An Intermedia Artist and Writer

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joe Nolan, Founder of Mighty Intermedia, located in Old Hickory, TN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I'm an independent artist based in Nashville, TN. My diverse practice includes photography, multimedia paintings, public radio poetry broadcasts, live performances, musical releases, public art projects, and critical writing about art and film. I'm the author of Nowville: The Secret History of Nashville, Tennessee's Visual Art Renaissance, coming soon from Vanderbilt University Press.

Tell us about yourself

I was born in Detroit. I moved to Nashville right after graduating from Michigan State University. I moved to Nashville after graduation and signed my first music publishing deal that same year. I was totally dedicated to music and songwriting, but it led to creative burnout. When I permitted myself to write poetry as a separate practice from my music, I discovered that my creative capacity was much broader than I'd realized. That's how I developed my intermedia ideas and built this dynamic practice.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Sustaining a creative practice is its own reward and the most important accomplishment. Awards, deals, and sales are all a part of the thing, but to remain creative, energized, engaged, and effective at getting your images, sounds, and words to an audience is what becoming a master artist is all about.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

As a sole freelance proprietor, you're left to create your own opportunities. On the one hand, the sky's the limit. On the other hand, it's not for everybody. It helps if you're a natural risk-taker. When I was a kid, I was always doing tricks - and wiping out - on my bike. Putting the first words on a page or the first brush of paint on a panel can feel like that moment when your wheels leave the ramp. One of my favorite things about being an independent artist is pitching a story or a song or proposing a grant and creating the actual opportunities for my work. But it's not sustainable if you can't float through the unknowing.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Start as small as you have to, but start.
Consistent effort over time equals progress. Doing just a little very often will always beat extreme but intermittent efforts.
Sustainability is success. Having a thriving side hustle is a massive step in the right direction, even if it doesn't replace your 9-5 right away. Building something that lasts doesn't always come fast.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://linktr.ee/mightyjoenolan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joenolannashville
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightyjoenolan/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MightyJoeNolan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-nolan-95907824/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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