Should You Move To LA?

Moving to LA to be a creative is a good move. So is moving to New York. The demand for creative skills is much higher, and the community is in place to support you. 

Big cities like this carry so much potential for creative work. But what about medium-sized cities? While we’re on it, what about medium-sized colleges? Small towns? 

I went to a small college. 5,500 undergrad students. I don’t have a prestigious degree by any means. But during my time at that school, I put on concerts for 3,000 people, connected one-on-one with many of my professors, built a real creative network, and produced ads for events. I was given so much opportunity, and I learned so much. 

My friend Paul Weaver is a super talented photographer. He lives in Minneapolis. Not exactly LA or New York. But guess what? He dominates Minneapolis, shooting for the biggest brands, and serving large clients on a retainer basis. While many of my photographer friends grind for work in LA, he has a solid client base and an engaged audience.

The best time varies for everyone case-by-case, but I do recommend spending some time in a small context. You’ll gain more experience and build real confidence even if the names on your resume don’t impress anyone. If you’re in a small pond now, stop dreaming of moving to LA. Make waves where you re now and see what happens.