How a Broke Filmmaker Became a Creative Powerhouse
At 32 years old, Adrian Per had just $13 in his bank account. In a sit-down interview with Chris Do, Per explains that he worked on Grammy-nominated projects, directed high-budget music videos, and collaborated with big brands—yet, he was still struggling to make ends meet.
Then, he pivoted.
[RELATED] Personal Branding and Pricing Strategies for Freelancers | Omar El-Takrori and Chris Do
Instead of chasing client work, he started creating content for himself. Within months, brands that once paid top dollar for traditional commercial production were now paying him directly—sometimes for a single short-form video.
His transformation from a struggling freelancer to a highly-paid creator proves one thing: Creative success isn’t about talent alone—it’s about adaptability, business strategy, and self-belief.
This deep dive will break down Adrian’s journey, offering actionable insights on how freelancers and content creators can build a personal brand, land high-paying clients, and create sustainable income streams.
1. The Turning Point: When Everything Changed for Adrian Per
“I had $13 left in my bank account. I was thinking, ‘I need to sell my camera, I need to sell my watch.’ Even with all my experience, I still didn’t know what my future held.”
Despite his industry accolades, Adrian found himself financially struggling because he hadn’t built a business model that supported long-term sustainability. He spent without planning for taxes and didn’t prioritize savings.
But instead of giving up, he reinvented himself by transitioning from traditional filmmaking to content creation.
Action Step: Take Control of Your Finances
- Open a separate account for taxes and savings.
- Track all income and expenses using a budgeting app.
- Set aside at least 30% of your earnings for taxes.
[RELATED] You Can Build a Personal Brand Without Social Media – Here’s How
2. The Power of Personal Branding: Why Creators Must Think Like Entrepreneurs
“People don’t realize that as a freelancer, you’re also a business. If you don’t build your own brand, you’ll always be chasing clients instead of attracting them.”
When Adrian stopped relying solely on client work and started creating content for himself, opportunities started coming to him.
Why Personal Branding Matters for Creatives
- Clients trust creators who have a strong presence.
- Brands prefer working with creators who already have an audience.
- Your content becomes your portfolio, attracting bigger deals.
Action Step: Start Building Your Personal Brand Today
- Pick one platform (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) and post consistently.
- Share your creative process, behind-the-scenes, and insights.
- Engage with your audience—comments and DMs build trust.
3. Landing High-Paying Clients: How Adrian Secured Major Deals
“At events, I’d tell people, ‘Yo, I love your work. If there’s a way I can help you, let’s collaborate.’ It was that simple.”
Adrian didn’t just wait for clients—he actively networked and pitched himself. But instead of making it about himself, he focused on how he could help others.
Adrian’s Winning Networking Formula
Start with genuine admiration – “I’m a big fan of your work.”
Offer value, not a sales pitch – “I’d love to help bring your vision to life.”
Show understanding of their goals – “I see you’re doing X, have you thought about Y?”
Action Step: Practice Your Pitch
- Write a one-sentence statement on how your work helps others.
- Attend one networking event this month and introduce yourself to at least three people.
- Follow up with a personalized message after meeting someone new.
4. How to Get Paid What You’re Worth as a Creator
“I used to run a full production company, managing teams and budgets. Then I saw creators making the same amount just by filming themselves on an iPhone.”
Adrian realized that brands were shifting advertising budgets toward influencer marketing and direct creator partnerships.
The Business Model That Changed Everything
- 10% – Traditional production company work.
- 80% – Creating his own content.
- 10% – Paid brand partnerships.
Brands were no longer just hiring him as a director—they were paying for his audience and influence.
[RELATED] Personal Brand 101: Seven Ways to Level Up Your Digital Influence
Action Step: Create a Brand Partnership Pitch Deck
- List your best content pieces that align with brands.
- Identify 5 brands that would benefit from your style.
- Send a simple pitch email offering a collaboration.
5. How Adrian Produces High-Quality Content at Scale
“People think I spend all this time filming, but my real work happens before I even touch a camera.”
Adrian’s pre-production planning allows him to produce high-quality videos quickly and efficiently.
Adrian’s Creative Process
- Find inspiration (usually from music).
- Write scripts to a beat (his videos have a rhythm).
- Storyboard shots (frames and angles planned in advance).
- Shoot efficiently (minimal gear, fast execution).
- Edit quickly (because everything is pre-planned).
Action Step: Streamline Your Content Creation
- Write a simple shot list before filming.
- Use a music track to set pacing for dialogue.
- Experiment with quick cuts and transitions to enhance storytelling.
Final Thoughts: Why Adrian’s Story Matters for Creators
Adrian’s success didn’t happen overnight. He faced financial hardship, industry uncertainty, and personal doubt—but he adapted, built his brand, and bet on himself.
Key Lessons from Adrian’s Journey
- Creative success is about adaptability.
- Your brand is your greatest asset—build it.
- Networking is about offering value, not self-promotion.
- Treat your creativity like a business—track finances.
- Pre-planning content makes execution faster and better.
No matter where you are in your creative career, the path to success is in your hands. Take control, create consistently, and start building a brand that attracts high-paying opportunities.
