Mitlin Money Mindset
Your Creativity Is Worth More Than You Think — Turn It Into Your Business Advantage w/ Paul Pape
Key Takeaways
- What working with Disney taught him
- The benefit of having a moniker in your business
- Why creativity is an entrepreneur's superpower
- The truth about the starving artist mindset
- The danger of being too generic
- How to grow a business without losing passion
Meet the Guest
Paul Pape
Paul Pape is a TEDx speaker, author, and business consultant for creative entrepreneurs, known professionally as "Santa for Nerds." With 30+ years in the arts — including over 20 years designing custom props and experiences for Disney, Universal, and Nickelodeon — Paul brings real-world creative credibility to his transformation work. Paul is the creator of Gamify Business and author of five books: The Creative Player's Handbook to Business, The Creative Player’s Workbook, The Game Master's Guide to Business, Quit Selling Your Sh*t and his latest book, The Bard’s Guide to Storycraft.
His approach uses gaming frameworks and RPG mechanics to help artists, designers, makers, and creative entrepreneurs build profitable businesses without selling out to corporate business culture. His mission is clear: destroy the starving artist’s mindset. Paul proves that creative entrepreneurs don't have to choose between artistic integrity and real profit—and that the business side of creativity can be just as innovative and fulfilling as art itself. Business is an Adventure, so don’t be an NPC.
Show Notes
Creatives are told they have to choose between doing what they love and making money. Paul Pape is proof that you don’t.
He’s spent 30 years turning his creativity into a thriving business, working with names like Disney, Universal, and Nickelodeon along the way. In this episode, you’ll learn why your creativity is one of your most valuable business assets, why trying to appeal to everyone quietly kills your growth, and how to build a business you love without losing what makes you you.
Resources
Sending your child to college will always be emotional but are you financially ready?
Doing your taxes might not be enJOYable but being more organized can make the process less painful.
Will you be able to enJOY the Retirement you envision?
About the Podcast
Welcome to Mitlin Money Mindset®️! With your host, Larry Sprung, CFP®️, Founder and Wealth Advisor at Mitlin Financial Inc®️. With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur in the financial services industry, Larry thrives to help you achieve your goals while finding JOY in the journey.
Each week, he’ll go deep with engaging guests who provide tangible takeaways and a whole lot of JOY along the way. Here, we don’t just talk about money; we celebrate it as a catalyst for JOY and possibility. Whether you’re saving for the future, planning your next big adventure, or just looking to add some spark to your daily money management, you’re in the right place.
We hope you enJOY these conversations as much as Larry enJOYed having them. And remember to ask yourself, what did you do today that brought you joy?®️