How did you discover your creativity?
I've always had different outlets for it; I love to write. As a kid I founded and lead the school newspaper. I also love to draw. But that's less of a skill and more something I do for fun! However, I began designing and having shirts and pins made as a knee jerk reaction to the 2016 election, with the aim to donate between 100-30% of all profits made. Raising money for professional organizations who work tirelessly to solve for the problems this administration is exacerbating felt like the very least I could do.
What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?
I worked with Oaklandish to get my "My Uterus, My Business" (with pocket middle finger!) design printed. They were such a dream to work with and liked the design and its intention to raise money for Planned Parenthood so much they shared it across their social networks. I was at a friends birthday brunch when they posted, so I ignored my phone to engage in the non-virtual world for a few hours. When I picked my phone back up I was inundated with orders and new social followers. This lead to greater exposure, more sales in general and even pop up opportunities at brick and mortar locations - takin' the online business into the real world!
What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?
What isn't in my tote right now?! I try to never leave home without my Fuji film x100t, but often end up quickly snapping with my iPhone anyway, gah! So that is also always within reach. As for products, I don't leave the house without Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm as well as Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Lost Identity lip tint. It's this green lip crayon that turns to the perfect light pink upon application; great for heading to happy hour after work or just brightening up my face without being too heavy. You can always find an umbrella (hey, I'm English!) and a couple of Lola tampons in there too. Not to mention my hot pink Marc Jacobs wallet packed with every loyalty card under the sun.
Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:
1. Follow your passion; channel your determination into your biggest interest, hobby or skill. Trends will come and go, but what makes your heart sing will never fade.
2. Leave any feelings of competition at the door; everyone is following their own personal vision, we're all unique. Support each other, both morally and with $, and applaud each other. We're putting our feelings and minds out into the world and that takes guts.
3. Don't give up; sure, it is hard when you have a full time job or other commitments, but sticking with it and making time to hustle is important. I have to tell myself this constantly (hence the shirt design)!!
What is your MOTTO in life?
You only live once is cheesy as all hell, but it is so true. You'll never actually catch me YOLOing out loud, but I think it often to pep talk myself into hustling my writing or art and especially to justify impulsive behavior (usually fashion or travel splurge related!).
Full Name: Gemma Greenhill
Profession: By day: VP, Strategy. By nights and weekends: blogger, photographer and art maker :).
Industry: By day: advertising. By nights and weekends: fashion and politics.
Website: http://www.4725magazine.com/
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