Podcast Summary: Building a Creative Community with Patience, Persistence, and Purpose - Katie Cowan (Creative Boom)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Mindful Creative with Radim Malinic
• Host: Radim Malinic
• Episode: Building a Creative Community with Patience, Persistence, and Purpose - Katie Cowan (Creative Boom)
• Release Date: January 20, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Mindful Creative with Radim Malinic, host Radim Malinic delves deep into the journey of Katie Cowan, the founding editor of Creative Boom. Drawing from her extensive experience over the past 15 years, Katie shares invaluable insights on building a thriving creative community through unwavering patience, relentless persistence, and a clear sense of purpose.

Katie Cowan: From Early Beginnings to Creative Boom

Katie Cowan's passion for creativity and storytelling ignited at a very young age. Reflecting on her childhood, she recounted:

"I was flying down a helter skelter with a ridiculously insane grin on my face... I was obviously thinking about our chat today and I thought, gosh, that's pretty much how I approach life." (04:18)

Her early fascination with stories was nurtured by her family, particularly influenced by her grandfather, a journalist, and her mother's creative endeavors as a teacher. Katie's journey into journalism and later public relations laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit, ultimately leading to the creation of Creative Boom.

The Birth of Creative Boom: Boredom as a Catalyst

The inception of Creative Boom was less about meticulous planning and more about seizing an opportunity during an economic downturn. Katie shared:

"I was bored. I'm going to do my own magazine and I'm going to call it Creative Boom because I want to help create an industry boom in the creative industries." (04:27)

Starting as a simple WordPress site, Creative Boom quickly gained traction, serving as a platform for creatives to showcase their work and narratives. Katie's background in journalism and PR proved invaluable in curating quality content and building industry relationships.

Navigating Challenges: Patience and Persistence

Katie candidly discussed the challenges of turning a passion project into a sustainable business:

"I think it's been five or six years of not making any money... It was just a crazy idea to create a resource that was free and available to creatives." (16:31)

Her perseverance paid off, especially during the pandemic, which became the tipping point for Creative Boom to transition into a full-time endeavor. Katie emphasized the importance of patience, noting that:

"No amount of advice you read online helps. You have to go through it yourself. You have to go through the pain yourself." (10:00)

Evolving with Systems and Branding

As Creative Boom grew, Katie and her husband, Tom, recognized the need for structured systems and a cohesive brand identity. She recounted the collaboration with designer Samantha Wilkinson:

"One of her ideas was the eyes. Because I said to her, look, we've got this personality. We're friendly and approachable and warm... and she just came up, pitched the eyes icon, very simple. And I said, I love it." (39:16)

This branding refresh not only enhanced the platform's visual appeal but also reinforced its mission to be a welcoming space for creatives worldwide.

Balancing Growth with Well-being: Mental Health and Burnout

Katie opened up about her personal struggles with burnout and the impact of mental health on her entrepreneurial journey:

"I've burnt myself out a couple of times. And I must admit it's only been recently that I've started to acknowledge that I can't do it on my own." (45:55)

She highlighted the evolving conversation around mental health in the creative industries, advocating for a more supportive and empathetic environment. Katie's own journey of seeking help and building a supportive network serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges.

Adapting to Modern Platforms: The TikTok Experiment

In an attempt to expand Creative Boom's reach, Katie experimented with TikTok, only to realize its demanding nature:

"I did a few sort of videos, stupidly. I've taken them all down, actually... It quickly became a lot of work and I've got other fires I'm fighting." (42:32)

This experience underscored the importance of focusing on core strengths and managing time effectively, especially when venturing into new digital landscapes.

The Heart of Creative Boom: Community and Continuous Growth

Katie expressed her profound pride in what Creative Boom has achieved:

"I feel like I'm only just getting started. There's so much more that I want to do." (52:18)

From facilitating connections among creatives globally to continually innovating content delivery, Katie remains committed to fostering a vibrant and supportive creative community.

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Patience and Persistence: Building a successful creative platform takes time. Katie's journey with Creative Boom exemplifies the value of enduring dedication without immediate financial returns.

2. Invest in Branding and Systems: As ventures grow, establishing structured systems and a strong brand identity becomes crucial for sustained success and clarity of mission.

3. Prioritize Mental Health: Acknowledging and addressing burnout is essential. Building a supportive network and seeking help can significantly enhance personal well-being and professional productivity.

4. Adapt and Learn: Experimenting with new platforms can offer growth opportunities, but understanding one's limits and focusing on strengths ensures long-term sustainability.

5. Foster Community: At its core, Creative Boom thrives on connecting creatives, providing them with a platform to share, inspire, and support each other.

Conclusion

Katie Cowan's story is a testament to the transformative power of creativity when combined with resilience and a clear purpose. Her journey with Creative Boom offers valuable lessons for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs alike, emphasizing that true success lies in passion, community, and the courage to persevere through challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Katie Cowan (04:18):
  "I was obviously thinking about our chat today and I thought, gosh, that's pretty much how I approach life."

• Katie Cowan (16:31):
  "I think it's been five or six years of not making any money... It was just a crazy idea to create a resource that was free and available to creatives."

• Katie Cowan (10:00):
  "No amount of advice you read online helps. You have to go through it yourself. You have to go through the pain yourself."

• Katie Cowan (39:16):
  "One of her ideas was the eyes. Because I said to her, look, we've got this personality. We're friendly and approachable and warm... and she just came up, pitched the eyes icon, very simple. And I said, I love it."

• Katie Cowan (45:55):
  "I've burnt myself out a couple of times. And I must admit it's only been recently that I've started to acknowledge that I can't do it on my own."

• Katie Cowan (42:32):
  "I did a few sort of videos, stupidly. I've taken them all down, actually... It quickly became a lot of work and I've got other fires I'm fighting."

• Katie Cowan (52:18):
  "I feel like I'm only just getting started. There's so much more that I want to do."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Radim Malinic and Katie Cowan, highlighting the pivotal moments and insights shared throughout the episode.