Division wins

An old friend I met in person after more than a decade reached out … The talks we had in trying to find a solution that works for them and creates a win-win for both sides lead to me winning a new client. I think this is a result that came by listening and trying out some of the things Stephanie, Ben and other creatives share in Maker Division.

Winning clients is a tough job as a creative. Learning how to figure that out, creating personal projects, as well as dealing with the business side of it all, were the reasons I joined.

Working with Stephanie has been eye opening to say the least. Not only was she able to help me define my brand within a few minutes, after months of searching, she also gave me the confidence to work and produce meaningful pieces. Most importantly, she's helped me build a system that I can rely on to reach my goals in the coming year.

Most importantly, she's helped me build a system that I can rely on to reach my goals in the coming year.

I’m literally tearing up reading the style guide. I had no idea how this would move me and I’m only on page seven. Stephanie has such a gift... I’m so glad I have an incredibly powerful, authentic, nostalgic, empowering, fucking badass brand foundation. Thank you!

I believe this will be incredibly helpful in pulling insights from clients that might normally offer not much more than "I don't know" or "make it look cool" … It really opens the door for a client to talk about themselves, maybe brag a little bit and have it feel productive.

This format works incredibly well. A deep dive, but broken up at logical points and spots to do a personal check in or reference with the guides … This has been great thus far.

"Thank god I have a website." That's what I laughed to myself when I got the email through my site inquiry form … And by "all my work," I mean the case studies I'd originally done for my capabilities deck in Module 3 … I submitted my question for the Friday coaching call … ten minutes later I had an agreement for more pay, and less time, than anything I'd done before. Maker Division goes hard.

This client was referred to me from someone in my Power 150 list. I showed the expertise they needed and the referral definitely helped … I was transparent that this would be my first time applying what I've learned. I think the honesty I bring forward has been beneficial for me.

I've landed two clients for annual creative services.

The Project: Branding Workshop filled the gaps that I had in my process, helping me improve the ways I navigate clients through strategy frameworks. This is about getting to the bottom of what your clients truly need. We are then able to serve them better within and beyond our craft, positioning ourselves as a partner in their story.

We recently closed a 70k retainer with one of Europe's biggest insurance companies, our biggest client to date.

Rock Your Brand was an amazing deep dive into all that makes me me. Looking beneath the layers of life, stories, and conditioning, to see what parts I want to bring forward … was deeply insightful.

This project is a prime example of the power of cold email … One of the collaborators I emailed was a web designer in Texas. Later a client did not fit his timeline and budget, and I was the first referral he used … A client I would never have received without the network I built through cold email outreach.

In my first year as a freelance director and photographer, I dove into cold outreach using the method taught by Ben and Stephanie, and ended up contacting hundreds of potential clients … In just six months, they booked three video projects with me, each in the four-figure range. Now, just 11 months in, I'm supporting myself full-time through creative work I love.

Now, just 11 months in, I'm supporting myself full-time through creative work I love. Maker Division truly accelerated my journey, and I'll never forget it.

I was looking for a systematic approach. I was partially there but not as deep in customer journeying … Specific golden moment was … how the "scope levers" help determine the price within the range.

Thanks to Maker Division, I've already set up meetings with Xbox, PlayStation, and other major esports/gaming companies... It has allowed me to secure projects, strengthen my business and develop my communication skills. I've closed a 3k job with the program, which is the highest I have ever had.

A Toronto-based engineering company approached me to film a prototype vehicle. The initial brief was one or two days of work … But I remembered something from Ben and Steph's coaching calls, which was to understand the 'why' behind the request … The resulting documentary exceeded their expectations and helped the team secure their next round of funding.

I recently just won a 50k contract doing keynote visuals for an AI startup $50k, by far the biggest one to date

Working outside of my niche was a challenge for me … clearer idea on the direction I should take.

I had a fashion brand reach out to me about a potential website redesign, but once we started chatting, it became clear this was going to be a much bigger project - it was a full transformation. They had three separate brands that needed to come together under one website. The tools and lessons from the Maker Division was what ultimately made them say yes. $10,000 initial project and now a $4,000 monthly ongoing retainer!

Landed three paid, real projects after not having a client for 12 months... Maker Division put me back in control of my business.

Coming from someone that hadn't had a client for 12 months, was on the verge of giving up, throwing the towel in and admitting defeat — I can't thank Ben and Stephanie enough for the work they've both done!

I had a business idea, but my biggest challenge was getting it off the ground. With the program, I started making it happen … I finally have a business that I can sell and invest in.

I'm very happy with the way they manage this community and the dedication to every person in here … just gratitude.

Since joining, I've been able to leave my full time job to concentrate on growing my business. This wouldn't have been possible without joining the program.

Being a new creative entrepreneur can be isolating and tough. Having a place to confide with others and grow is essential. If you're on the fence, here is your sign to take the leap.

Before joining, I would be so scared to raise my prices and would have continued to price my work below average. I now understand that ultimately it's my responsibility to deliver the work, and my decision to set my own prices.

I'm very grateful that I found them. Thanks to the team for thinking about us, creating this beautiful community and course to help us grow.