Oluseyi Magic to Creatives: ‘Work harder on yourself than on your job’

“Work harder on yourself than you do on your job.” With those words, RareMagic Academy founder, Oluseyi (Magic) Adegeye, set the tone at MagicMind Live — a one-day creative and business gathering held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.

The event, attended by hundreds of photographers, videographers, and creatives from across Lagos and beyond, featured a blend of keynote teachings and thought-provoking sessions. Alongside Magic, industry greats like Kelechi Amadi-Obi and Felix Crown shared their journeys, offering a rare mix of inspiration and practical business wisdom.

For Magic, however, the focus was clear: creatives must cultivate the discipline and personal growth necessary to match their technical skill. “It’s about self-concept, self-discipline, and self-esteem,” he told the audience. “Anything self-related is the way to money and success.”

He warned against the obsession with trends and popularity on social media. “I’ve built businesses that don’t even have Instagram pages, yet they thrive — because principles, not platforms, sustain growth,” he explained.

The diverse audience of young photographers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and creative professionals resonated deeply with his words. One participant described the session as a “mind reset,” noting that for the first time, they were challenged to measure growth not in likes or followers but in personal excellence and structured business systems.

As the sessions closed, the message was unmistakable: in an era dominated by algorithms and fleeting trends, Magic’s call to become rather than merely do left attendees with a vision of creativity anchored in self-mastery, discipline, and long-term impact.