Sometimes, my stuff sucks: Thoughts on being a multi-hyphenate.
Photographer / Videographer / Communication Design / Copy Writer & Blogger / Email Marketing / Social Media & Strategy / Branding / Consulting / Art Direction / Content Management / Experiential Design / Squarespace Website Builder / Shopify Store Manager / Community Manager / Ambassador Programs
Hello — I am a recovering perfectionist and planner. Or maybe just a Virgo.
It all started when I was practical and pursued a design degree. It felt safe because who was going to hire an artist? I indulged in taking every available photography and printmaking course at the University. However, not seeing examples of people being successful as photographers or artists around me, it didn't seem possible. To age myself, Instagram was not a thing.
Over time, by pursuing personal projects, I found myself in an interesting place: getting paid to take photos. And clearly a lot of other ///// things.
And now I am at a phase, where for the first time I am pruning those ///.
So to my fellow slashies, whether creatives/business/owners/marketing/artist/daydreamer…
It is normal to not know the path. Normal to not feel inspired 100% of the time. Normal to wonder where your future leads.
I will be spending the year pursuing new personal projects such as launching a YouTube channel. I will be focused on becoming a better storyteller through video. I continue to challenge my writing skills through practice, which means more blogs and newsletters.
I am open to the fact that it may flop.
And often part of creating is creating stuff that sucks, simply so you can learn.
But isn’t that the life of a creative ///?
And because you know I always research, read, and creep all things digital.
Here is what is on my mind:
YouTube is once again the space too monetize, it always has been and still reigns supreme.
Instagram is Instagramming and always changing that algo, so stop trying to “figure it out”. If you like the space…create, share, give value, and make a plan to stay sane.
Stop sleeping on Pinterest if you sell products, digital included.
If you are a creator, find a way to diversify your income through digital products.
If you don’t like what you are doing, make time for a personal project doing something you would rather do.
Go play around with Threads, no one has a strategy yet, and those trying to hard to already sell are sticking out like a sore thumb. I think this one will stick around.
Start saying “no” more often.
Stop thinking you have 8 hours in your day to work. The average person has 2.5 productive hours. You can’t do it all. And you shouldn’t.
