Artrepreneurs

Send a text EP 60:  Working photographers are not always guaranteed safe haven from accidents, theft, or damage.   Some might even say, these possibilities simply come with the territory.  In this episode, I talk about how playing solid defense can keep your business and your mental health above water in moments of crisis. ***UPDATE - New information has come up on the photographer I specifically...

Send a text EP 59:  Oh the aches and pains of learning on the fly.  These hardships are both excruciating reminders of what could have been, as well as the perfect lessons to guide us on our path forward.  In this episode, I'll highlight a few blown assignments starting out and how it has provided me with core values thereafter.   This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all...

Send a text EP 58:  With the label of "visual creator" or "visual storyteller" being so broad, it covers a number of sins like photo manipulation and influencing a scene.  But when you cross over to photojournalism, the emphasis on truth and trust becomes paramount.  In this episode, I react to a recent staging shoot by a photojournalist that has the industry very passionate ab...

Send a text EP 57:  Whether we are aware of it or not, we often abide by conventional wisdom for lighting.  A softbox is used for portraits, a beauty dish for beauty, a reflector for contrast.  But is following these formulas really what lighting theory is about?  In this episode, I talk about my favorite rule of lighting, and why applying it to my shoots increases my efficiency and creativity.  ...

Send a text EP 56:  Why is knowing your cost of doing business so crucial?  What insight does it actually give you?  In this episode, I'll discuss the role CODB plays in your budget and your pricing decisions.    https://nppa.org/calculator This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first...

Send a text EP 55:  There are new tax rules for 2022 gig workers collecting income through payment settlement entities (PSEs) and third-party network transactions such as Paypal, Venmo, and Zelle.  The threshold for income reporting has dropped substantially, which will have a ripple effect on freelancers, odd jobs and selling used items.  In this episode, I'll break down my first impressions...

Send a text EP 54: The start of the year always brings in feverish energy to start ambitious goals, but more often than not, we fail to reach those lofty expectations.  What habits must we employ to ensure that we hit our marks for the year?  In this episode, I propose 3 questions to you to prime your goal-setting trajectory. This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your prof...

Send a text EP 53:  All freelancers and small businesses have expenses to account for at the end of the year, and while there are numerous systems creatives use to organize their finances, one thing runs true; separating your personal and professional expenses is key to good management.  In this episode, I break down a few key differences between business credit cards and personal ones, and why it...

Send a text EP 52:  Many of us ask ourselves whether we should have gone to school for photography, and if you're in school right now, you might be asking what you should major in.  What courses should I be taking, what will prepare me for a path to professional photography?  In this episode, I respond to an audience question with 4 areas to consider studying while in college.  This episode i...

Send a text EP 51: The end of the year is a great time to thank your clients for the projects and jobs you've collaborated on.  How you show that appreciation can be done in many ways.  Today I'm going over 3 methods that I think help creatives stand out and build stronger client relationships.   This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography...

Send a text EP 50:  When was the last time you raised your rates?  Regardless of whether you're an employee or a full-time freelancer, consistent rate inflation should be on your horizon.  In this episode, I discuss when it might be time to start charging more, and what to tell yourself during this negotiation.   This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional...

Send a text EP 49: Moving out-of-state or even out-of-country can bring a lot of stress, and it can also be a bumpy transition for your freelancing business as you try to rebuild a client base.  In this episode, I respond to an audience question about rebooting a photography business outside the US.   This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography prin...

Send a text EP 48:  There is a strong connection between gratitude and entitlement.  When you approach your life embodying one of these traits, it is hard to possess the other.  Today, I go into my experience as someone who has practiced both sides, and why choosing gratitude is not simply a cliche bumper sticker, but a way of life.   This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all...

Send a text EP 47:   There are a number of reasons why so many young adults in their 20's and 30's are moving back home with Mom and Dad, but it really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.  What matters is you max out the opportunity laid in front of you.  If you have a rent-free life, you open up a lot of doors for your future.  The problem is many young creatives are livi...

Send a text EP 46:  Photography can be a difficult profession, and when you are freelancing on your own, it can be downright frustrating.  With clients not seeing eye to eye with your terms, and the costs of running your business often exceeding the standard pay rates, it's no wonder why many creatives end up leaving their field for a little more stability.  But are we quitting too soon?  Wha...

Send a text EP 45:  With shopping season upon us,  most Americans will see a typical spike in expenses during this time of year, and in my opinion, creative professionals are highly susceptible to peak sale season!  And while this commercialized time of year is neither inherently good or bad, with the wrong mindset, our expenses can end up as further deficits to our business.  So in this episode,...

Send a text EP 44:  Have you ever wondered what drives qualify as tax write-offs?  Does it apply to just freelancers, or can employees benefit from this as well?  How do I track my mileage every time?  What are the differences between standard mileage and actual expense methods and which one applies to me?  In this episode I break down the importance of leveraging your tax deductions on business m...

Send a text EP 43:  If you ask any professional what the most important traits and habits are to succeeding in their industry, you may get a lot of different answers, and they're all going to be valid.  From my perspective, when you have the opportunity to sit down with a creative who has a lot more experience than you, try and absorb everything.  Today we make an in-person studio visit with...

Send a text EP 42: What is the self-employment tax?  Do you know what it makes up the SE tax and how it the rate is calculated?  Is it even important to know?  In this episode, I'll discuss the basics of self-employment tax and why you should know it. This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off...

Send a text EP 41:  What is the mystery behind that 3 digit number that seemingly determines the rest of your life?  We've heard about credit scores, we may even know that more is better.  But what makes up a credit score and how does it impact us?  In this episode, we break down the 5 factors the create a total credit score and why its important to maintain solid credit.   This episode is br...

Send a text  EP 40:  Podcasting has grown substantially in the past decade, and if you are a creative entrepreneur, it has the power to separate your brand from others.  The question is, what is holding you back?  If you have something to share, my goal is to help you find the incentive you need to start your show.   This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional...

Send a text EP 39:  Emergency funds are often viewed as foundational to good personal finance, but is it really all that it's cracked up to be?  In this episode, I discuss the role of a rainy day fund vs using the money to invest.   This episode is brought to you by Bay Photo Lab.  For all your professional photography printing services, go to bayphoto.com for 25% off your first time ord...

Send a text EP 38:  For many of us, we're waiting for the right moment until we've learned everything there is to know about a new venture before launching into it.  It's a classic perfectionist conundrum because the reality is you don't get the experience and know-how until you actually take action.  Whether you want to start your new creative business, launch a YouTube channe...

Send a text EP 37:  Understanding and practicing sound image licensing techniques can be very frustrating to many photographers.  With rising WFH contracts and limited education on controlling image rights, we often find ourselves asking "is it even worth trying?".  In today's episode, we talk with freelance photographer, educator, and author, Todd Bigelow about the essentials of bu...

Send a text EP 36:  It's not uncommon for clients to push back on your estimate and ask if there's any wiggle room in your rates.  They may even ask you to explain your rates.  And whether you are looking to get them closer to your number or meet them halfway, it's good to know how to adjust your rates that leave both sides happy.  In today's episode, I answer an audience quest...