Episode Details

I am a big believer in the power of "side quests" . Over the years, my own side projects have transformed into vital parts of my business and completely changed my career trajectory . In this episode, I am joined by Mélanie Johnsson, a creative director, illustrator, and designer who is equally obsessed with the magic of the side quest.

We dive into how these personal projects have brought her new clients, created a vibrant community, and allowed her to push her creative boundaries without the constraints of client briefs. Whether you are considering launching a magazine, a community challenge, or an exhibition, Mélanie's proactive attitude will empower you to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them yourself .

Thanks to Ivy Malik for sponsoring this episode. If you wanna learn how to co-create a sale so it doesn't feel like selling head to lizmosley.net/ivy and watch the free training video.

• Proactive Career Growth: Side quests allow you to create the exact type of work you want to be hired for, effectively controlling your own professional narrative and journey.
• Creative Freedom and Values: Personal projects provide a space to align purely with your own vision and values, which is essential for preventing creative stagnation.
• Building Community and Authority: Projects like the "Pattern Challenge" or the "Mimi" platform establish you as an expert and build lasting associations in the minds of potential clients.
• The "Art Director" Mindset: Transitioning to broader titles like Art Director or Creative Director allows you to sell your "brain" and problem-solving skills rather than just a specific technical output.
• Overcoming Loneliness: Creative communities and in-person meetups serve as a vital antidote to the isolation of freelance life, offering validation and shared support.

• 01:50: Mélanie's background growing up in a creative family and her initial "rebellion" against design .
• 13:10: The creation of Spellbound magazine and the joy of self-publishing.
• 14:15: How the "Pattern Challenge" transitioned from an Instagram prompt to a charitable physical product.
• 20:45: Proving creativity: How a client relationship led to 3D rendering and product design.
• 26:15: The logistical challenges and dreams of building a physical creative studio.
• 36:10: Rebranding and the power of solving visual problems through a "Creative Director" lens.

Mélanie Johnsson is a French Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator based in the UK . She works with brands across various industries, from skincare to editorial, and is the founder of the Mimi platform for creatives.

• Website: https://www.melaniejohnsson.com/
• Instagram: @melanie.johnsson
• Mimi for Creatives: