What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?
It’s everything. Without a community how can you connect, share, discuss, and elevate your work to another level. You can't create work in a box and never share it. It’s doing a disservice to your development as an artist, as a human being... And by doing so and getting critiques your vision gets stronger and narrower, and your voice becomes clearer. Besides also defining your vision as a necessity with having a creative community to share and get feedback, but also mentally the freelancers life is taxing, and when you have others that are actually experiencing it and can truly relate it becomes less of a singular battle and more of the big picture- "this is what I signed up for, its a struggle and a challenge but I am my own boss and that trumps everything everyday."
How did you discover your creativity?
In a multitude of unique ways. Reading, watching films, exploring prop houses, writing, traveling to unknown places, indulging in the originality and creativity in editorial work, picking up Comm Arts, Luerzers, and heavily disconnecting on mountaintops all over LA.
Name the biggest challenge you have had in growing your business. How did you solve it?
Being young, being a woman, not having a precedent of a successful business model from previous established photographers that started before social media campaigns and video were so central to most projects. So literally having to create and test, and try different approaches to the advertising photographers business model to find a way to make a living. I haven't solved it, I am constantly seeking knowledge, testing new things, trying different approaches to streamline the efforts to a higher success rate. Also just not let it all get to you, and just stay authentic to you, your brand, your voice and vision and people will respect and appreciate regardless of age or gender.
What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?
When I had the opportunity to work with Canon for Grey Worldwide Ad Agency on a project called "City Senses" promoting their new printer. As a client they were incredible to work with, and completely trusted in the photographers vision by giving us so much freedom in the creative.
What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?
Hard drive, USBs, wine key, travel charger, red lipstick.
Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:
You need to love what you do because it’s a journey with pitfalls, mistakes, failure but epic highs and successes. Also don't hold what you do on a pedestal, you must be a bit forgiving of yourself and experience life and have other passions to infuse into your work. Persistence will lead to success. Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.
Who are you following right now on Instagram for inspiration and why?
@_nitch, @meetkvell, @stefansagmeister, @_thephotoboutique_, @creativereview, @oftheafternoon, @peoplescreatives, @the_gentlewoman, @dazed, @theones2watch
What is your MOTTO in life?
Do something everyday that scares you. Work hard, play hard. Delicious ambiguity. Quality verse quantity. If you rest, you rust.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Nutella :(
If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?
Hasselblad, journal, watermelon.
What do your parents think you do?
I am fortunate and incredibly grateful to have parents that are very supportive, loving, and understanding of my career choice. They keep me grounded and taught me the understanding of persistence and hard work.
What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's?
Do be natural. Do make conversation about not what you are working on. Do be authentic and find common interests. Don't be a salesman.
Full Name: Kristyna Archer
Profession: Photographer/Director
Industry: Advertising & Editorial Photography
Website: www.kristynaarcher.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristynaarcherphotography/
Instagram: @kristynaarcher @mergeleftpodcast
Twitter: @kristynaarcher @mergeleftpod
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