Book a time with Maria Rapetskaya on We the Makers network

Creative Entrepreneur with a Work-to-Live Ethos

I write, speak and mentor based on personal experience. Anecdotes from my life, my own mistakes, fears, accomplishments and goals color my style – but having had the privilege of many intimate professional relationships, I have a bird's eye view on the general challenges facing a creative workforce today. Framing these in an approachable, down-to-earth manner, I can relate to the audience and offer concrete professional advice on: BRAND & PORTFOLIO REVIEWS: Personal brand assessment Professional portfolio reviews for creatives Branding help for companies of all sizes Improving visual communication ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR CREATIVES: Freelancing vs small business entrepreneurship Avoiding the common pitfalls and mistakes What you want to do vs. what you have to do Clients, networking and the art of selling CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Best practices & career decisions at any level Advancing your career, maintaining your personality Going off the beaten path Why getting started is hard — and, it should be! Building the career you want Working with others: from colleagues to vendors to bosses THE MYTH OF WORK/LIFE BALANCE: The art of actually taking vacation time Lists don't get things done Feeling "balanced" is in your definition • I keep my availability limited, but if you are unable to schedule during these hours, please get in touch and let me know what is good for you (Eastern Time Zone). • I'm a full-time creative director, motion graphics designer & entrepreneur. Undefined Creative is a creative production company, specializing in motion graphics which I started in 2010. Our portfolio spans television, digital marketing, social media and live events, with clients that range from major networks and brands to local non-profits. Check us out at undefinedcreative.com • I'm a graduate of the Strategic Steps for Growth Media and Entertainment Industry — a nine-month competitive entry program at the NYU Stern School of Business. This intensive study of the curriculum's four core modules (Leadership, Finance, Marketing & Business Development) has provided me with additional insight and skills I rely on when advising others. • I'm a part-time writer, mentor & educator. I share insight on creativity, professional longevity, small business entrepreneurship and day-to-day career satisfaction. I write for mainstream creative and entrepreneurial publications, and speak about these topics whenever opportunity arises. • I'm an all-the-time explorer of things near & far. As a travel addict I've visited over sixty countries on six continents. As an inner explorer, I am a daily meditator and committed student of Tibetan Buddhism in an on-going teacher training program. • I'm great at helping creatives – especially women – hone their skills in visual communication, expand their professional horizons, develop action plans to reach their goals and think beyond traditional career/job boundaries. Whether it's working with individuals or small groups, I'm here to inspire, motivate and educate. FIND OUT MORE: defineyourpath.co undefinedcreative.com