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?
Working together to create things that have layers of meaning incorporating an exchange of ideas. Creativity can be greatly enhanced through sharing concepts.
How did you discover your creativity?
I don't think that creativity is a discovery. To me, it is something that is inherent in everything that one does, from figuring out strategies for simple things like grocery shopping to making photographs of the mundane and finding beauty in those things.
Name the biggest challenge you have had in growing your business. How did you solve it?
When growing my business, I've always drawn a comparison to surfing. When you surf, everything has to come together just right in order to capture that perfect wave. Understanding ocean mechanics, pausing to really look at the water and analyzing whether you can paddle out and not drown! Looking to see where the wave will break and paddling hard to either go for it or take a pass so that you don't drown. It's a great way to strategize.
What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?
Winning an Alfred Eisenstadt Award immediately put me in to the ranks with the big dogs. It was immediate and long lasting. My next big announcement will come in February and will be equally impactive on my career.
What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?
EO Organic Hand Sanitizer, iPhone 6s, Fine Point Sharpie and a small notebook, my Sony RX 100 III, BOSE noise cancelling ear buds, iPod Mini pocket sized wallet and some tropical spf 15 lip treatment.
Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:
1) Don't be afraid to go to the top first
2) Always be open to learning anything and everything
3) Don't try to be ahead of the curve technologically - find the sweet spot where you're not too up front (so you don't get burned by a bad product) and not too far behind so that you remain current. If it were surfing, be in the pocket!
Who are you following right now on Instagram for inspiration and why?
I don't follow many people because, frankly, I find Instagram to be pretty overwhelming. I follow mainly my clients because I want to see what is driving their social media so that I can be sure to stay current with visual trends.
What is your MOTTO in life?
Be yourself despite the urge to follow the creative herd.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Sitting on the beach, staring at the ocean.
If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?
Since I live part time on an island in the Pacific, I can't possibly answer this question.
What do your parents think you do?
My mom is a retired attorney and my father is a retired nuclear physicist. They both play classical music and my mother is also a Russian scholar. Try filling those shoes!
They are well aware of what I do and how hard I work and how difficult it is to navigate today's world, particularly, as a photographer, I am considered fungible.
Their moral support, although not financial, is indefatigable and for that I am extremely fortunate.
What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's>
Do: Introduce yourself
Don't: Be a pest about it
Do: Be friendly
Don't: Assume that since you've worked with someone once that you are BFFs
Do: Talk about your accomplishments
Don't: Talk about your accomplishments as though you are a goddess
Do: Ask people about themselves
Don't: Immediately respond with, "me too!"
Do: Send hand written cards and targeted emails
Don't: Bombard people with promos
Do: Promote yourself
Don't: Promote yourself to clients who have no interest in working with you
And perhaps the most difficult in the modern world of creatives -
Do: Be wholly yourself
Don't: Try to be something that you're not.
Full Name: Susan Seubert
Profession: Photographer
Industry: Travel
Website: www.sseubert.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seubertphoto/
Instagram: @susanseubert
Twitter: @susanseubert
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanseubert
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