The Power of Saying No

When I first started Ryan Glass Productions, I would take anything. I mean anything. I was hungry and eager. I was still figuring it out. Someone could have asked me to film a dog’s birthday party in exchange for a cold sandwich, and I might have done it.

At that time, I wasn’t thinking about worth. I was focused on getting practice. I thought, “If I just keep saying yes, one of these things will open a door.” For a while, that was true. I needed those reps. I needed to mess up, to burn out, and to feel the sting of undercharging while overdelivering. That was my crash course in creative entrepreneurship. It wasn’t pretty, but it was real.

Now, years later, I’ve learned that saying yes to everything is just another way of saying no to yourself.

The Power of Saying No in Creative Work

Let’s talk about saying no. It’s not about bitterness or cynicism. It’s about creative discipline, respect for yourself, and staying in this game for the long haul.

Know Your Worth (Even When It Feels Weird)

This one’s hard because no one teaches you how to price your passion. There’s no rulebook for valuing a service that combines technical skill, creative intuition, years of experience, and emotional labor.

I’ve undercharged many times. I’ve overworked myself. I’ve done 15-hour editing days for just a $500 check. I’ve promised turnarounds that left me stressed, grumpy, and questioning why I started in the first place. Honestly, part of me feared that raising my prices would scare clients away.

But here’s the truth: when you undervalue your time, talent, and boundaries, you teach others to do the same.

Saying no to lowball offers, unrealistic timelines, or disrespectful clients doesn’t make you difficult. It makes you wise. It sends a message: “I care about my work too much to do it halfway.”

Be Selective. Protect Your Peace.

One of the hardest lessons, especially if you’re a people pleaser like me, is that not every client is your client.

Some people just want someone to hold a camera. Others seek a button-pusher or miracle worker who will say yes to every unreasonable request without pushback. That’s not who I am, nor is it what Ryan Glass Productions stands for.

I want to work with people who trust me. I want to partner with those who see storytelling as a collaboration, not just a transaction. It's essential to work with clients who care about craft, clarity, and impact.

When I engage with the right projects, everything flows. I enjoy the process. I show up energized and deliver meaningful work. If I say yes just because I need a check or want to avoid disappointing someone, I usually end up disappointing myself instead.

So now I ask myself: Will this project help me grow? Will it also aid someone else? Will I be proud to showcase this work?

If the answer is no, then it’s a clear "no." Or at least, "not right now."

Always Be Learning

Saying no gives you the time and space to say yes to growth.

I’m not just a videographer. I’m a student of this craft. I constantly watch, read, experiment, and strive to understand the why behind great stories. When I’m not shooting, I’m learning. And when I’m not learning, I’m reflecting. If I’m not reflecting, you can bet I’m probably down a YouTube rabbit hole at 1 AM, lost in topics like lighting or narrative structure.

This isn’t just a job for me. It’s a calling. If I want to do this for the long run—not just for a quick payday—I have to keep leveling up. I have to stay curious, open, and honest about my gaps in knowledge.

That growth doesn’t happen when you’re overwhelmed with projects you don’t care about. It happens when you proactively create space to grow.

Experiment Like a Beginner

You don’t grow if you don’t try unusual things.

Some of my proudest achievements weren’t big-paying jobs; they were experiments—random ideas I pursued for fun. I’ve made vlogs about gardening, created edits without clients attached, and transformed voice memos into storyboards. I followed my instincts just to see where they led.

This kind of freedom to experiment and play is the lifeblood of any creative person. You can’t do that if your calendar is packed with “safe” work.

Saying no to comfort opens the door to creativity. Try something strange. Make something that might fail. That’s where the real magic happens.

Support Other Creators (We're All We’ve Got)

This idea is simple: the industry doesn't need more gatekeepers.

From building my business from scratch, I've realized that we rise by lifting each other up. Share knowledge, send referrals, collaborate, and celebrate fellow creatives. We all start somewhere. Most of us begin with little more than a dream and a camera.

I’m not focused on being the best; I want to improve continually and help others do the same. If my journey can help someone avoid my mistakes or inspire them to keep going, that’s worth more than a viral reel or perfect portfolio.

Let’s aim to be builders—not only of content but also of community.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Freedom of No

Saying no used to intimidate me. Now, it feels liberating.

It’s how I maintain the integrity of my work. It helps me stay sane. Most importantly, it allows me to show up for my clients, my creativity, and myself.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by commitments you never wanted, pause and breathe. Remember: you have the power to choose. You can pivot. You can build something that genuinely reflects you.

This is your reminder from someone who’s been there: saying no is not selfish.

It’s sacred.

And it could be the very thing that saves your spark.

-Ryan

Founder of Ryan Glass Productions