True North Creative

09/29/2025

This past weekend, I had the honor of capturing a powerful story of transformation for Tower of Hope Ministries.

What you see in these stills is a glimpse — quiet moments, strong women, and a ministry that truly shows up.

But what you don’t see is just as important:
✦ The raw emotions shared around the table.
✦ The healing that’s starting to take root.
✦ The kind of hope that doesn’t shout — it just shows up, again and again.

Tower of Hope isn’t just helping women with trauma — they’re walking with them, guiding them, restoring them.

I can’t wait to share the full story. It’s one of those projects that reminds me why I do what I do.

09/25/2025

I almost didn’t post this episode.

Not because the message wasn’t good. In fact, I believe it’s one of the most important things small businesses and nonprofits need to hear: “You’re not invisible because your work is bad. You’re invisible because your story isn’t clear.”

But still, I hesitated.
I thought, “Is the lighting good enough? Should I re-edit the intro? Will people even care?”

The truth? I needed to take my own advice:
Done is better than perfect.

If we wait for perfect, we never post. If we never post, we stay invisible.

09/23/2025

Big production in a little space.

Recording today with Amy K Nunn

09/19/2025

The raw footage? Flat. Muted. Lacking emotion.
The final image? Full of life. Honest. Intentional.

This is the power of color grading — the invisible storyteller. It’s not about making things “look pretty.” It’s about guiding your audience’s emotions, helping them feel what the story is saying before the words are spoken.

What the camera captures is just the beginning. What you see is carefully crafted to reflect the heart of the message.

Because in storytelling, every frame speaks. And color is its own language.

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🧠 Pro tip: If your video feels off but you can’t put your finger on why — it might be the grade.

🎯 Want your brand story to look AND feel next-level? Let’s talk → https://truenorthcreativestl.com/letsgo/

09/19/2025

Some times the weather is just right that it feels wrong to not take advantage and film outside

09/15/2025

“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” – Simon Sinek
💡 Storytelling isn’t a tactic — it’s your brand’s belief in action.
Start every piece of content by asking:

09/13/2025

🚗 SHIFT isn’t just about fixing cars — it’s about changing lives.
Joe thought he’d follow in the footsteps of his pastor father and grandfather. But it turns out, his pulpit would be a garage — not a stage. SHIFT Garage started as a humble side project and grew into a city-wide ministry serving people in real need.

This is what purpose in action looks like. And this is why we tell stories. 👇

📩 DM us to explore how storytelling could elevate your purpose-driven brand.

09/06/2025

Your brand story isn’t boring — it’s just too vague, too safe, or too forgettable. 😬

In our newest blog, we reveal 5 keys that make a brand story unforgettable — the kind that builds trust, sparks emotion, and drives action:
1. Be specific, not generic
2. Show, don’t just tell
3. Lead with emotion
4. Reflect your values
5. Let your story live beyond the video

If your brand story isn’t landing like it should… this post is for you.

💻 Read the full breakdown → https://truenorthcreativestl.com/blog/what-makes-a-brand-story-unforgettable/
🧭 Ready to tell your story with confidence? Let’s talk → https://www.truenorthcreativestl.com/contact

09/05/2025

What makes a brand story great?

Here’s a hint: it’s not just telling your timeline or listing services.

In this episode, I break down 5 traits that turn an ordinary story into one that connects, resonates, and sticks — the kind people remember (and share). 👇

🎯 Be specific, not generic
🎯 Show real moments, don’t just narrate
🎯 Lead with emotion — not just features
🎯 Reflect your values
🎯 Let your story live beyond the video

If you’ve ever wondered why your message isn’t landing, this one’s for you.

📺 Watch it here: https://youtu.be/SinhFJNOhVI
💬 After you watch, tell me — which principle are you going to apply this week?

09/04/2025

🎬 “I’ve learned more about life on the dance floor than anywhere else.”
This 750 Brand Story from Inertia isn’t just about dance — it’s about community, resilience, and growing up with a passion that shapes who you are. Watch how one student’s story shows us the power of movement, mentorship, and meaning.

This is why storytelling matters. It builds connection. It invites emotion. And it reminds people why you do what you do.

09/03/2025

Ever wonder what makes light "look" good on camera?

In this simple test, I used a LEGO figure as my “actor” and a desk lamp as my “sun.”
The result? Harsh shadows. Harsh highlights. The classic hard light look.

Then I added a paper towel in front of the light.
One simple layer = softer shadows, smoother skin tones, and a whole different feel.

🧠 Here’s the lesson:
It’s not about brightness — it’s about how big your light is (and how soft you make it).
Even something as basic as a white sheet or a paper towel can turn sunlight into soft, emotional storytelling.

But here’s the catch:
👉 Not every story needs soft light.
Hard light can be powerful, dramatic, raw — if that’s what your story calls for.

🎬 So ask yourself before hitting record:
What emotion do I want my lighting to communicate?

Because light isn’t just technical — it’s emotional.

09/02/2025

Most business videos look good… but don’t do anything.

Why?

Because they focus on features, not feelings.
Logos over lives. Scripts over stories.

If your video isn’t connecting, converting, or even getting watched — this is the blog you need to read.

📖 Learn why business videos fail and how to flip the script using story-first content:
👉 https://truenorthcreativestl.com/blog/why-most-business-videos-dont-work/

Most business videos don’t connect — not because they’re poorly made, but because they ignore storytelling.