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.
Success as a photographer requires a long-term plan of constantly “growing with the flow”. The busy shoot days come and go and so do the trends of our market. Your business is not about this month; it’s about putting in the right attitude to stay fresh until you retire.
Don’t forget to invest in your career.
What do you do if you are in a SLUMP? In a creative slump, take the pressure off by knowing it’s really normal. You can’t be your artistically motivated self every day. Learn or experience something new to get the inspiration back. Delegate something that you don’t want to do yourself. Ask yourself why you became a photographer and do what feeds that same interest you had back then.
I had a Clubhouse room discussing what to do if you feel like you’re in a slump. There are two types of slumps: when work is slow and when creativity feels blocked. Today, we’ll focus on creativity.
First, take off the pressure. It’s normal to not feel motivated every day; it’s part of the job. Reducing this pressure can really help. Next, try something new. Step out of your routine—go to a movie, book time at a café, or read a book at a theater. Doing something different might spark artistic inspiration.
If you have tasks hanging over you that you dislike, such as bookkeeping, organizing files, or managing hard drives, consider delegating them. Hire an assistant, enlist an intern, or ask for help. You don’t have to do everything yourself.
Remember why you became a photographer. Reflect on who you were back then and what fueled your passion. Find activities or experiences that remind you of that initial excitement and passion. Even if it’s hard to see right now, reconnecting with that true, passionate place can enrich your life. Go find it.
In the directing world, spec work is a way to break in. In photography, would you recommend photographing specific brands on spec to build your portfolio, or using no brands whatsoever?
In the photo world, clients want to see your overall style match their brand. Build your portfolio to show the look and feel your favorite clients cater to, and use this “spec” concept to incorporate the products your ideal clients will need to see. If you want to get beer campaigns, put in some cans or bottles and show off how your shiny condensation skills fit your cohesive vibe. Displaying the type of product is more important than the specific brand of the product.
