Creators Share Strategies for Building a Successful Content Creation Career

As the creator economy continues to expand, aspiring creators are looking for ways to grow audiences, build personal brands and turn their passions into sustainable careers. At a recent event hosted by First Entertainment Credit Union titled Creators in Conversation: Turning Content into a Career, creators and industry experts came together to share practical insights on content creation, entrepreneurship and success in the digital landscape.

Throughout the conversation, panelists emphasized the importance of audience engagement and adaptability when building a presence online. One of the discussion’s early themes centered on the wide range of opportunities available to creators and the value of embracing authenticity when developing content.

“When a lot of people think about TikTok content they think ‘Oh we’re going to dance,’ but social media is more than that,” said Co-Founder of CoCreatorX and educator at UCLA Extension, Yulia Gonzalez. “During the pandemic, I began making videos on TikTok on Chicano history and culture. You can make content about anything. The more vulnerable you are, the better. I went from making videos about Mexican history all the way to narrating cultural content and media theory.”

The conversation also explored the role of personal branding and audience development in creator success. Speakers emphasized that content creators must understand their audience and communicate a clear, consistent story across platforms.

“Understand the demographic you are in and understand the characteristics of your target audience,” said Creator and CEO of Reach, Dylan Huey. “The more you do that and keep the audience hooked and motivated, the more you can guarantee success. At the end of the day the algorithm wants your content to be seen but it needs the right elements that your target audience is going to react to.”

In addition to discussing audience growth, panelists addressed one of the most common questions facing creators today: how to generate income from content. Speakers outlined the variety of revenue opportunities available within the creator economy, including brand partnerships, sponsorships and other business ventures.

“As a money coach and somebody that works with creative entrepreneurs, [knowing what to charge] is one of the biggest things that holds people back, especially when it comes to making offers,” said Creative Business Strategist Jen Fontanilla. “It’s up to you to know the money you should be charging and that you deserve it. And know [how organizations] are benefiting from your content.”

As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, First Entertainment highlighted the importance of financial wellness for creators building sustainable careers online.

“Today’s creators are not just influencers, they’re entrepreneurs,” said Heather Lewis, Senior Vice President and Chief Growth and Experience Officer for First Entertainment. “As the creator economy continues to expand, understanding how to manage income, prepare for financial uncertainty, and invest in future growth is essential for building a career that lasts.”

Through a mix of industry insights, personal experiences and networking opportunities, attendees left with a clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping today’s content creation landscape. Creators in Conversation underscored the skills, strategy and adaptability required to build a sustainable career in an increasingly competitive digital world.

(From left to right) Senior Community Relationship Specialist for First Entertainment Credit Union, Paige Gardner; Creator and Host of The Next Film Podcast, Jessica Michael Davis; Actor, Background Casting Director and Content Creator Grant Crocker; Creator and CEO of REACH Dylan Huey; Co-Founder of CoCreatorX Yulia Gonzalez; Creative Business Strategist Jen Fontanilla; Senior Director of Growth and Partnerships for First Entertainment Meyoung Spektor