BY BEN + JOELLA

This article could have just as easily been called “What We Wish Someone Had Told Us Three Years Ago.” Collaborations have been a large part of how we’ve built our business and our portfolio. They also play an important role in how we actively avoid burnout and stay creatively curious.

But this didn’t just happen overnight. It’s been years of trial and error and learning from each new experience.

And three years ago we were in your shoes — ready to grow and reach out but not quite knowing where to start.

AND WE GET IT.

Because it really is intimidating.

Any time we branch out from our comfort zones and push our talents into the limelight, it’s a risk. But here are three simple tips that we wish someone had told us when we were just starting.

JUST START
HERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A FREE RIDE
YOU DON’T GET WHAT WHAT YOU DON’T ASK FOR

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So this is it. Pretty simple and also pretty broad. But we really do wish someone had sat us down and told us these three things when we were just starting to collaborate. At the beginning of our collaboration journey, we were pretty focused on us. Our business. Our portfolio. What we needed. And while we were always honest and always worked hard for people, we were missing the big picture. It’s about relationships. If you’re just wanting something from someone, pay them. That’s commissioned work not a collaboration. Don’t forget the shared humanity in all you are doing. We’re all just people doing the best we can. And if we can do well for each other and have some fun along the way, well isn’t that what life’s all about?? So get out there, build relationships, be authentic, and see what you can create together.