Starting Artists

Nigerian-Canadian writer of books and video game narratives Louisa Onomé had a few false starts along her career journey. Nothing nightmarish, some of them quite helpful to her now. But she had it in her mind that she need a "real job," because she didn't know if she'd realistically ever become an author.
With two books (Like Home, Twice as Perfect) out on shelves now and more in the works, it's safe to say she's living her dream!
But how exactly did she get there?
Louisa also grew up loving video games - even interning in marketing for PlayStation - so how did she end up writing narratives for them?
All will be revealed in this fun and inspiring conversation.
WARNING: This episode contains music from Bust A Groove for the original PlayStation! Proceed with caution and only if you're ready to dance.

Starting Artists is hosted by Tony Sadowski, owner of marketing and media production company Spec Communications, LLC.

• Tweet us at @TweetsByTheTony & @SpecLLC
• Work with us at speccommunications.com
• Rate and review us on your podcatcher of choice
• Tell a friend or two

Thank you!

What’s your dream project? How do you go from aspiring writer to published author? How do you bring a video game concept to life as an independent developer? What goes into recording - and marketing - your first album? How about your second...or fifth? What changes?

I’m Tony Sadowski, a marketer, media producer, and voice artist, on a mission inspired by...jealousy.
Creative people fascinate me. Makers - people who get things done, who take risks, who find a way to pursue their dream projects, who weather the storms of self-doubt and rejection, who leave their day jobs behind and embark on new and fulfilling careers - they’re my heroes.
In this series, I'll introduce you to people making cool stuff across a variety of media at varying stages of their careers, for interviews aimed at inspiring new and aspiring content makers to overcome the obstacles in the way of getting started.
Maybe I'll even give a bit of insight into my own creative journey along the way?
Let's get started!

Starting Artists is hosted by Tony Sadowski, owner of marketing and media production company Spec Communications, LLC.

• Tweet us at @TweetsByTheTony & @SpecLLC
• Work with us at speccommunications.com
• Rate and review us on your podcatcher of choice
• Tell a friend or two

Thank you!

To every* show, there is a season.
That's definitely the case for Starting Artists. Listen up for an announcement about what to expect for the rest of what will become Season One of this podcast, and what I'll be working on during the hiatus.
Also, some stats on the most-listened and least-listened episodes, reflections on the season to this point, what I DON'T want Starting Artists to become...and, of course, those lo-fi hip hop grooves you've come to know and love.
As always, I'll drop the name of the guest you'll be hearing on episode 16!
*not necessarily the case at all

Starting Artists is hosted by Tony Sadowski, owner of marketing and media production company Spec Communications, LLC.

• Tweet us at @TweetsByTheTony & @SpecLLC
• Work with us at speccommunications.com
• Rate and review us on your podcatcher of choice
• Tell a friend or two

Thank you!

Thinking back to my conversation with Sonya Ballantyne last episode, I'm struck by her hard-earned sense of self and ability to bring all of who she is to storytelling.
Sonya is doing what she wanted to do. She's seems unstoppable, and I can't wait to see what she does next!
I'm also kind of scratching my head over how and when I lost touch with the cocksure, unflappable, ready-for-anything creative I felt I was earlier in my career. I'm still good at what I do. It still comes naturally.
But why did I start doubting myself?
I dig into the good and bad of Me Being Me at this particular point in my career journey. As I get busier and balance freelance client work with forming longterm business goals for Spec, one thing is clear - I love working in pajama pants.
I was who I was.
I am who I am.
What next?

Starting Artists is hosted by Tony Sadowski, owner of marketing and media production company Spec Communications, LLC.

• Tweet us at @TweetsByTheTony & @SpecLLC
• Work with us at speccommunications.com
• Rate and review us on your podcatcher of choice
• Tell a friend or two

Thank you!

Tony takes you on a journey through lessons he learned from a creative writing workshop he was part of in 2021 called Writing Your Solo Show. It focused on autobiographical writing for stage or memoir and was the beginning of a much-needed career renaissance for (at least by default) your favorite host.
Explore themes of authenticity and self-improvement, and maybe even find out how it all ties into Starting Artists and Tony's freelance brand, Spec Communications.
Also, a teaser for the guest joining us on episode 4!

Starting Artists is hosted by Tony Sadowski, owner of marketing and media production company Spec Communications, LLC.

• Tweet us at @TweetsByTheTony & @SpecLLC
• Work with us at speccommunications.com
• Rate and review us on your podcatcher of choice
• Tell a friend or two

Thank you!