Freelancer Spotlight: Dami Odubona, founder of KNWN Creatives
Celebrating National Freelancer Day with a special Freelancer Spotlight from KNWN Creatives founder Dami Odubona and the thriving community he's built
Our Freelancer Spotlight series is designed to help promote the great work that creative freelancers do and provide a platform for them to share their insights and experiences in the sector.
If you would like to feature in our âFreelancer Spotlightâ series, click the button below to answer our 'Spotlight' questions.
From Corporate to Creative: The Power of Community in Freelancing
In an era where traditional career paths are being redefined, the journey from corporate security to freelance freedom has become increasingly common. Yet for many creatives, this transition can feel isolating and overwhelming. Enter Dami Odubona, whose story exemplifies how building genuine community can transform the freelancing experience from a solitary struggle into a collective triumph.
Breaking Free from Corporate Constraints
Dami's journey began in the familiar territory of corporate IT project management, where he spent years contracting within established frameworks. But his heart was always drawn elsewhere.
"Art, fashion and photography are one of my close hobbies and interests, so I'm happy and very motivated to work on different creative projects that interest me," he explains.
The leap from corporate to creative wasn't just about changing industries, it was about pursuing passion over predictability. As a Creative Project Manager, Dami has since worked with heavyweight names including Burna Boy, Davido, The FA, and managed stage production for Davido's sold-out Timeless Concert at London's 20,000-capacity O2 Arena in 2024.
His philosophy? "Creatives are the new athletes", a motto that captures the agility, dedication and performance required in today's creative landscape.
The Loneliness Problem in Creative Freelancing
The transition from corporate structure to freelance flexibility often comes with an unexpected challenge: isolation. "Yes, I agree the creative space sometimes can be liberating and lonely," Dami acknowledges. This sentiment resonates throughout the creative community, where talented individuals often find themselves working in silos, disconnected from peers who understand their unique challenges.
For KNWN Creatives member, photographer Kate Vice, community serves a dual purpose:
"It offers support from your peers who understand your struggles and frustrations but also celebrate your wins as well."
This understanding becomes crucial when navigating the unpredictable nature of creative work, where feast or famine cycles are common and self-doubt can creep in during quiet periods.
Dismantling Creative Gatekeeping
What motivated Dami to establish KNWN Creatives wasn't just personal loneliness, it was recognising systemic barriers within the creative industry.
"When I began working & building my network within the creative space, I quickly realised that there was and still currently a lot of gatekeeping/ gatekeepers, with so many unnecessary barriers that makes it extremely difficult to navigate/penetrate through the creative space successfully."
This observation strikes at the heart of why many talented creatives struggle to breakthrough. As Kate Vice puts it, "KNWN's community breaks down the gate keeping that so often excludes talented people from opportunities that they deserve to receive. By pooling our contacts and expertise we're rebelling against a system designed to work for a small section of society."
The KNWN Difference: Information as Liberation
With close to 200 members and counting, what sets KNWN Creatives apart from other networking groups is its approach to information democratisation. Rather than creating another exclusive club, Dami built "a creative information hub where our KNWN Members are able to gain access to free events, opportunities, freelance work, finance & bursaries etc within one platform."
This centralised approach addresses a critical pain point for freelancers: information overload and uncertainty about where to find legitimate opportunities.
"There is so much creative information out there that sometimes as a creative you don't know where to look or who to ask," Dami notes.
"This constraint has lead to some creatives missing out on various creative opportunities."
Real Results: Community in Action
The proof of KNWN's impact lies in its members' success stories. Photographer Makuochukwu Nwajagu credits the community with providing:
"many amazing opportunities: whether it's constantly meeting and taking pictures of celebrities like Erykah Badu and Little Simz or having my work posted on magazines such as Deeds and Complex."
For Management consultancy CEO Amaka, the networking possibilities have been transformative:
"The opportunities that have stemmed from being part of a community have been limitless and extremely prosperous... Without KNWN club, my network would not have grown exponentially."
Photographer Vitoria Ribeiro emphasises the reciprocal nature of community building:
"Being part of a creative community is great, but you have to be willing to put yourself out there in order to reap the benefits."
Her approach of attending multiple events weekly after leaving her full-time role demonstrates the active engagement required to maximise community benefits.
For Fashion Creative and Brand Owner Jabaar, being part of a vibrant community of creatives has been invaluable in providing support, citing:
âBeing a part of KNWN Creatives has been such a great support in my journey as a brand owner and fashion influencer. Itâs given me access to events, opportunities, and a like-minded community that inspires me to grow PearlPul and push my creativity furtherâ.
The Authenticity Factor
In an age where "community" has become a buzzword for brands selling products, KNWN's approach stands out for its authenticity. Kate Vice observes, "So many brands are cynically adopting the term 'community' as a way to sell their product, which only exacerbates the feeling of hollowness and disconnection... By creating an actual, tangible community KNWN is providing the members with the genuine feeling of belonging and support we're all craving."
This authenticity manifests in real relationships and mutual support. As production manager Shade Esther Grace notes:
"Since being in KNWN Club I have connected with so many people in the community, people who have the same mindset and goals."
Practical Wisdom for Aspiring Freelancers
KNWN's expansion plans reflect the universal need for creative community.
"We want to expand into new territories, region and communities as we recognise the creative space is a global industry," Dami explains.
This vision acknowledges that creative challenges and solutions transcend geographical boundaries.
The Collective Rise
As we celebrate National Freelancer Day, Dami's story and the KNWN community remind us that the freelance journey doesn't have to be solitary. The transition from corporate to creative is challenging enough without facing it alone.
Photographer Kate Vice captures this sentiment perfectly: "Together we rise." In an industry where talent often goes unrecognised due to lack of connections, communities like KNWN prove that when creatives support each other, everyone benefits.
The future of freelancing isn't just about individual success; it's about collective elevation. By breaking down barriers, sharing opportunities and providing genuine support, creative communities are reshaping how we think about career growth and professional relationships.
For those considering the leap from corporate to creative freelancing, the message is clear: find your tribe, contribute authentically and remember that in the creative economy, community isn't just nice to have, it's essential for survival and success.
Dami Odubona continues to expand KNWN Creatives through networking events, social gatherings, and Ted Talks, building bridges between talented creatives and the opportunities they deserve. To learn more about KNWN Creatives, follow their journey on social media.
If you would like to feature in our âFreelancer Spotlightâ series, click the button below to answer our 'Spotlight' questions.
Written by
Faith Mafullul
Growth Manager
Latest posts
Get a free quote now
Your craft deserves the best protection. With Mode Insurance, you're not just getting coverage -Â you're gaining a partner who understands and supports your creative journey.