Review: Creative, Inc.

When my sister and I run the world, all college students, no matter their chosen field, will take a basic business course as part of the mandatory freshman curriculum. Having zero business skills is a good way to invalidate any degree. In the freelance world, there’s much more to staying financially afloat than having all the necessary skills to pull off excellent work.

Creative, Inc. is a crash course in business for creative folk, and it’s refreshing to read authors who don’t pretend starting a freelance business is simple. It’s not.


Authors Mateo Ilasco and Cho hit every key point a person needs to build a start-up creative business, including a superb mix of practical advice and personal success stories.

With well-rounded advice for beginning freelancers, even those who’ve already leapt into freelancing will find help navigating the dark waters of taxes, billing, finding clients, and other business practicalities. Written in a neighborly tone, you’ll find solid, practical advice from the authors, who tackle issues like establishing your hourly rate and hiring employees from an educated perspective. Author interviews with a range of seasoned professionals — from prop stylist to designer to photographer — offer alternate views on how to get started and what worked for them.

The spirit of invention is only one ingredient in a successful business venture. Drive counts more than your skillset and talent level. If you’re already motivated, Creative Inc. offers everything else you’ll need to begin freelancing full time.

Creative, Inc.
The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business
Meg Mateo Ilasco & Joy Deangdeelert Cho
Chronicle Books, Softcover, September 2010
$16.95

View the book at Barnes & Noble

Review based on a free copy of the book courtesy of the publisher.