Many of us in the sports creative world have something brewing outside our day gigs — a side biz, a personal brand, a random project we tinker with after games. Some start them to make extra cash, some to keep their sanity and some because the itch to create never really turns off.

In this episode, I’m sharing why those “little things on the side” aren’t just hobbies - they’re creative lifelines. We’ll talk about why it’s never too late to start, how side projects help you grow without the pressure, the real benefits (and challenges) you can expect and practical ways to begin without burning out.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a side project - or need a push to keep going with yours - this is your sign.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What counts as a side project (and why they matter)
• Why starting late doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance
• The hidden benefits for your career, skills, and sanity
• Tips for starting small and keeping it fun

Hit play, and let’s talk about the work that feeds your passion, not just your paycheck.

Find me at:

IG: @SportsCreativesAnonymous / @ClaytonInFocus

TikTok: @sportscreativesanonymous

YouTube: @sportscreativesanonyous

Email: sportscreativesanonymous@gmail.com

In this episode of Sports Creatives Anonymous, host and long-time sports creative Clayton Jones dives into one of the most important, and overlooked, conversations in the creative sports world: Knowing your worth, both financially and creatively.

Whether you're a full-time staffer wearing five hats for one paycheck, a freelancer tired of being low-balled with "my cousin will do it for free" energy, or run your own business and tired of feeling like you have to charge less, this episode breaks down how undervaluing yourself hurts your mental health, your creativity and the industry at large.

Listeners will hear:

• Why creatives are more essential than they’re often treated
• How to recognize and communicate the real impact of creative work
• Common traps that keep freelancers and staff underpaid
• Actionable strategies to set better boundaries, raise rates and advocate for your value
• Honest talk about the emotional guilt that comes with asking for more in a “dream job” industry

This is equal parts pep talk, wake-up call, and practical guide for sports creatives who are done being overlooked.

🎧 Stream now and share it with someone who needs the reminder.

Find me at:

IG: @SportsCreativesAnonymous / @ClaytonInFocus

TikTok: @sportscreativesanonymous

YouTube: @sportscreativesanonyous

Email: sportscreativesanonymous@gmail.com

Welcome to Episode 6 of Sports Creatives Anonymous, a deeply vulnerable dive with me, your host, Clayton Jones.

For years, I thought the demanding hours, relentless pressure and people were the reason I left the sports creative industry not once, but twice. But each exit revealed a harder truth: The burnout, the discontent, it all came from within me.

This is my recovery story. I get raw about the grip of perfectionism, people-pleasing and chasing validation – a journey that led me to rock bottom and ultimately, to crucial self-discovery, including being diagnosed like ADHD and BPD.

If you've ever felt "done" with the work, exhausted by the hustle or just trying to figure out who you are behind the lens, this episode is for you. Learn how setting boundaries, letting go of external validation, and truly understanding myself finally allowed me to thrive on my own terms.

Key Takeaways:

• Why "leaving" doesn't always fix the real problem.
• The hidden costs of perfectionism and people-pleasing.
• How finding yourself can transform your relationship with your work.
• That you are not alone in this journey.

Tune in if you're ready to explore the uncomfortable truth and find your path to peace in the sports creative world.

If this episode hit home for you — share it with someone else who might be walking through the same stuff.

Find me at:

IG: @SportsCreativesAnonymous / @ClaytonInFocus

TikTok: @sportscreativesanonymous

YouTube: @sportscreativesanonyous

Email: sportscreativesanonymous@gmail.com