We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ian Ward a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ian, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Honestly, I didn’t find my purpose like it was some one-time “aha” moment. It’s been more of a process of creating it—trial by fire, chasing what lights me up, then figuring out how to build something sustainable around it.
For me, it started with music. I’ve always known I’m supposed to create, perform, and move people—but it wasn’t until I started combining all the different things I love (songwriting, theatre, business, helping other creatives) that it really started to feel like a purpose, not just a passion.
Now it’s about more than just making music—I’m building something that helps other artists rise too. That alignment between who I am, what I create, and who I help… that’s when it clicked.
So yeah—less like “I found my purpose one day,” and more like I’m living into it, piece by piece.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hey y’all—I’m Ian. I’m an artist, songwriter, performer, and founder of Hitmaker Collective, a creative company helping songwriters finish better songs and actually make money from their music. I also release my own music and perform a live show called Just Release It, which blends original music, musical theatre, comedy, storytelling, and the wild energy of live performance.
What excites me most is the intersection of art, impact, and momentum—taking an idea and turning it into something that moves people. Whether I’m in the studio, onstage, or helping other artists build careers they’re proud of, I’m always looking for that spark that makes something real.
I’ve got a lot in motion right now. I’m working on an ambitious music release schedule—eight singles, video content, live salon shows, merch drops, and a whole fan journey that’s actually personal. I’m also building out Outward Studios, a done-for-you service where we take one of a songwriter’s best songs and give it the full rollout—production, branding, marketing, and a live show release event.
On more of the industry side, I’m excited to have started Mutual Street Entertainment, which is helping build strategic support around entertainment properites. It feels like the right time, the right team, and the right art is happening.
At the core of all this, I just believe in releasing your gifts into the world—loudly, boldly, and without apology. That’s what I’m doing with my art, my business, and my collaborators. If you’re a fan of honest music, genre-bending shows, or you’re an artist looking to level up, let’s connect.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think the three most impactful things in my journey have been:
1. Relentless follow-through.
Ideas are everywhere—but finishing, shipping, and showing up consistently is what builds real momentum. The biggest wins in my life have come from staying in motion even when I didn’t feel ready.
Advice: Start finishing things. Even if they’re messy. Completion builds confidence—and confidence builds clarity.
2. Creative versatility.
Being able to move between songwriting, performing, business, and mentoring has opened so many doors. The more skills I sharpened, the more leverage I gained.
Advice: Pick a primary skill, master it—but stay curious about adjacent lanes. You never know what will unlock your next opportunity.
3. Emotional resilience.
This path is not linear. There have been highs, lows, and plenty of quiet seasons in between. Learning to ride the waves without giving up on my vision was huge.
Advice: Don’t tie your worth to your wins. Build a support system, stay grounded in your why, and be stubborn in the direction you’re heading.
If you’re early in your journey, my biggest encouragement is this: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being in motion. Keep creating. Keep releasing. Keep learning. The breakthroughs come to those who refuse to stall.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I’ve had a lot of amazing people help me along the way, but if I had to narrow it down, I’d say it’s been a mix of mentors, close collaborators, and honestly—my family.
There have been a few key mentors who showed up at the exact moment I needed guidance—people who believed in me, challenged me to think bigger, and didn’t let me settle. They didn’t just teach me skills; they helped shift my mindset.
My creative collaborators have also played a huge role. The people I write with, perform with, and build businesses with—those relationships sharpen you in a different way. Iron sharpens iron. They’ve pushed me to be better, more focused, and more honest with my work.
And then there’s my family. They’ve supported me emotionally and, at times, financially so I could pursue this fully. That kind of belief, especially during the uncertain chapters, gave me the foundation to keep going and keep building.
At the end of the day, no one makes it alone. The people in my corner have made all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ianwardoutward.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianwardoutward
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianwardoutward
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ianwardoutward
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
