Julian Myles is a 31-year-old creative entrepreneur based in Cincinnati. With a background in classical saxophone and a passion for portrait photography, Julian has built a career that bridges art and entrepreneurship. In this interview, Julian shares his journey, insights, and aspirations as a creative professional.

Personal Journey & Background

Q: Can you tell us about your journey into becoming a creative entrepreneur and how your background or culture influenced your work?
I’m a classically trained saxophonist. After graduating college, I moved to New York City and began working in nonprofit arts management as an arts administrator. That experience shaped my understanding of the creative industry from both an artistic and business perspective, laying the foundation for my career today.

Q: What is your art, and how did you discover your passion for it?
My art is music (specifically saxophone) and portrait photography. I discovered my passion for the saxophone on the first day of 6th-grade band class. There was this girl I liked who said she wanted to play the saxophone, and I thought if I played it too, I’d get to sit next to her. So, I gave it a shot—and the rest is history!

Q: How do you balance creativity and the demands of running a business?
As a self-proclaimed workaholic, balance is something I’m constantly working on. I’ve found that creating a detailed timeline for my workday helps me stay organized and gives me structure, which is essential for maintaining that balance.

Q: Did you have a mentor or someone who inspired you along the way?
I actually haven’t had a mentor, and that’s something I’m still working on. Having guidance would be valuable, and it’s an area I hope to explore more in the future.

Inspiration & Motivation

Q: Do you have a daily ritual or routine that fuels your creativity?
Yes, I make it a priority to take care of myself physically and mentally. My routine includes drinking plenty of water, walking at least 8,000 steps, or working out each day. Staying active keeps me grounded and helps fuel my creativity.

Q: How do you stay motivated through both challenges and successes?
Motivation has never been a big issue for me. I’ve faced so many “no’s” in my life that hearing a “yes” almost feels unfamiliar. Those experiences have given me resilience and taught me how to push forward, regardless of the circumstances.

Q: How do you measure success as a creative entrepreneur?
For me, success is about the impact I have—whether that’s on people, my work, or the art I create. It’s not about accolades; it’s about making a difference.

Process & Tools

Q: Are there tools, apps, or habits that enhance your productivity?
Absolutely. I rely on tools like ClickUp, Google Sheets, and Missive to stay organized and manage my workflow efficiently.

Q: What resources do you wish you had access to earlier?
AI tools are game-changers. I wish I had access to these technologies earlier—they would’ve allowed me to build and scale my business much faster.

Q: How do you deal with self-doubt or imposter syndrome?
Celebrating the small wins has been key for me. It’s easy to focus on what’s next, but recognizing the little victories helps combat those feelings of doubt.

Vision & Goals

Q: What are your long-term goals, and how has your vision evolved since you started?
My long-term goal is to build generational wealth in a healthy way that allows me to spend time with my family and take care of myself. When I first started, my vision was more materialistic—I was focused on achieving status symbols. Now, I’m thinking about sustainability and legacy, which has reshaped my approach to success.

Q: What legacy do you hope to leave as a creative entrepreneur?
I hope to leave a legacy of guidance for future artists. No one prepared me for what it takes to be a full-time creative entrepreneur—not college, not anyone. I had to figure it all out on my own. If I can help others navigate this space and understand what’s needed to thrive, then I’ll have done something meaningful.

Closing Thoughts
Julian Myles’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and a commitment to growth. From his beginnings as a saxophonist to his current work in music and photography, he’s forging a path that inspires and uplifts others in the creative community.

Socials and Links:
Photo Company: Creative Soul Studios | Instagram