Ageism is Not about AGE.
Ageism is any age photographer who gets tired, stops pushing the boundaries, and stops testing and exploring.
Younger photographers don’t own the exciting, hot, trending markets, but they often seem more available to lean into newness with an open mind.
Business lulls in the creative field are a part of the norm. What we do with them can help us wake up those creative spurts, feeding the machine and opening new avenues to more unconventional unexpected new ideas. I like to take a step back, change my ways and notice something I didn’t see before.
Photographer’s office hours can be challenging as it’s not exactly what we signed up for. Or is it? “Office hours” keep us plugged into work mode with random actions motivating us to keep going. Have your resources and your people, and reach out to those you want to connect with for no clear-cut reason. Plug yourself into all that keeps the office activated.
Stepping forward is not about knowing the precise direction you are going; it means you are actively advancing.
You are in the trendsetting business of getting hired to help move clients forward. This exploratory motion is the infrastructure of a long-term career in the creative industry.
Don’t let your comfort zones limit your decisions. You are an artist and, in that job definition, means a requirement of experimentation. We are in a business based on broadening out through trial and error, not controlled by what you already know.
Artist = Uncomfortable
HOW TO GET THE JOB:
Be the director the client will hire you to be, from start to finish.
Have your plan in mind and confidently share it as, “This is the way to go,” to achieve their goals.
There is no need to buffer it with safe comments like, “My opinion is…” when you want to be hired as the creative lead carrying out your creative vision.
It’s a New Year.
Business owners, now is the time to step forward with what does work. The more we know can sometimes hold us back. Not being experienced in something cannot guide the business model. Now is the time to jump into what ‘really matters’ by doing what we don’t already know.
As business owners, we are responsible for scheduling time to refuel.
The long-term game plan of a quiet mind creates the metal space to hear new ideas.
Take this job requirement “business” holiday as the tool to clear the path of where you want to go.
What became clear to you as your reset from this unstable last year of our lives?
Happy Thanksgiving 2021!
We are in business that requires a continuous flow of fresh vibes! Clients hire you for your IDEAS skillset; show them you are a non-stop source generating new ideas. Take note of how your ideas come alive, pinpoint what works, and schedule more of this into your routine.
The business we are in requires new ideas; we have to stay fresh. I keep emphasizing this, but how do we stay fresh and generate ideas? Everyone is different, so figure out what works best for you. For me, it’s in the morning when I have a lot of energy and when I talk on the phone with my support staff. We trigger each other’s ideas and flow of thoughts.
What works for you? Do you go mountain biking, rock climbing, or meditate? Do you use a sketchbook to jot down ideas or visit mood board websites? Consider how you can track and capture your ideas effectively. Even if you’ve just launched a new campaign or website, you need to continue generating fresh ideas. One successful project doesn’t sustain you indefinitely. Find out how you get your ideas and integrate that into your life and routine.
