Meet Scott Whatley | Freelancing Creative. Branding | Strategy | Content

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Whatley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I get asked the question about risk a lot. mostly from people that are unhappy in their careers. It seems like there is a sense of security associated with working for a company. In my space ( creative work ) and a lot of other spaces, I think this is a flimsy thing to hold on to. I was once at a large agency and worked on one of the biggest accounts they had. I ended up leaving that agency and about 4 months later that account took their business somewhere else and nearly all the creatives I worked with were out looking for jobs… For me, it almost feels riskier to trust someone else to provide the work rather than go out and get it yourself. So Risk is real but you just have to choose what risk you are willing to take.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a freelancer I get a LOT more freedom to express myself through my work. I feel like there is a huge challenge for anyone who considers what they do art to comply with someone else’s vision. Part of what I love doing is figuring out my clients’ needs and finding the most artful way of communicating on their behalf.

I think as a creative I have been able to separate myself a little because I’m not just a designer or videographer, but I am a good communicator, and I’m able to look a level deeper into an organization and identify the parts of their messaging that are unclear or not being highlighted and communicated well and find solutions.

I am a problem solver first and if the solution is in an area I can add value we move forward. If the need isn’t something I do I hand it off and consult as much as possible.

Being valuable in what you do is just as important as knowing where the end of your value is and the beginning of someone else’s begeans. That will keep your phone ringing for a long time.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So first things first, were going to Jax Surf & Paddle for a beer! It’s a surf shop with a little bodega in it! The place is only a block from my house and Thomas the bar manager is one of my really good friends. There is no better place to chill and plan out a week than over a beer there! After that, we’re going to eat Fancy Sushi!!

A trip to visit me wouldn’t be complete without Cruzing 1st street on bikes and visiting a few local legendary places like Pete’s bar or T dubs ( a cool clothing boutique with a speakeasy around back.

Don’t get me wrong there are plenty more things to do than drink though! I love taking people surfing! I can hear the ocean from my front porch so a quick walk down to the water to check the waves is a must.

beyond that, there is live music almost every night here in our little beach town and I like to catch as much of it as I can!

Last but not least you have to join me at VooSwar! Every Tuesday night this little dive bar/pool hall has a comedy show that I host ( I’m a stand-up comic) it’s one of the coolest shows around with comics coming in from all over!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If it wasn’t for Donald Killgore, and Josh Spires I wouldn’t know what I’m doing and I never would have picked up a camera at all. Those two guys really opened my eyes to storytelling and artfully shooting and editing content. Matt Katsolis is another one. anytime I’ve run up against a challenge I give him a call and he has always made the time for me. Guys like them make me want to pay it forward for sure!

I also get completely lost in everything Seth Godin and Malcolm Gladwell put out. You have to be a lifelong learner so I’m constantly looking to brilliant men and women like them to keep me sharp!

Website: scottwhatleycreative.com

Instagram: scottwhatleycreative