Inspiration

Q:

Where do creative directors, art buyers, etc., look for new talent? I would appreciate any advice I can get. 

A:

The business of photography depends on who sees our images; we have to find every potential method to put ourselves out there. Depending on the type of photographer you are, we have some really good options these days, like Komyoon, Workbook, At-Edge, Blvd, Behance, PhotoPolitic, LeBook, Production Paradise, Found, and Wonderful Machine. They all have a different vibe, go through them and see where you fit best. I suggest asking clients you want to work with where they look for new talent. After you give one of these a try, you can optimize your website for SEO and use Google Analytics to see where the traffic is coming from. It’s a timely process with no easy answer, but if you pay attention to your analytics, you can see what works for you. 

A bit of a personal share, as one major part of my representing world is two other reps with whom I have weekly check-in chats for many years now. I never thought I’d be able to trust others in our business, as I was warned against it. Well, I gotta say this is what gets me through. Not feeling alone in this business may be crossing a risky line, but it may be well worth the investment. 🩷 @bigleoproductions @poppycreative

New business ideas don’t always need to be specifically calculated; sometimes, we can let them brew just by setting our sights on who we want to be and what we have to offer. New ideas take some time, just by shifting our attitude of openness. Tell us, what is working for you, and where do you want to take this next year in your business?

What’s it like to take a holiday from all those business thoughts we constantly stir around? 

Is it as simple as “taking a holiday”? Sometimes it’s all about knowing when to stop the thoughts and let the business shifts steer themselves. Share with us: what would you like to focus on?

What are you thankful for in your work world? What is working/flowing well with your career? Maybe it’s about what ‘is flowing’ that we follow and grow towards in this next stage. Comment here on what you are thankful for in your career these days! 

Our business used to have closed doors to anyone not on the upper levels of their career, but these days, doors are open to fresh thinkers. It’s changed, and experience is not the number one requirement anymore; new solutions are the name of the game. Get yourself out there with YOUNG THINKING in our new world! 

Be thankful for what you do for a living. Your job is to stay in your creative zone. 

How lucky are we?

Ask for help and delegate. If there’s something you don’t know how to do, Google it, search forums, ask a colleague, or reach out to an expert in the field. You’ll be surprised by how many people are willing to help. There is an abundance of resources at your fingertips.

“Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It’s the person who gets our of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference.”

-Nolan Bushnell, Atari