You didn’t grow a following just to sell someone else’s dream.
For years, brand deals have been the holy grail of creator monetization. But what happens when the products you’re paid to promote don’t reflect your values—or your audience’s needs?
This is the silent tension so many creators face: You want to earn a living from your content… but not at the cost of your authenticity.
Because while a brand deal might pay the bills today, it won’t build your brand tomorrow.
The good news? There’s a new path emerging—one where creators aren’t just collaborating with brands. They’re becoming the brand.
And it starts with owning what you sell.
Brand Deals Come with Trade-Offs
Brand deals are still widely seen as the default strategy for making money as a creator. But a growing number of creators are stepping back and asking: What’s the long game here?
They’re discovering that brand partnerships often mean trading creative control for a paycheck—and that’s a hard trade to make over and over again.
But let’s be clear: brand partnerships aren’t inherently bad. For many creators, they’re an essential part of their income. But they also come with challenges that can’t be ignored:
- Lack of alignment: Creators are often asked to promote products they don’t use or support. Audiences can sense it—and trust suffers.
- Limited control: Brands usually dictate messaging, visuals, and timelines, leaving little room for authentic storytelling.
- Burnout and inconsistency: Brand deals are unpredictable and dependent on external approval, leaving creators with income that’s inconsistent and out of their control.
According to a 2023 survey by EnTribe, 85% of consumers trust user-generated content over traditional influencer posts. If creators want to build lasting loyalty, trust is the currency—and forced brand deals often come at a steep cost.
The New Creator Mindset: Ownership Over Sponsorship
Creators are done building someone else’s business.
Now, they want to build their own.
That’s where Amaze comes in.
Amaze gives creators the tools to design, brand, and sell their own products—from clothing to digital downloads—without needing to be logistics or supply chain experts. Creators get to choose what they sell, how it looks, and how they present it to their audience.
With Amaze, creators can:
- Monetize their audience on their own terms
No approvals. No awkward sponsored posts. Just products they believe in. - Build long-term brand equity
Every sale grows their business—not someone else’s. - Stay aligned with their values
Whether it’s aesthetic, sustainability, or niche community appeal—the product is theirs.
Thanks to Amaze’s global fulfillment network, creators can launch wherever their audience lives. Tariffs? Import issues? Logistics nightmares? Already handled. That’s a big deal in a world where the rules of commerce can change overnight.
Creators Want Freedom—Not Just Followers
This isn’t a takedown of brand deals. It’s a wake-up call.
Creators don’t need to wait for a campaign brief or pray for a partnership. They can build something of their own—something that lasts.
At Amaze, we’re here for the creators who want full control:
- Of their brand
- Of their business
- Of their future
Because the best product a creator can promote is one they actually made.
Sign up for a Spring by Amaze account here and start launching your own products today!
