Ep 179: Defining the Creator: Artist, Influencer, or Marketer

In this episode of Paper Talk Podcast, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim sit down with Francis Zierer of Creator Spotlight to explore one of the most fascinating questions in today’s digital world: What is a creator?

Francis shares how his definition has evolved, drawing from his work at Beehive and hundreds of interviews with creators across industries. Together, we explore the blurred lines between artist, influencer, and marketer, and why understanding these labels matters for personal identity and business growth.

“My definition of a creator is someone who creates digital media, grows an audience beyond who they know in real life, and monetizes that work in some way.” - Francis Zierer

Here's What You'll Hear in this Episode: 

• Francis’s three-part definition of a creator: create, grow, sell.

• Why newsletters are the most powerful owned platform.

• How marketing skills are essential for creators today.

• The difference between content creation and influence.
• Personal reflections from Sara, Jessie, and Quynh on how they identify in their own businesses.

Whether you’re an artist, influencer, or entrepreneur, this conversation will give you clarity on how to position yourself in the creator economy.

Learn more about Francis:

Francis Zierer is a writer, podcaster, and researcher covering the creator economy.

He is the editor of Creator Spotlight, beehiiv's newsletter and podcast cataloguing how creator businesses grow and monetize — from independent, newsletter-based journalists to lifestyle YouTubers to the strategists and entrepreneurs serving them all.

Alongside Dirt Media's Daisy Alioto, he is also a co-host of Tasteland, a podcast featuring creative takes on media, marketing, and technology.

👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

• Quynh: Uni-ball One P

  Jessie: Little Hotties Hand Warmers

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If you’ve been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.