Written in partnership with Kody Boye
Image credit: Amy Oraefo
Amy Oraefo, Esq. is a dynamic force in the world of entertainment law, combining her legal expertise with a deep passion for the arts. As the Principal Attorney of Amy Oraefo, P.C., a BoutiqueLaw Firm and the Owner/CEO of Creative Passport, LLC, she has carved a unique niche for herself, advocating for the rights and growth of creatives globally.
Amy’s goal is to equip creatives with the knowledge and resources necessary to protect their work and succeed in their fields. Learn more about her work in this brief interview with Amy.
Amy, your work with Creative Passport is groundbreaking in the way it combines legal and business advocacy with support for creatives. Can you tell us more about what motivated you to start Creative Passport and how your background influenced this decision?
“The inspiration for Creative Passport came from a blend of personal passion and professional purpose. When I ventured into law, I noticed a significant gap in the artistic community—a need for dedicated advocacy, empowerment, and support. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the struggles creatives face in protecting their talents and intellectual property while also striving to build wealth. This realization drove me to create a platform where creatives could find the advocacy and community they need to thrive in the entertainment industry.”
Intellectual property protection is a crucial aspect of your work with creatives. Can you elaborate on the specific strategies and tools you use to help creatives safeguard their ideas and work from unauthorized use?
“I assist creatives by educating them about intellectual property (IP) protection. This includes guidance on copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. Registering their IP, where applicable, provides robust protection. My goal is to educate and empower creatives with the knowledge and tools to effectively safeguard their intellectual property”.
Your Nigerian-American heritage is a unique aspect of your identity. How has this cultural background influenced your approach to your career in entertainment law and your work with a diverse range of clients?
“The duality of my cultures makes me sensitive to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by creatives from different cultural backgrounds. It has also given me a global mindset, fostering an inclusive and strategic approach to entertainment law and advocacy. My heritage helps me connect with a wide range of creatives, addressing their needs in a culturally competent way”.
Creative Passport offers a coaching platform for new creatives, particularly musicians, podcasters, and brand ambassadors. Could you describe the kinds of support and resources your platform provides to help emerging musicians, podcasters, and brand ambassadors maximize their potential and maintain creative control?
“The Creative Passport platform offers resources and a community tailored to the needs of musicians, podcasters, and brand ambassadors. We help them maximize the value of their content, minimize restrictions on creative output, and maintain control over the distribution and production of their content . The platform also fosters a supportive community where creatives can share insights and learn from each other, positioning their respective content for success and sustainable growth”.
Musicians, podcasters, and influencers often face unique branding challenges. How does Creative Passport help these creatives grow their brands and navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry?
“Creative Passport offers a range of courses and resources to empower musicians, music producers, podcasters, and brand ambassadors. We provide resources and an online community for networking and collaboration. This comprehensive support helps creatives develop their skills, protect their work, and grow their brands effectively”.
With your extensive experience, you’ve gained a global perspective on entertainment law. How has this international outlook influenced your work with clients and shaped your approach to navigating the legal complexities of the entertainment industry?
“I represent clients involved in international projects, navigating different legal systems and cultural nuances. The evolving media and entertainment industries, including new media forms and streaming platforms, require an adaptive legal approach. My expertise in handling these global complexities is invaluable in protecting my clients’ interests and shaping the industry’s future”.
Building a strong personal brand is essential for creatives. What specific steps and strategies would you recommend to creatives looking to establish and grow their brands in today’s competitive market?
“To build a strong brand, creatives should define their niche and create a compelling online presence. Producing valuable content, networking effectively, and embracing authenticity are key. Consistency in messaging, maintaining visual cohesion, understanding the target audience, and building intentional relationships are also crucial. Patience and persistence are important for establishing a lasting brand”.
Scaling a service-based business can be particularly challenging. Can you discuss the strategies you’ve used to scale your business and the key lessons you’ve learned along the way?
“Scaling a service-based business involves standardizing processes, leveraging technology, expanding service offerings, hiring and training talent, and focusing on client relationships. Investing in marketing and managing finances wisely are also important. Throughout this process, I’ve learned the importance of strategic planning, adaptability, and maintaining service quality while growing”.
Many new business owners make common mistakes when starting out. Based on your experience, what are some of these common pitfalls and how can new entrepreneurs avoid them to ensure sustainable growth?
“Some of the common mistakes include not having a business plan, underpricing services, trying to handle everything themselves, making unnecessary investments, and expanding too quickly. To avoid these, it’s crucial to create a detailed business plan, conduct market research for pricing, delegate responsibilities, prioritize investments, and plan for expansion carefully. Learning from these mistakes helps new business owners achieve sustainable growth”.
You’ve worked with many creatives and helped them succeed. What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your work in helping creatives realize their potential and achieve their goals?
“It’s fulfilling to know that I played a part in their journey, helping them realize their creative visions. Seeing their hard work pay off and knowing I contributed to their success brings immense satisfaction”.
Looking ahead, what new projects or plans do you have for Creative Passport this year, and how do you envision the future of your platform evolving to support creatives even more effectively?
“This year, Creative Passport launched a platform to empower musicians, music producers, podcasters, and brand ambassadors. We offer ebooks, insights, and strategies to help creatives succeed. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our network, provide more resources, and introduce new features to support creatives further”.
Unlock your creative potential with Creative Passport. Join today for a supportive community and insightful resources. Protect your work and thrive in the entertainment industry. Join now!
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.