Summary
Highlights
The host, Linda Auatcha, introduces Felix Crown, highlighting his accolades as an award-winning photographer, AI enthusiast, and strategist who splits his time between Lagos and Toronto. Felix Crown clarifies his name, explaining 'Crown' is a translation of his middle name, 'Adusah'.
Felix shares his reluctant move from Osun State to Lagos due to high client demand from Lagos, despite his initial dislike for the city's chaos. He explains that his unique approach to retouching, learned from YouTube, was a major draw for clients, offering a fresh perspective in the evolving Nigerian photography market.
Felix recounts how a small digital camera from his dad during his university's farm year sparked his interest in photography. During his NYSC, he realized the joy of capturing images that revealed a hidden part of people, leading him to pursue photography professionally. His parents were initially shocked but eventually supportive of his career change.
Felix admits he initially disliked the business side of photography, focusing solely on the art. He learned business through trial and error, adapting international business practices to the Nigerian context, often losing clients when implementing standard practices like invoices and contracts. He stresses the importance of business knowledge for creatives.
Felix explains how he introduced the concept of licensing fees for different image usages (e.g., social media vs. billboards) in the Nigerian market, often integrating all costs into a single day rate to avoid client pushback. He also discusses the origin and significance of 'The Felix Crown Effect,' a catchphrase emphasizing unique client experience and emotional connection through his work.
Felix shares his discovery of AI in 2023, particularly Midjourney, and how it revolutionized his creative process. He views AI as a tool to enhance storytelling and overcome limitations in physical locations, leading to increased creative fees. He dismisses fears of AI replacing photographers, seeing it as an evolutionary step and a way to generate more income.
He emphasizes that authenticity in AI-enhanced photography comes from the artist's intention, aiming to enhance the story without altering the subject's identity. He discusses the growing commercial adoption of AI in imagery, expressing concern about companies using AI-generated models for packaging to avoid paying human models, advocating for industry regulations.
Felix outlines key challenges: clients underestimating the value of photography, limited and expensive shooting locations in Lagos, and the difficulty of finding and retaining talented, passionate team members. He laments a perceived lack of foundational work ethic among some younger creatives.
Felix prefers working with commercial clients and personal clients with clear visions, finding fulfillment in bringing those visions to life through intricate conceptualization and execution. He highlights a recent project with Mrs. Joyce Aushika, who flew to Toronto for a visionary shoot, as one of his proudest achievements.
He discusses the challenges and fulfillment of shuttling between Lagos and Toronto, which proved the strength of his business structure. By clearly defining roles and creating seamless workflows, his Lagos team can still produce 'Felix Crown Effect' quality work in his absence, allowing him to focus on strategic growth.
Felix stresses the importance of creatives learning to 'let go' and delegate, which is crucial for scaling a business. He systematized his processes through video tutorials, ensuring consistency and allowing him to step back from day-to-day operations to focus on strategy and new ventures like his AI integration course.
Responding to a question about art versus business in photography, Felix asserts that while photography starts as an art, it must evolve into a sustainable business without losing its artistic essence. He advocates for 'harmony' between art and business, dedicating time to both aspects, and advises even 'edgy' artists to consider their long-term sustainability.
Felix highlights the power of storytelling in increasing perceived value, using bridal stylists and content creators as examples. He encourages photographers to share their creative process and 'behind-the-scenes' to build audience connection and respect. He emphasizes that clients pay for perceived value, and sharing one's journey, even failures, builds authenticity and trust.
Felix describes curiosity as an innate human trait that can be rekindled through deliberate questioning and a 'childlike' sense of wonder. He links curiosity to asking the right business questions and avoiding exploitation. He discusses his mentorship program, which focuses on self-discovery and business acumen within the creative industry, emphasizing that becoming your best self requires sacrifice.
Felix envisions expanding his brand internationally, particularly into the US market, and continuing his impactful work in education and mentorship. He aims to shift the perception of the creative industry in Nigeria, advocating for unity and open dialogue among creatives. He believes that by consistently demonstrating the value and depth of their work, creatives can elevate the entire industry.