A look back at 2019 and a look ahead to 2020
In the end of September, I announced the launch of Creageless.com on LinkedIn. Since that post things have gotten a bit crazy. With the year winding down I thought I’d give you an update on how the community for creatives over 40 is coming along.
THE LAUNCH OF CREAGELESS OR WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING?
I had no idea how much would be involved! The response has been overwhelming and I’ve gotten support from so many people, including friends and colleagues that I haven’t spoken to in years. Trying to keep up with everything hasn’t been easy.
THE INAUGURAL CREAGELESS PEER GROUP OR WOW, THIS IS COOL!
We kicked off our first peer group several weeks ago and it has exceeded all expectations. It’s an interesting mix of people from all over the country and each with different goals. One member has always wanted to get into comedy. So far, he’s visited two open mic nights, met with comics and is working on writing his own stand-up routine. He’s planning on his first performance in a few months. Another member is working on opening a bed and breakfast with her husband as she winds down her career over the next couple of years. Through the peer group we’ve connected her with others who have started and run similar ventures.
The peer group meetings are held online via video conference and consist of no more than six people who are searching for their next thing, or those who have found that thing but want the support and advice of peers. If you’re interested in joining a group, the next one is starting soon. Just register here.
ARTICLES, POSTS & TWEETS OR THE SOCIAL MEDIA MONSTER IS KILLING ME.
Trying to keep content flowing is the biggest challenge but several members have offered to write articles and one has even volunteered to help curate content on Medium. We’re working on topics in a variety of creative industries, as well as member spotlights and general information on the problem of ageism. If you’d like to share a story, any words of wisdom, or have an idea for a topic, shoot a message to Creageless@gmail.com
THE PEOPLE I’VE MET ONLINE AND OFF OR A LOT OF EMAILS AND COFFEE.
In just the first 90 days I’ve connected with a variety of interesting people, each with different goals. Some are job hunting or changing careers. Some love their jobs and are just looking for bucket list projects to take on. Some are interested in starting, or have started businesses of their own. Some have absolutely no idea what they want to do but they want to do something. Most are just hoping to find a community of like-minded people. From retired military vets, to authors and entrepreneurs, it’s a diverse bunch. Also, it’s been amazing to see how many members are just as interested in helping others as they are in finding and reaching their own goals.
WELL, THAT’S THE UPDATE. OR SO, NOW WHAT?
Here’s just some of the things in the works for early next year:
The first Creageless online open house.
A webinar series about a topic that should make you smile.
A weekend retreat that one of our members has offered to host, conveniently located off the grid.
The Creageless Podcast. Scheduled to launch before summer. I’ve already lined up some really great guests.
A new online course designed to help you figure out what the heck you want to do next.
More surprises. Some that will even surprise me.
If you haven’t already, become a member to get any updates or event information (it’s free).
As always, if you have any suggestions or I can be of any help, just email me at creageless@gmail.com.
Best,
Eddie Prentiss
Founder - Creageless.com
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Eddie Prentiss is the founder of Creageless- The Community for Creatives over 40and Brainco-The Minneapolis School of Advertising and Design. Currently he is an Executive Creative Director at Stratacomm in Washington D.C.
Eddie is a past recipient of the Minneapolis 40 under 40 award. Now that he is over 40, through his work with Creageless, he's an advocate for older members in creative industries who are transitioning careers, starting new businesses or struggling with ageism.