Scotty Russell Here…
I HELP CREATIVES blaze their own path to side hustle success
(I’m also a pizza obsessed gym rat / wannabe astronaut)
From Corporate Cubicle to side hustle coach
Real talk, my story is not your typical snowflake “finding creative success right from college” narrative.
When I say: “I’m Scotty of Perspective-Collective. I’m a full-time Creative Side Hustle Coach based in Cedar Falls, Iowa,” you’re probably like:
WTF is a Creative Side Hustle Coach?
When you say Iowa, you mean Idaho or Ohio, right?
I understand the confusion with the first question, but you’d be surprised how often I get the second one. (Like duh, did you not take Geography back in 6th grade?!)
Here’s a better breakdown of what I do as a Side Hustle Coach:
I help creatives blaze their own path to side hustle success OUTSIDE THEIR DAY JOB.
I empower them to get out of their own way, take massive action, and experience rapid growth.
I do this through my Side Hustler’s Coaching Program, The Perspective Podcast, and my value-packed digital resources.
That’s the skinny…but continue reading if you want to know about this wild road I’ve blazed to pursue this full-time.
For 25-ish Years, I played the victim.
I was convinced that I was a broke loser and a shitty artist who was destined to be a failure.
It was easy to believe as I:
Was severely bullied from Elementary throughout College.
Lost in practically everything I participated in.
NEVER seemed to have any money.
Failed as a college athlete (multiple back injuries led to student coaching).
Spent 3 years without landing a job with my EXPENSIVE degree.
Shortly after graduating Wartburg College in 2010, I hit rock bottom living a purposeless life of misery.
While trapped under a massive mountain of student debt, I found myself living back with my parents and serving at a restaurant (smelling like fried tenderloins every day).
I got so depressed one summer that I not only almost quit creating, but I almost took my life…
Thankfully, I stuck with it…
Creating $50 logos, tattoo drawings, and co-running a clothing brand (RIP Daydreamin’ Clothing).
Despite the monumental lack of progress with my creative pursuits, I consistently stayed in front of people with my work.
Word of mouth is what landed me my first “break” with my degree in 2013 designing automotive ads…😐
It doesn’t seem like much, but that was the shot I needed to start taking myself seriously. It showed me that taking yourself seriously and taking initiative can manifest BIG opportunities.
From there, I obsessively built a killer portfolio and pursued my rekindled love for drawing in my free time.
In 2014, the clothing company came to an end. Although many tears were shed, it sparked my early pursuits of Perspective-Collective.
Persistently Showing Up Was the Key.
I stumbled across hand lettering and religiously began sharing my work on Instagram.
For once in my life, people validated me and my work and I slowly grew an audience.
This started landing better freelance jobs OUTSIDE of Iowa (paying way more than my $50-100 days).
Things were good, but I felt like I had something more to share than a pretty polished Instagram post.
So in June 2015, I got hella uncomfortable and began weekly blogging on creative motivation (barely anyone read it btw).
However, the right person read it and offered me my first public speaking opportunity in front of 150 people.
I was terrified and almost told them NO, but saying yes changed my life...and my confidence.
That led to bigger speaking gigs which then inspired me to starting the Perspective Podcast back in August 2016.
Next, I Further monetizeD my side hustle…
By selling merch online, live art events, teaching workshops, email marketing, affiliate sales, and working with podcast sponsors (freelancing wasn’t the only option anymore).
It’s important to note I pursued this ALL outside a day job while being a family man.
However, in 2019, I listened to my gut and pursued the path of becoming a creative coach. I tested the market with five, 1-on-1 coaching sessions for $100 each—they sold out in 10 minutes.
In order to scale this, I took a risk and pushed pause on my two side income breadwinners: freelancing and my online shop.
With the help of my own coaches, I successfully launched the 3-Month Side Hustler’s Coaching Program in October 2019.
Right before the launch, we found out we were expecting kiddo #2 which meant it was time to expand…
the ultimate curveball From Life…
A week after closing on our new home late October (which doubled our mortgage), I was unexpectedly let go from my “safe” corporate day job.
This potential tragedy turned out to be the biggest blessing in disguise.
Since 2015, I continually doubled my side hustle income. In 2019, it exploded with coaching as I made $35k as opposed to my $59k salary as a UIUX Designer.
With the encouragement from my wife and close peers, I kicked off 2020 by making the scary leap from Corporate Cubicle to Full-Time Side Hustle Coach.
I definitely WASN’T “ready,” but 5.5 years of treating my side hustle like it was my full-time grind “prepared” me for the opportunity.
What’s crazy is that within the first six months, I’ve already shattered the salary ceiling of my last job and show no signs of stopping.
To Find Creative Success, You Don’t Need…
A fancy prestigious art school degree.
An expert-level background in design.
A massive social following.
A heavy hitting big brand client list.
To have it all figured out overnight.
NONE of these are a deal breaker for you to make shit happen with your creativity.
I’ve learned that it takes A LOT of experimentation and willingness to suck butt in the beginning in order to grow. You gotta stick with it!
If I can chase my dream outside a day job, be a family man, AND do this in the middle of Iowa, then it’s possible for ANYONE.
That’s why I’m hella passionate about giving creatives like you the tools and mindset to blaze your own path to side hustle success as well.
I live for this and want to show people that you can still handle life’s responsibilities AND chase your dream on your own terms.
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LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Learn more about the coaching services and resources I offer to help you blaze your owne path to side hustle success.
VIEW SERVICES & RESOURCES
interviews & speaking
View the full list of Press, Speaking, Workshops, and Interviews I’ve had the honor to be a part of below.