Justin Barker
Producer / Content Strategist / Founder of The Most
San Francisco, CA
www.justinbarker.work
instagram @justinbarkertv
substack @themost
Q What do you do?
“I led original programming andprojects from development to talent recruitment through launch, working hand in hand with external partners and cross-functional teams to shape the slate of multimedia originals, live events, and projects that require a compassionate leader with an entrepreneurial spirit. ”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
For the past ten years, I've been building original education content for the creatives at CreativeLive and Skillshare. Before that, I had a blast traveling the world as a director and producer, working on TV shows, documentaries, and various video projects for companies and non-profits.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I'm a blend of creativity and strategy, cooking up clever content strategies and guiding teams through them! My storytelling instincts are on point, and I'm known for being a people person—partners enjoy teaming up with me. With over 1500 hours of live event and broadcasting experience, I've learned how to handle everyday creative challenges while keeping an eye on the bigger picture
Q What are you working on right now?
I just launched the first-ever kids TV show and podcast on Substack.
Q What’s your style?
Part of the value I bring to projects, is to deeply get to know the audience and develop the style, form and concept to meet them where they are. I do this through extensive research and taste-making.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I really like producing events ( both in-person and hybrid) and I can created an online education strategy in my sleep. I am game to continue working in these fields, but my real passion and where I'd like to focus is creating kids media!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I decided to make a podcast with my 4-year-old --- trying to stick with a regular content schedule on his terms has been humbling.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I'd hire a copywriter and editor! I am constantly in writing mode these days and it would be helpful to have someone to bounce ideas and big long blocks of text off of!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would of tell my 11 year old self -- hiding from middle school bullies in the library at lunchtime that everything was going to be ok and just enjoy all there is to learn in books!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am ready to build a content strategies and source talent partners for events or original content slates.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Making content that is the product instead of making marketing content for a product. Skillshare was a great client. What started as an individual project, turned into a contract and then full-time job, where I ended up leading the orginal productions team. I really enjoy creating content that included a partner creator that requires a solid collaboration.
Q What is your rate?
I like working with companies of any size who have established budgets.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Check out my work at www.justinbarker.work All my contact deets are there ... Please send me an email or text.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Coffee, reading and staying connected with my creative community.
This member profile was originally published in March 2024