The Long Game.

building and creating with your people.

I know I promised threatened you lot with horror, but I’ve decided to show mercy and put it on hold—at least for now. Today, I want to talk about something quiet, but powerful: playing the long game. It’s about what it means to build something real with your friends, your peers—the people growing beside you, not ahead of you. Because sometimes the most important thing you can do isn’t chasing the next big break, but choosing who you’re willing to grow with until it comes.

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There’s a quiet advantage in being surrounded by people on the same level as you. Not because you don’t need rooms filled with people ahead—those rooms matter. They stretch you, sharpen you, and remind you what’s possible. But there’s a different kind of magic in growing alongside people in real time. You get to witness the becoming, to build momentum together, to fail, adjust, and try again without pretense. And in that shared climb, something deeper than success is formed—trust, rhythm, and a kind of alignment you can’t manufacture later.

Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler—two names that have become almost inseparable—have been building together for years. Their first collaboration, Fruitvale Station, marked the beginning of a creative partnership that has only grown stronger over time. Since then, their work—from Creed to Sinners—has shown what’s possible when two people commit to evolving together. Their consistency, their understanding of each other’s rhythm and values, is what allows them to create with ease and intention.

If you listen to the Crea8torium podcast as much as I do, you’ve probably heard Salem and Adora emphasize the importance of collaboration—especially with your peers. It’s exciting to create with big names in the industry, but there’s something uniquely powerful about building with people who are still figuring it out, just like you. There’s an easier flow of ideas, a freedom to experiment, and far less pressure to be perfect. And in that space, you’re not just creating better work—you’re building confidence, sharpening your voice, and learning how to trust the process, not just the outcome.

But more than just collaborating with peers, it’s important to work with your peers who understand the vision—who see where you’re going and are willing to walk that road with you. Friends who share your ethics and principles about work and life. Because there will be clashes, disagreements, and moments of disappointment, but beyond all that, the focus should always be: how do we keep the vision alive?

So before you send another DM to that “big” creator who has ignored your last 42 messages, pitch the idea to your people. Ask for their perspective. Invite them to build that project with you. I think we don’t give our creative friends enough credit—what they come up with might just be the breakthrough you’ve been searching for.

Share with your creative bestie.

P.S.: This is me being shameless. If you ever want us work together on something, send me a message. And if I happen to message you and you ignore… 🔪🔪🔪 (Just kidding 😈)