Taker | Maker is a community of hand-picked talents on demand with a wealth of industry-vetted social media creators and managers that are always open to create, distribute and promote high-quality content in behalf of your business. It's also a proud Ukrainian company fighting the good fight for freedom. To learn more, we spoke to Founder, Julia Pysmenna.
How was your company born and where are you based?
Back when I was a marketer, finding a content creator in Ukraine was a real challenge. I needed quality content within my deadline and budget. I didn't have time to create context on my own, at the same time I had no budget to work with agencies and productions.
I was asking for recommendations and contacts on Facebook or among my colleagues and friends. It took a lot of time and effort, and I cannot say that I was always happy with the results.
So, I decided to launch Taker | Maker, a web service of hand-picked content creators offering content creation on demand, to help marketing, content, PR managers to find easily creative talents to produce efficient content and promote their business.
On February 24, the life of every Ukrainian changed forever. 50% of our creators were forced to move abroad to be able to continue working. Currently, they are based in the different European countries: France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Italy, Poland.
Others, despite the threat, decided to stay in Ukraine to support their families and each other. Like all brave Ukrainians, our team is ready to work and provide our content creation services. Nothing has changed in that regard.
What was the biggest challenge to the growth of your company?
There are two of them: a constant search for a co-founder and access to international clients.
Which was the first huge success that you can remember?
Our first project for UNICEF. Our creators worked out a concept and series of visuals for the creative campaign of vaccination against COVID-19 for the audience 60+.
What’s the biggest opportunity for you and your company in the next year?
We are launching our web service in the UK. Our goal is to get 100 local clients till the end of the year.
Can you explain your team’s creative process? What makes it unique?
Our secret sauce is a profound analysis of the client's brief and further research of their industry, brand, audience, competition. Therefore, working with a client, our creators turn into their employees.
How does your team remain inspired and motivated?
Keep studying! All our creators adore studying, learning new skills, and gaining knowledge and experience. This is their true obsession.
How has COVID-19 affected your company?
It was honestly our finest hour! Finally, freelancers became in high demand in Ukraine.
Which agencies do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
I get inspired by our content creators, of course. As for agencies, I follow isdgroup, Spiilka, Bickerstaff and Ozero.
What is one tip that you would give to other agencies looking to grow?
Always go the extra mile!
How do you go about finding new clients/business? (Pitching, work with retainers, etc.)
Actually, we do all these boring things every day: participating in industry events, improving our portfolio, networking, managing our social media, contacting prospects on LinkedIn and creative platforms.
What’s your one big hope for the future of the industry?
I'm really worried about ageism in the creative industries. This is the one thing that I would love to change and even eliminate.
Do you have any websites, books or resources that you would recommend?
Everything is Negotiable by Gavin Kennedy, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown, Delivering Happiness. A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh.
