Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk

A reflection on being undervalued, learning to advocate for yourself, and applying an entrepreneurial mindset to your career.

What is your work actually worth?

In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and creative entrepreneur Steve Jackson reflects on one of the lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset: learning how to recognize when you are being undervalued and having the courage to speak up.

Steve looks back at a period when he was taking on additional responsibilities at work, covering duties across multiple departments, staying late, and carrying responsibilities that weren't part of his original job description—only to receive a 25-cent raise.

That experience became bigger than a story about a paycheck.

It became a lesson about self-worth, negotiation, advocacy, career growth, entrepreneurship, and standing on your dreams.

Steve also reflects on his younger years, his experience working at a grocery store, being approached about military service, choosing an artistic path instead, and eventually transitioning from music into photography, video, and creative entrepreneurship.

The central message is simple:

You have to recognize your value, use your voice, and continue building toward where you actually want to go.

Whether you're an employee, freelancer, artist, photographer, creative entrepreneur, or business owner, this episode is a reminder that your current circumstances don't have to define your future.

For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

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For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

AlienEyezPhotos.com

All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

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

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What happens when an opportunity you value doesn't meet your price?

In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and creative entrepreneur Steve Jackson gets candid about pricing, negotiation, business boundaries, networking, and the importance of knowing when to say no.

Coming home from an event, Steve reflects on an experience where he was originally expected to serve as contracted media but ultimately decided not to accept an offer that didn't align with his budget and the realities of operating with a team.

The lesson isn't simply "never negotiate." It's knowing the difference between a worthwhile negotiation and a deal that undervalues your time, skills, labor, equipment, team, and business.

Steve also explains why he sometimes approaches nonprofit organizations differently, why certain opportunities are worth doing for free, and why creative entrepreneurs should get out of the house and intentionally network at events.

The conversation expands beyond photography into entrepreneurship, content creation, community, collaboration, and the philosophy behind Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk: learning from different industries and finding ways to apply those lessons across business.

Steve also discusses his work with Pull Up Experience, LaunchArts Media, Alien Eyez Photos Media, and Creative Frequency, highlighting the importance of collaboration and consistently creating.

If you're a photographer, content creator, freelancer, consultant, artist, entrepreneur, or small-business owner struggling with pricing or deciding which opportunities deserve your time, this episode is for you.

Your price is part of your business model. Your boundaries are part of your business model. And saying no is sometimes part of your growth strategy.

For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

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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.

How to Start a Creative Business: Practice, Community & Doing the Work

What does it really take to turn a creative skill into a business?

In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and creative entrepreneur Steve Jackson reflects on his journey from picking up a camera at a young age, putting it down, returning to photography years later, and eventually building Alien Eyez Photos Media.

Steve breaks down what he learned from spending his first years doing the work before charging for it—including assisting other photographers, working as a production assistant, helping with video and podcast productions, and gaining experience on a major movie set when Superman filmed in Cleveland.

The lesson isn't simply "work for free."

It's about practice, positioning, relationships, community, mentorship, and developing enough experience to understand what your work is actually worth.

Steve also explains how bringing his camera to events became his version of practicing basketball: show up, practice, learn, repeat, and improve.

From learning lighting and flash recycle times to understanding client interactions, pricing, business boundaries, marketing, and the importance of investing in the right equipment, this episode explores the process behind turning a creative ability into a sustainable business.

He also shares a practical framework for beginners:

Practice < Community < Mentorship < Experience < Pricing < Consistency < Growth

Whether you're a photographer, videographer, podcaster, baker, artist, coach, designer, or another type of creative entrepreneur, the principle applies:

You have to practice before you can master it.

And you have to do the work before you can fully understand the value of the work.

For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

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For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

AlienEyezPhotos.com

All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

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

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What happens when you stop waiting to be ready and simply start doing the work?

In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer and entrepreneur Steve Jackson reflects on his journey from picking up a camera as a young child to developing the professional skills, business knowledge, relationships, and confidence required to turn photography into a business.

Steve talks about returning seriously to photography around 2018, learning the technical side of photography and production, working alongside other photographers, serving as a second shooter and production assistant, and even getting the opportunity to work on the set of Superman while it was filming in Cleveland.

But one of the biggest lessons came from doing the work before getting paid.

Steve describes spending his first roughly 150 events working for free, using those experiences to develop his skills, understand equipment, learn lighting and workflow, build relationships, and discover what professional photography actually required.

Eventually, that experience led to his first paid photography client his brother Eroc Beatz for a $50 photo session.

From there, the work compounded.You don't become good at your craft by waiting until you're ready. You become good by practicing, doing the work, getting around people ahead of you, testing yourself, and eventually learning how to charge for the value you've developed.

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)

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Are You Still Who You Were? Why Entrepreneurs Need to Test Themselves.

What happens when you stop assuming you know where you stand—and actually test yourself?

In this introspective solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson (Steve Jackson) explores the importance of testing yourself as an entrepreneur, creative, business owner, and human being.

Inspired partly by testing a new microphone, Steve uses the idea of testing and checking as a larger metaphor for personal development, business growth, consistency, transformation, and self-awareness.

The message is simple: You cannot improve what you never measure, challenge, or examine.

Steve challenges creative entrepreneurs to regularly test their skills, knowledge, boundaries, business models, habits, assumptions, and even their own identity.

For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

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For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

AlienEyezPhotos.com

All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

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

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What you repeatedly say to yourself can shape the way you approach your life, creativity, business, and opportunities.

In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, Photographer Jackson (Steve Jackson) shares a collection of personal affirmations designed specifically for creative entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, and anyone working on personal growth.

This episode is more than a motivational message. It is an opportunity to pause, reset your mindset, and speak positive, intentional words over yourself and your entrepreneurial journey.

Photographer Jackson leads listeners through affirmations focused on gratitude, abundance, self-worth, financial growth, business development, positive opportunities, confidence, and self-love.

Among the affirmations shared in this episode:

• “I am grateful for the many blessings in my life.”
• “I am worthy, and I am enough.”
• “I am in tune with the abundant nature of the universe.”
• “I am building a money mansion.”
• “I am abundantly abundant.”
• “I love myself, I love my life.”
• “My business is growing every single day.”
• “As I am expanding, my business expands.”
• “Positive opportunities follow me.”
• “I get paid easily and often.”
• “I am an amazing creative entrepreneur.”

Jackson also shares a personal philosophy about life as a continuous journey of love, peace, education, experiences, and educated guesses. His message is simple: continue learning, but don't make negative guesses about yourself. Instead, practice speaking kind, encouraging, and empowering words over yourself.

The episode closes with a reminder that your identity as a creative entrepreneur can be something you intentionally reinforce. Whether you're a photographer, musician, poet, author, artist, coach, or business owner, your mindset is part of the entrepreneurial journey.

Jackson also discusses Alien Affirmations 1, 2, 3, his eight-minute affirmation track, and reveals that he has accumulated additional personal affirmations over several years that helped him through difficult periods.

If you're building a business, developing yourself, pursuing creative work, or simply looking for positive affirmations to start your day, this episode is designed to give you a mental reset.

Press play. Repeat the affirmations. Speak positively over yourself. Keep building.

For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

Stay Updated and join the mailing list:

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For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

AlienEyezPhotos.com

All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

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

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Some conversations give you belief. Some give you a blueprint. This one gives you both. Host Steven "Photographer" Jackson sits down at Creator Clubhouse in Atlanta with Tybo (Tybo Audio), the studio designer Atlanta's creator scene calls "Studio Jesus" for a story that runs from homelessness and a sixth-grade dropout to building the production spaces behind the city's biggest podcasters. Fresh off the Podcast Summit, the two dig into what it actually takes to build a creative career and a durable business from the ground floor.

Tybo's throughline is disarmingly simple and hard to live: provide value, and the money will come. He explains how showing up and fixing problems no one asked him to fix, before ever discussing price earned him a reputation, a roster of clients who became mentors, and a business that now commands high-ticket studio builds. Along the way he unpacks the mindset that carried him through the dark years ("pressure makes diamonds"), the manifestation habit he's used since he was a "delusional" 12-year-old telling everyone he'd get a Lambo, and the single question from a naturopathic doctor that redirected his entire career.

The back half turns tactical: how to make an iPhone look cinematic, why mic proximity and the inverse square law matter more than gear names, how to read skin tones and use references, how to think in pre-/production/post- stages, and where AI genuinely fits into a modern creative workflow. It closes on legacy — the idea that the name you leave behind is either remembered in "heaven" or "hell," and that the work of building a good one starts now.

"Provide as much value and the pay will come."

From Homelessness to Studio Success: Tybo Audio on Music, Podcasting, Entrepreneurship & Building Studios, this is must listen for all aspiring production specialist. This is a masterclass on how to turn technical skills into a business.

For photography booking:

https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/iveIkdjIgkeJbz

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For my info on Alien Eyez Photos and Photographer Jackson:

AlienEyezPhotos.com

All Social Media: @AEPITpod (podcast page)

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

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What if the thing you're sitting on from 10, 20, or 30 years ago is still valuable enough to sell today?

What happens to your creative work when you move on to something new?

In this solo episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer, entrepreneur, and media creator Steve Jackson of Alien Eyez Photos Media explores a question many creative entrepreneurs, artists, authors, musicians, poets, and business professionals should be asking:

Can you still sell something you created years ago—even if you're no longer active in that industry?

Steve examines the value of old poetry books, music, paintings, business books, frameworks, workshops, skills, experiences, and intellectual property. He uses examples ranging from a retired poet or musician to a former car salesperson, painter, and plumber to challenge creatives to reconsider what they may be leaving behind.

Just because you have moved into a different industry or creative chapter doesn't mean your previous knowledge, experience, artwork, or intellectual property has lost its value.

Your experience is an asset.

Your old work can become a book, course, workshop, event, website, educational resource, collectible, or another revenue-generating product.

The key is transparency. Don't present old information as something new or pretend you're still actively working in an industry when you're not. Instead, clearly position it as experience, historical knowledge, perspective, archived work, or lessons learned.

Steve also discusses why sales, public speaking, communication, marketing, and understanding your audience are critical skills for entrepreneurs and creative entrepreneurs.

The bigger question isn't simply, "Can I sell my old work?"

It's:

What have you already done that someone else would pay to learn, experience, own, or understand?

Don't let years of knowledge, creativity, repetition, and hard work disappear in a closet, under a bed, in a box, or in the landfill.

Sell the old work. Share the experience. Package the knowledge. Fund what's next.

This episode serves as another master class for creative entrepreneurs looking to identify overlooked assets and turn accumulated experience into new opportunities.

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.

From Collinwood to Music Production: The Journey of TDames

What does it really take to build a sustainable career in music production?

In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, host Steve Jackson of Alien Eyez Photos Media reconnects with longtime friend, producer and creative entrepreneur Terrance “TDames”, discussing more than two decades of music production, Cleveland hip-hop, entrepreneurship, technology, branding and the business behind making music.

TDames shares how he started producing music around 2005, making beats in homeroom in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood and learning production through experimentation, repetition and experience. He explains why FL Studio became an important part of his workflow and how producers can develop their ears and improve through consistent practice.

The conversation goes far beyond making beats.

Steve and TDames discuss what independent artists and producers need to understand about the music business, including registering a business, getting an EIN, creating a professional brand, building a producer identity, using platforms such as BeatStars, understanding split sheets, reading contracts and protecting intellectual property.

One of the major themes is ownership.

TDames explains why artists should not simply download a beat from YouTube, record over it and assume they have the right to commercially release the song. The conversation explores beat licensing, royalty-free music, copyright, producer agreements and why understanding the terms attached to music is essential before releasing or monetizing a project.

The episode also explores alternative revenue opportunities for music producers, including beat sales, instrumental albums, streaming, Bandcamp, BeatStars, merchandise and sync licensing. TDames explains how music can potentially become part of advertisements, films, television, jingles and other commercial applications.

Another major topic is personal branding.

In today's creator economy, producers and artists are not simply selling music. They are building brands. TDames discusses how producers can use social media, video content, advertisements and direct audience engagement to create visibility and attract artists.

The conversation also gets deeper.

Steve and TDames discuss the evolution of hip-hop, the importance of respecting previous generations, the oversaturation of today's music marketplace, the influence of social media, the importance of authenticity and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on musicians and other creative professionals. TDames argues for preserving human creativity and authenticity while acknowledging that technology can have a place as an assistant.

For Cleveland creatives, this episode also becomes a conversation about community.

TDames shares his vision of building a stronger Cleveland music ecosystem where artists, producers and creative entrepreneurs collaborate instead of competing destructively. He emphasizes local support, cross-promotion, collaboration and creating opportunities for artists from different neighborhoods to work together.

This episode is valuable for music producers, rappers, independent artists, songwriters, creative entrepreneurs, photographers, videographers, podcasters and anyone trying to turn creativity into a sustainable business.

Key Takeaways:

-Consistency develops your creative ability

-Your brand needs a foundation

-Do not use beats without understanding the license

-Split sheets matter

-Read your contract

-Streaming is not the only business model

-Sync licensing can create valuable opportunities

-You are the brand

-Authenticity still matters

-Cleveland creatives need stronger collaboration

If you're serious about your creative career, this conversation is a reminder:

Respect the art. Understand the business. Build the brand. Protect the work. Invest in yourself.

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.

Cleveland entrepreneur Dayja Smith joins Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk to discuss Coco’s Crown, natural hair care, Black women entrepreneurship, branding, product development, marketing psychology, community leadership, pricing, networking, and building a business with purpose.

What happens when entrepreneurship, natural hair care, marketing psychology, community leadership, and personal resilience come together?

In this episode of Alien Eyez Photos Industry Talk, photographer, media entrepreneur, and host Steve Jackson of Alien Eyez Photos sits down with Cleveland, Ohio entrepreneur Dayja Smith, founder of Coco’s Crown, a natural hair care brand, and D Smith Development Co.

Dayja is more than a business owner. She is a multifaceted entrepreneur and community leader whose work spans natural hair care, professional development, real estate development education, marketing, psychology, healthcare management, and community engagement.

The conversation explores how Coco’s Crown began from Dayja's own need to understand and create effective natural hair products. She explains how her education in science, psychology, business, and marketing influenced the way she developed her products—and why she believes research, testing, customer feedback, quality control, and iteration are critical before releasing a product to the public.

Dayja also explains the meaning behind the name Coco’s Crown. The name is connected to her sister Coco and represents protection, empowerment, beauty, royalty, and showing up for the people you love. The crown becomes more than a logo—it becomes a philosophy for how Dayja approaches entrepreneurship and community.

The conversation goes much deeper than hair care.

Steve and Dayja discuss Black women in entrepreneurship, pricing products, protecting intellectual property, brand positioning, influencer marketing, product quality, social media, networking, resilience, community building, and the reality behind entrepreneurship that audiences don't always see.

Dayja shares how she has approached potential retail opportunities while maintaining control over her product's quality and intellectual property. She also discusses the importance of understanding your costs and knowing the value of the work behind your product instead of automatically lowering prices to satisfy larger retailers.

One of the most powerful themes throughout the conversation is visibility.

Dayja talks about the importance of getting products into people's hands, having people who can authentically tell your brand story, building relationships, entering the right rooms, and taking initiative when opportunities appear.

She also shares an important entrepreneurial lesson: don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

For entrepreneurs and creatives, the episode serves as a reminder that success isn't simply the polished final product people see online. There is a process behind every brand—research, experimentation, failure, adjustment, networking, consistency, and resilience.

This conversation is especially relevant for Black entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, natural hair entrepreneurs, beauty brands, creative entrepreneurs, small-business owners, marketing professionals, personal brands, and Cleveland business owners looking to build something meaningful while remaining authentic to their values.

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.