We had the good fortune of connecting with Blake Sinnock and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Blake, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own business in April of 2020, so right at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I have been on staff for 8 years or so, and was itching to control my own destiny. I think everyone around me thought I was insane for leaving a stable job to do my own thing, and to be frank, I was pretty panicked for a couple months there with the world shutting down. However, I had a small trusted network of other creative professionals navigating the same thing. I treasured my relationships, and went the extra two miles at every opportunity. I ended up making more money than I had in my salaried position that year. Pretty crazy. It’s always been my goal to own a business, if for nothing more than to take responsibility for my livelihood. I feel like I have more control over my income, and a greater motivation to do great work. It’s tough sometimes, but I wouldn’t do it any differently.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a camera guy, and an editor. Visuals in motion to tell a story is what excites me. The uniqueness of every project is a challenge. Learning how to communicate with clients was the hardest aspect of the job. Experience definitely counts here by giving a base of knowledge on strategies that have worked, and certainly haven’t.
I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way has been: “Don’t take it personal.” In creative industries, we put our hard work and skill into our projects, as well as our taste. Sometimes that doesn’t align with your client’s taste. Don’t take it personal. We provide a service to our clients, and they should get the product they want, whether or not we agree. To put it bluntly, whoever pays the bill, gets the say-so. We can create stuff we like on our own time. This might be a tough lesson for aspiring creatives of any discipline trying to make a living with their art.
Bookmovie Media is a no-ego video production company that wants our clients to be thrilled with the product they receive. If it isn’t working for them, then we won’t be working much in the future. We love what we do. We want you to as well.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I was playing tour guide, I’d suggest a show up at Red Rocks. One-of-a-kind experience. You can throw a rock and hit a brewery, so tour a few spots. Get out to the waterpark in Golden and pop into a brewery nearby. It’s amazing how much RiNo has changed since I’ve been living in Denver. There’s too many spots. Just wander!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I’d like to recognize my wife Megan for trusting me to take a leap and learn how to swim on the fly. She just recently joined the business, so we’re doing it together now. I’d also like to thank One Floor Up, the company where I staffed before I started my business. They mentored me, supported me and befriended me. They were essential in giving me the tools and confidence to do my own thing. Also, Lumenati Productions gave me work when I needed it, and has provided a valued partnership over that last four years. There’s also many different creatives that have provided counsel that is priceless in turbulent times.
Website: www.bookmoviemedia.com
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