Hi Steemit! I'm a creative with a bunch of experience I need to share

I'm Ben De Rienzo—and I feel really fortunate to have had a really rewarding career in the creative industry. Yes, #blessed. ;)

After 15+ years doing many different creative things, I am looking to give back to the community and especially help people not make mistakes. Some of the things I've been able to be experience or be a part of:

• snag a six-figure client on the first day in a city I had never been before (with just four words)
• get a full-time design job I was totally unqualified for (with the help of an SNL character)
• brand a major city in America (10 years later, still going strong)
• start a creative partnership with one of my best friends to challenge the largest agencies in a creative hotbed (two designers in a closet, with a dream)
• totally mess up the relationship and ruin my personal life for years (we're on good terms now)
• design and photograph Grammy-nominated artists (yay music industry)
• raise over half a million dollars for a creative startup (yes!)
• lose over half a million dollars on a creative startup (ouch)
• create a successful, income-generating app that I earn nothing from (tear)
• earn the career title I always wanted and quit months later (no regrets)
• be happily self-employed and earning more than ever (thankful)

I'll try to post about all of those, as well as general advice for finding and defining success in what can be a difficult, competitive, soul-sucking, inspiring, dreadful, lovely, rewarding industry (it's complicated). Some funny stories, a lot of heartache, and hopefully some retained wisdom for anyone that wants it.

Seriously, though, I've had so many amazing mentors and leaders in my life that have encouraged or pushed me forward in my career—I hope that I can be helpful! Connect with me — I'm derienzo777 on the social networks.