This is something I have often wondered.  I’m going into my 10th year as a mentor at Stanford University, and 8th as a mentor at their accelerator StartX, which has given me a glimpse into hundreds of startup concepts. Without exaggeration, I would say that 99% of these businesses don’t consider creative until the question, “we built it, but how do we market it?” Why is creative the afterthought, when it should be a part of the company DNA? A few observations I have had over the years:...

I'm writing this between browsing job postings on LinkedIn.  Over a year ago I left my job as founding Creative Director at Paragon FX Group, a collectibles startup focused on the growing adult collector market.  I wasn’t laid off or downsized, and I didn’t leave for a new opportunity. I simply quit. I needed a break after managing my mother’s physical and mental deterioration, her passing, and her estate. I was tired. Burnt out. The plan was to take a few months off and return refreshed. But...

What makes a product desirable? It’s not just design. Not just features. Not even price. It’s the story . Whether it’s a lightsaber...