Stop Working for Free , The Industry Will Respect You More | Nesrin & Ralph
Description
Photographers and creators Nesrin Danan (@blackprints) and Ralph (@ralphcreates) join Creators on Creators for a brutally honest conversation about the highs, lows, and hidden realities of building a creative career.
From touring with musicians to brand trips with Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, and Cartier, Nesrin shares the pivot that changed everything — and how charging what she’s worth gave her creative freedom back.
Ralph breaks down his journey from sneaker photography to directing brand campaigns, the loneliness of being independent, and the mindset shift that changed how he works with clients.
In this episode:
- Why creative freedom comes with a price — and how to protect it
- The truth about working with big brands and delayed payments
- How to pitch yourself and land dream partnerships
- Why “working for exposure” will keep you broke
- Navigating pay transparency, project-based pricing & negotiating with confidence
- The burnout of constant creation — and how to stay inspired
- What it means to find your community instead of chasing virality
- Being a Black woman in photography & carving out space in a saturated industry
- How authenticity outperforms “perfect” content every time
This episode is a masterclass for anyone balancing art and business — packed with real talk, practical advice, and reminders that creative freedom is earned, not given.
Follow the Creators
Nesrin: @blackprints
Ralph: @ralphcreates
Creators on Creators: @creatorsoncreators
Credits
An Ambos Studios Production
Executive Producers:
Rebekah Mithinji
Tati Kapaya
Editor:
Tati Kapaya
Camera:
Rebekah Mithinji
Tati Kapaya
Sound:
Rebekah Mithinji
Tati Kapaya
Location:
Los Angeles, California
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United States
