The Creator Economy Is Flourishing, But Where Do You Begin?

The creator economy has already surpassed Hollywood, television, and publishing combined. In our flagship post, we broke down why this shift matters and what it means for ownership, culture, and capital.

But here’s the reality: even with all this opportunity, most people don’t know how or where to start.

Should you launch a podcast? Post videos on TikTok? Sell a digital course? Build a subscription community?

The choices can feel endless, and that overwhelm keeps too many would-be creators stuck on the sidelines.

That’s why we built The Union in downtown Seattle: to make starting simple, accessible, and possible for anyone ready to take their creativity seriously.

5 Proven Ways to Earn in the Creator Economy

If you’re new to this space, think of these as your starter lanes. Most successful creators eventually mix and match multiple streams, but every journey begins with one:

1. Ad Revenue & Content Monetization – Earn directly from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok once you grow an audience.

2. Subscriptions & Community Support – Fans pay monthly through Patreon, Discord, or private podcasts.

3. Products & Merch – From eBooks and templates to apparel or art drops, creators sell what extends their brand.

4. Sponsorships & Partnerships – Brands pay to align with your voice, influence, and authentic community.

5. Events & Experiences – From live podcasts to workshops and pop-ups, creators expand offline.

Pro tip: Don’t try to chase all five at once. Pick one, build momentum, and expand from there.

The Barriers Beginners Face

Here’s the truth: most beginners don’t stall because of a lack of talent. They stall because of barriers like:

• No access to professional gear

• No guidance on the business side

• No network or mentors to plug into

And when those barriers pile up, vision fades.

That’s the exact gap The Union was built to close.

How The Union Provides a Starting Point

At The Union, we believe creators shouldn’t have to figure it all out alone. That’s why we’ve built an ecosystem in Seattle that makes the first step easier:

• Studios & Gear: Podcast facilities, cinema-quality cameras, green screens, and editing suites.

• Community & Mentorship: Programs like Tribe Called T.E.C.H. connect creators to guidance and networks.

• Commerce & Marketplaces: From curated markets to brand partnerships, we help creators monetize faster.

• Workshops & Training: Not just creative skills, but business skills, too.

• Affordable Entry: Our co-op model lowers the barrier to professional resources.

Our flagship essay explained how the creator economy has shifted power away from Hollywood. This guide is about what comes next: how you start building in that new reality.

For Black communities and underrepresented voices, especially, the stakes are high. We’ve shaped culture forever. Now, the creator economy is our chance to shape ownership, too.

That’s why The Union exists. Not as just a studio or co-working space, but as an anchor for creators in Seattle who are ready to turn their creativity into long-term impact.

Stop Waiting. Start Creating.

The creator economy is here. The doors are open. The opportunity is real.

The only question left is: when are you going to step in?

Start at The Union →