https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz


    Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

    https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

    AlienEyezPhotos.com


    All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

    Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 39 min
  • Stop Chasing Quick Results The Truth About Building a Successful Business

    Why entrepreneurs need patience, consistency, real-world skills, and smart AI use instead of expecting overnight business success.

    This solo episode explores one of the biggest problems facing modern entrepreneurs: the expectation of instant results.

    Social media makes success appear immediate. AI can produce content in seconds. Online businesses advertise rapid transformations. But behind virtually every sustainable business is a much less glamorous process: learning, testing, failing, improving, repeating and waiting for consistency to compound.

    Steve Jackson uses the metaphor of microwave cooking to describe the mentality of entrepreneurs who expect immediate results.

    But business isn't microwave food.

    It's a process.



    1. The Problem With Overnight Success

    Many people want overnight success, overnight solutions and overnight results.

    But some things simply require time.

    Steve uses relationships and championship competition as examples. Healing after a relationship takes time, just as becoming a champion requires moving through multiple stages of development. 


    2. The "Microwave Business" Mentality

    The modern entrepreneur can easily fall into the expectation:

    Input → wait → money.

    But building a company doesn't work that way.

    Skills have to develop.

    Reputation has to develop.

    Relationships have to develop.

    Systems have to develop.

    Customers have to trust you.

    Your brand has to become recognizable.

    Your execution has to improve.

    That takes time. 


    3. AI Is a Tool—Not Your Business

    AI changes the speed at which entrepreneurs can research, brainstorm and produce.

    But AI doesn't eliminate the need for:



    • strategy
    • judgment
    • taste
    • creativity
    • editing
    • experience
    • relationships
    • execution

    Steve argues that entrepreneurs should work with AI rather than simply handing over the creative process to it. 


    4. Don't Accept the First Result

    One practical AI lesson from the episode:

    Ask for another version.

    Instead of accepting the first output, ask for two or three alternatives and evaluate them.

    This is particularly relevant to:



    • AI writing
    • marketing ideas
    • flyers
    • images
    • social media content
    • business concepts
    • brainstorming

    AI can accelerate iteration, but the human still needs to make the decision.


    5. Take Time Away

    Entrepreneurs can become so focused on building that they forget to stop.

    Steve recommends deliberately scheduling time away—even a half day or full day—to reflect, meditate, journal or simply think. 


    6. Build the Right Team

    Long-term freedom requires infrastructure.

    The episode discusses surrounding yourself with competent people—including consultants, accountants, lawyers and other professionals—and developing people you can trust. 


    7. Compete With Yourself

    One of the strongest entrepreneurial lessons:

    You are your own competition.

    The objective isn't necessarily to outperform everybody else.

    It's to become better than yesterday.


    8. Your Time Is Coming

    The episode closes with an encouraging message: business and life move through peaks and valleys.

    A setback doesn't mean the opportunity is permanently gone.

    Your next breakthrough may simply require more development, patience and work. 

    For photography booking:

    https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz


    Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

    https://alieneyezphotos.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

    AlienEyezPhotos.com


    All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

    Media Company: @AlienEyezPhotos / @OnACreativeFrequency (community page)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 min

About Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk

From the publisher's feed

Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk is a business podcast for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, and service-based business owners. It is hosted by Steven “Photographer” Jackson, a Cleveland, Ohio…