Creative Entrepreneurship : Casey Neistat & Josh Coombes

Today we were introduced to two very different but famous entrepreneurs Casey Neistat and Josh Coombes. I will research, analyse Casey Neistat & Josh Coombes and find out why they are both successful creative entrepreneurs.

Casey Neistat

“Focus on what is it that you want to communicate, on the story and what is it that drives you?”

Casey Neistat is an American youtube personality, film maker, Vlogger, Storyteller and co-founder of the social media Beme. Previous to his fame and glory he was a high school drop out who at the age of 17 had to work as a dish washer in New York to support his girlfriend and child.

Early on his career he worked with artist named Tom Sachs to make series of films about the sculptures and installations. Thereafter Casey and his team created Science experiments (2004) and The Neistat Brothers (2008) critics (source wiki) : The Hollywood Reporter said ‘the Neistat Brothers are to film what Dr. Seuss is to literature’.[23] Hank Stuever of the Washington post noted ‘the Neistats exhibit an enthusiasm for life that you can’t help but love’.[24] The show was not without detractors. The blog The Zeitgeisty Report called the show ‘A cutesy, hipster-y, pretentious mess’ and went on to suggest it was “the most irritating show in HBO’s history.”[25]

Later ‘The Neistat Brothers’ was sold to CNN for around $2 million. To shock to everyone Casey later switched to youtube, what people thought of as throwing his career away was became to be the biggest opportunity for him. During the time where most of the Vlog were fragmented uninteresting personal stuff. Casey did something different, he channeled his filmmaking experience to create contents that were engaging and high quality. Casey’s philosophy is to make a great movie each day and not just make a video journal like everyone else.”

I find Casey to be likeable and great personality, consistent, dedicated who lives an interesting life. His videos always have cohesive story line, video is amazing quality and uses great music. This has added to is already huge following audience currently at 6.3 million subscribers. According to social blade he earns around 200k to 3.5 million pounds just from his youtube page this is without including the sponsoring and fan funding he gets for his different ventures within and outside the Vlog.

In 2016 Casey also sold his app Beme to CNN in a deal worth $25 million. The app was designed for users to shoot and share quick, unedited video clips , this app had auspicious start due to Casey’s social media followers but ultimately the app could not compete with their industry competitors Snapchat and Instagram. ( Check : I sold my company to CNN)

Casey is currently concentrating on this new journey working with CNN and its future. Overall, I found his journey from rags to riches fascinating. Casey has found creative ways to succeed following his heart and passion,

in process he always showed dedication,
self initiative to find his way despite never going to film school,
passionate about his work,
creative approaches leading to doing things differently,
willingness take risks and
ultimately great execution of his ideas.
Interesting Watch : Casey Neistat ’s 10 rule for success

Josh Coombes

“It might not change their world but it might change their day”

Josh Coombes is a selfless hairdresser from London who takes on to street on his day off and gives haircuts to the homeless. There after he publishes their story online. You can find his work here #DoSomethingForNothing. Josh encourages a global moment that encourages people to give their time and skills to help others.

Josh believes in helping other people and expects nothing in return, he takes a humanist and fair society approach. Josh started by volunteering on the streets of London, he first approaches the person in need, introduces himself and then offers a haircut. Thereafter Josh takes before and after picture and also posts the person’s story on social media. Josh has amassed 176k followers is with this is often invited to media channels such as BBC. I could not find relevant source to investigate Josh’s finances but Josh has build himself assets and build a great reputation which if he wishes can be leveraged to further success in social and entrepreneurial causes he chooses to undertake.

I found Josh’s approach lovely and heart warming. Josh is successful social and creative entrepreneur. He has used his skills to achieve and promote what he deeply believes in, in process he has shown

dedication and passion
any skills you have can be used to achieve for greater good
creative approaches to promote his message and doing things differently

Watch : Do something for nothing , Interview : link

Conclusion

Casey and Josh despite the difference has utilised their skills in creative ways to be a successful creative entrepreneur. The both share similarity in finding innovative ways to solve the problems, doing things differently, utilising innovative technologies and unlimitedly following their passions to succeed.

Bibliography

https://iidjournal.wordpress.com/2017/01/19/creative-entrepreneurship-casey-neistat-josh-coombes/