I was considered an artist and a painter most of my childhood (into my teens). In college and up until this year, I was called a designer. The other day Adam called me a photographer and I kind of freaked out. I’m not sure if any of you can relate but it’s been a transition this year. Over half of our income has come from photography and it sometimes it’s just weird. Am I weird?
I haven’t been able to design as much as I used to and so this month I’ve focused on blocking out long chunks of time in my calendar so that I do things like take design-related Skillshare classes, draw and design. Do you have to protect the things you love to do (personally or professionally)?
*Photos: recent work by me!
10 Comments
That’s so great that you guys are making so much money with your beautiful photography. I’ve always struggled with this “job description” too, hence why I can never make up my mind on what to call myself too. I absolutely have to protect the things I love, which means a constant decision to relax and watch TV or pick one of my non-day-job interests (sometimes TV wins), and also to try to be as efficient as I can be during everything. Hard work is always a choice (and from what I’ve read on your blog and elsewhere, i understand that this won’t ever be an issue for you!)
November 6, 2014 at 7:28 AMThanks Jenn! My friend David tweeted to me today saying we shouldn’t limit ourselves to one title. I agree but it’s hard! I appreciate your kind words, though. Glad I’m not alone!!
November 6, 2014 at 9:19 PMI am all about changing and evolving job descriptions! We are meant to experience much more than a lot of us probably do in life and that comes with changing our focus which sometimes changes our job titles. :)
November 6, 2014 at 5:14 PMI love this!! Wish I could frame it :)
November 6, 2014 at 9:19 PMIt took me ages to not feel weird about changing from Graphic Designer to Photographer (+ Designer). It still seems odd actually haha. My percentage is like 97% photographer 3% designer now though haha. I’d love to lift that designer number up though. Will have to wait for the winter months though – wedding season is just about to start and that will take up ALL of my time haha.
November 6, 2014 at 6:25 PMYES! I forgot you’ve experienced the same thing. I also am excited for winter (which feels like now) because I lose so many natural daylight AND no weddings/outdoor events.
November 6, 2014 at 9:20 PMSeriously perfect timing for this post. As a designer I always thought that in life I’d have to pick one career path and do that FOREVER. I love that you have picked up photography too and have been able to do both in your business! Super inspiring, Allie!
November 6, 2014 at 7:18 PMSERIOUSLY!! When I saw your text today I was like “oh she must have read my post.” You totally got this. I can’t wait to see you grow your business and expand.
November 6, 2014 at 9:20 PMI truly think these transactions from one area to the other happen naturally. I’m constantly changing my focus between design and photography often. It changes according to how I’m feeling… I love both things and never really stop doing one to do the other, I just shift the amount of time I dedicate to each art.
November 7, 2014 at 4:37 PMI consider myself an artist, a creative -and these days, that’s what I say I do when people ask. Between fashion design, web/graphic design, photography and not being able to stick to one single thing, I think best just call myself artist/creative. :)
You’re a renaissance woman! I love it. And I love the idea of shifting from title to title. I feel like I do it often but am diving back into design much more. I miss it!
November 10, 2014 at 12:55 PM