Interview
Initium Creative, United States
Braden Walker is the owner of Initium Creative that has dedicated over 25 years of his life to working in video/film industry and specializes in web design/development after much experience!
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.
My name is Braden Walker and I am the owner of Initium Creative. My entire career has been in the creative realm in one form or another. I have worked in video/film for over 25 years, doing everything from legal video, commercials, music videos, documentaries and beyond. I have also specialized in web design/development for over 10 years working with all types of businesses, including specializing in the RV Park/Campground industry.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?
I believe everyone has the capacity for creativity and it is something that has to be tapped into. I was attracted at an early age to creating through storytelling and it grew from there. In High School I was taught and mentored by an amazing teacher and friend, Danny Spear, in how to create with video/film. Following that I was blessed with many opportunities to grow in my craft and develop some amazing work with so many wonderful people.
3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
Initium Creative was created in January of 2019. The name means to start being creative and that is what we help our clients do to communicate who they are. We specialize in video production and web design/development and marketing.
4 What does “creativity” mean to you?
Creativity is the essence of who we are. I believe that God is The Creator and we were created to create creatively. Living out that creativity is a life lived well and I wouldn
5 To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?
The message is the point and if that message is embedded with the right type of creativity that communicates it in a lasting way, it has accomplished its goal.
6 Tell us about your creative and/or design process.
Before I start a project I meet with my clients and talk through the message that needs to be delivered. That once it is communicated, the viewer walks away with a clear definition of what that message was. We then put the idea through a story arc and see how we can make this flow and connect with the viewer so that there is a lasting effect on them.
7 What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?
I love the whole process, but sitting down to put it together in post is probably my favorite part. It is where you see the story come alive and take form.
8 Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.
Most of my career has been storytelling in a documentary style way, however I have had the opportunity to create some amazing scripted work and it is something that I love to do. It is also fun to look at other people
9 Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your creativity process?
I would say my country has had the opposite effect on my creative process. The US is very fast paced and at times not encouraging of giving time to think through things. I love to take time to think and rest in my creative process so that inspiration comes and creates something better than having to force it.
10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
It is a great honor to us. Winning an award like this helps us to stand out more and give more exposure to our clients and what they are communicating and helps us grow our business.
11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
We entered the Better Call Becky commercial because we believe it is one of the best projects that we have put together. It targets the type of clientele that our customer wants and tells a story in the styling and parody of a great and beautifully shot television series. It was a blast to work on and we loved every moment working on it.
12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?
There really wasn
13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
It has definitely provided additional legitimacy to our business and has helped us see where we want to go in the future with certain projects.
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
My top three favorite things about our industry are the ability to communicate in a creative way, being able to get messages out that can provoke movement and being able to live in a creative mindset for hours on end.
15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the creative industry?
Freedom of speech definitely makes the U.S.A. unique in the creative industry. However we seem to be losing some of that if it isn
16 Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?
My hope is that there is more creativity encouraged and all that that entails, thought, freedom of expression, rest, relationship with God and others. I believe we need to slow down and not be so quick to throw something together and post it on the internet because there is a demand for immediate content. If we don
17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Creative Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Take time to think and rest. The demands will always be there, so make sure you allow yourself to schedule time to stay in the creative process and allow creative ideas to formulate and take form. In thinking and resting, connect with The Creator as he is the ultimate source of inspiration.
18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the creative industry?
Get around those that are doing what you do, but better. Don
19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I don
20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
There are tons of people who have inspired me in my life. From my family, my wife and kids to my Media Tech instructor who became my mentor and friend, Danny Spear. People I work with and those that are creating at a level that I am inspired by. Most of all, the Holy Trinity, Father Son and Holy Spirit.
21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
My key to success is staying connected with God and others. Relationships are so important to me that when I start to lose that connection I notice it right away. Things become harder and my work starts to suffer. Find that in your own life and don
22 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Don
Entrant Company
Initium Creative
Category
Video - Nonprofit
Entrant Company
Initium Creative
Category
Video - Documentary
Entrant Company
Initium Creative
Category
Video - Budget below $3000