Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Rutel.
Hi Jason, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My professional journey has been a tapestry of diverse experiences, each contributing uniquely to my skillset. Early in my career, I found myself at a small TV station in Cedar Hill, Texas, where I honed my skills in media and broadcasting. This experience laid the foundation for my next adventure: traveling across the United States with a comedian, where I led live productions. These experiences not only broadened my technical expertise but also deepened my appreciation for community building and the transformative power of engagement.
Throughout these varied roles, the constant has been my ability to leverage technology in ways that foster community and transform lives. Whether behind the scenes at the TV station or orchestrating live events on tour, the goal was always to create meaningful connections and experiences for people.
This passion for making a difference led me to explore the realms of marketing and sales, especially during my tenure with the comedian. I saw firsthand how strategic communication and clear messaging could amplify our impact. My commutes became classrooms, where audiobooks on marketing and business development were my teachers. A particularly influential lesson was the StoryBrand framework by Donald Miller, which reshaped how I approached marketing, focusing on clarity and purpose.
In 2019, my career took another turn as I delved into freelancing alongside my regular job. With limited time, I mastered the art of delegation, especially in creative tasks, transforming into a sort of creative broker. This role was about more than just managing projects; it was about bridging worlds – translating clients’ visions into actionable plans for creatives and vice versa.
Driven by a desire to create something of my own, something that could leave a lasting impact, I was drawn to the entrepreneurial path. The skills and insights I had gathered over the years culminated in the decision to launch my own business in the fall of 2019. Starting alone, I gradually built a team, each step guided by a clear vision of our role and direction.
Today, our work centers on empowering organizations to make a difference. It’s crucial to me that our efforts have deep meaning and create a long-lasting impact. I find immense satisfaction in knowing that through our collaborations, we’re not just executing projects; we’re part of a larger narrative of community building and life transformation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey has been both exhilarating and challenging, with its fair share of smooth stretches and rough patches. Reflecting on my journey, several key lessons stand out, each shaping my approach to business and personal growth.
My understanding of running a business was quite naive in the early days. I believed in the power of handshake agreements, only to learn the hard way that they often fall short in the real world. It was a tough lesson in the importance of formal contracts. I realized that while memories are subjective and prone to convenient edits, written contracts provide clarity and accountability. This shift from informal agreements to structured contracts was pivotal in establishing a more reliable and professional business practice.
Another crucial lesson was recognizing my limitations. Initially, I tried to handle every aspect of the business myself, which quickly became unsustainable. The cycle of acquiring work and then doing it all alone was exhausting and inefficient. I soon understood the importance of delegation and building a competent team. By bringing on skilled designers and developers, I could focus more on client interactions and strategic planning. This improved our project quality and allowed us to undertake more significant, impactful projects.
Perhaps one of the most important lessons I learned was the danger of overextending. Early on, I tried to be everything to everyone, stretching myself thin across various domains. It took time to realize that not every opportunity aligns with our vision and capabilities. Testing new ideas and products is vital, but ensuring they resonate with our core mission and business strategy is equally important. Quick testing and adapting became a mantra, helping us stay focused and effective.
In summary, the road has been far from smooth, but the struggles have been invaluable teachers. They have refined our business practices and instilled a culture of learning and adaptation, which continues to drive our growth and success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My professional journey, defined by versatility and adaptability, has led me to where I am today – at the helm of a dynamic and impactful business. My work involves leveraging technology and creative strategies to empower organizations, focusing on community-building and transformative projects.
Specializing in digital strategy and creative project management, I am known for my ability to adapt and execute impressive tasks under tight deadlines. This skill was honed while working with a comedian, where being on the road demanded quick thinking and effective problem-solving. One of my most notable achievements from this period was producing and editing a full comedy special released in theaters nationwide – a project that was challenging and immensely rewarding.
Today, I lead a team of creative professionals who share a passion for their work. We’ve fostered a culture of warmth, authenticity, and a pursuit of excellence balanced with a healthy work-life integration. This culture is something I take great pride in, as it reflects not just in the quality of our work but also in the satisfaction and growth of our team members.
What sets us apart is not just our technical skills or creative flair but our commitment to making a meaningful impact. The work we do supports organizations that are actively changing the world. Being part of this positive transformation is incredibly fulfilling and is what I’m most proud of. It’s not just about completing projects; it’s about contributing to a larger purpose and seeing the tangible results of our efforts in the community and beyond.
My work combines strategic digital solutions, creative excellence, and a commitment to impactful outcomes. It’s about pushing boundaries, solving complex challenges, and, most importantly, making a difference through our work.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Looking ahead to the next 5-10 years, I foresee significant transformations in the design and creative industries, primarily driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). As AI technology becomes increasingly accessible, we’re entering an era where high-quality design is available to virtually everyone. This democratization of design is blurring the lines between work created by professional artists and that generated by AI.
The key differentiator in this evolving landscape will be the ability to strategically and human-centrically leverage AI tools. The core objective of all creative work – serving people – must remain central. People are the ultimate consumers of our work, and technologies like AI are tools to serve them more effectively, efficiently, and with greater quality. However, efficiency should not eclipse the essence of our work, which is to connect with and serve our audience meaningfully.
A unique challenge for artists and creatives will be maintaining their distinctiveness in an AI-dominated world. Their unique fingerprint – personal touch and creative flair – can influence AI-generated content, making it more impactful and authentic. As this technology evolves, a critical issue will be ensuring proper attribution and rights for the original creators whose work inspires AI-generated content. This will likely be a contentious area as the industry navigates the balance between technological innovation and artistic integrity.
On the sales and marketing front, businesses are poised to harness AI to revolutionize content creation and personalization. The ability to generate tailored marketing content at unprecedented speeds and scale will transform how businesses connect with their audiences. This shift promises to bring a level of personalization and efficiency previously unattainable, potentially reshaping the landscape of business communication and consumer engagement.
In summary, the next decade will be characterized by integrating AI into the fabric of design and creativity, emphasizing using these tools to enhance human connection and ensure artistic authenticity. As we navigate these changes, the focus must always return to serving people, using technology not as a replacement for human creativity but as an amplifier.
Pricing:
- Logo design & Branding: $1000-6,000
- Starter Web Design: $5,000-7,000
- Custom Web Design: $8,000+
- Book Layout and Design: $2,000+
- SEO: starts at $1,000/month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://creativenomads.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecreative.nomads
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeNomads
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecreativenomads
Image Credits
Creative Nomads LLC
