TEENBIZ Ivan i Lukas

Guest Ivan i LukasHosted by Noa NikolićMay 3, 2026

Ivan i Lukas

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

For young people entering creative fields, the path often seems to demand a choice: formal education or self-taught hustle. But what if the real answer lies in a blend of both, constantly adapting to a market that values versatility and genuine connection? This episode explores that evolving landscape through the experiences of two young Croatian creatives: Ivan Mihaljević, a 20-year-old photographer and videographer who taught himself the craft, and Lukas Denkovski, a 16-year-old drummer with formal musical training. They discuss navigating early careers, building a reputation, and the surprising skills that prove most valuable. Their conversation offers a glimpse into how a new generation is defining success in industries where passion meets practicality.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Ivan, having learned his photography and video production skills independently online, notes that formal education at an academy would primarily offer networking and discipline, not technical knowledge. When core technical skills are freely available and self-teachable, the primary value of formal institutions shifts to providing connections and structured environments.

Lukas, despite his formal classical music training and considering a career in a symphony orchestra, is also actively exploring university paths in economics or law. Even with a clear artistic passion, young creatives often maintain diverse academic and career options, recognizing the practicalities of earning a living solely from art.

Ivan describes his early career growth not through large projects, but by accumulating small jobs, building client trust, and securing recommendations. In creative fields, the initial paradox of needing experience to get work is best overcome by consistently delivering on smaller tasks, letting client loyalty and word-of-mouth drive expansion.

Ivan believes that in today's creative market, there is "no future if you concentrate on only one point" (budućnosti nema, ako se skoncentrirati na samo jednu jednu točku). He argues that success demands a "complete person who can do everything" (potpune osobe koje mogu odraditi sve), such as offering both photography and video services. Narrow specialization in creative fields risks obsolescence; versatility and a broad skill set are now essential.

Lukas recounts how his drum teacher noted his "talent for rhythm," but Lukas himself emphasizes that "practice and continuity are more important" (bitnija ta vježba i kontinuiranost). While an initial aptitude can open doors, consistent, disciplined practice is more critical for developing and sustaining high-level skills than raw talent alone.

Ivan explains that when starting out, the principle of "you get what you pay for" (koliko para, toliko muzike) works both ways: clients won't pay top dollar for inexperience, but those smaller, lower-paying jobs are the essential first steps to building a portfolio and reputation.

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