FEATURING: Lily Cummings

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?

My creative community is often based around what city I am working in, but I also feel that there is this amazing sense of connection between the tribes. Not only are the people who follow my work people I collaborate with, but each new project has a personal connection to someone I've worked with before. I find that the best way to "utilize" or engage with the people of this community is to stay open and positive about new work and share the connections rather than hold them close to the chest. I love when people I love and admire work together because I get to see them in a whole new light.

How did you discover your creativity?

I don't think I discovered my creativity, I think it has always been intrinsic. But, I think that I've developed a way to express that through play. If something interests me, I try it without any intention of being an "expert" so that takes the pressure off. And when something feels right - then I involve myself in mastering the process.

What are you working on these days?

I have a film background so I'm working on some more cinematic photography series that will include more printing and physical manipulation. I'm also getting back into script writing which has been a bit more of a rough ride than I expected. The ol' writing skills were a bit dusty. But I've accepted that and therefore won't give myself a timeline and just attempt to stay diligent on progressing.

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

I've been very lucky to work with models who were so supportive that I feel like I had a slow burn for awhile through their consistent referrals. Working on the Hana Tajima collaboration with Uniqlo could be considered on the outside a "Big Break" When my work was displayed on Madison Ave, even though I didn't have any excitement stirring in my gut, intellectually I could understand this signaled to commercial clients - she's not just creative, she's professional.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

Oh man. Always a deck of cards. My current deck I got in Venice last summer and they are getting STICKY. A fan because I am always a little warm. Chapstick. This weird gum from Germany everyone think tastes like cough syrup. Ibuprofen. Tissues. Maybe my earrings from yesterday. A small notebook for ideas and things not to forget. Sand. I somehow get sand in everything.

Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession: 

1. Just start. 
2. Equipment isn't an idea - don't put your value as a creator in knowing about every new piece of tech that comes along. If you don't have original ideas, fancy equipment will be useless to help you.
3. I think a little competition is natural, but working in supportive and collaborative environments will make you happier and take you farther.

Who are you following right now on Instagram for inspiration and why?

@haileybentongates : I think she has a very unique perspective on femininity and is forging her own path. I rarely think anyone is original anymore but she has it.
@simplicitycity: It's a style instagram that I've been following for years and it constantly reminds me that sometimes keeping it simple and classic never fails.
@ibkamara: I don't think there's an image he's worked on I haven't been stunned by
@carlota_guerrero: Favorite photographer working at the moment

What is your MOTTO in life?: 

It used to be a German saying a friend taught me years ago: Aus Scheiße Gold machen. It means to turn shit into gold. It's crass, but I love it. I feel like I'm in a new phase of life though and I haven't found the motto to fit. I'm sure it will find me.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Lindt chili chocolate

If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?

A pen, a solar-powered music player, and a friend.

What do your parents think you do?

My dad tells everyone I'm a spy.

What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's?

Don't lie. But maybe don't always tell the whole truth. They don't always want to know :)

---

Full Name: Lily Cummings

Profession: Photographer

Industry: Creative

Website: www.lilycummings.com

Instagram: @lililand

FEATURING: Role Models Management

What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for your company? How do you feel is the best way to utilize your brand in a Creative Community?

Creative Community to us means the magic between people that goes on behind the scenes of a shoot. What you see on a billboard or in a magazine is so much more than just great clothes and a pretty face, it's an energy created by the people behind it. In modeling and production, it comes down stylists, makeup artists, designers, production crew, photographer, even friends and family who are there for everyday support. Because what we believe at Role Models Mgmt is that there is a certain kind of energy that can be built and transformed through images that can only stem from a greater understanding of empowerment and love, and for that to happen there needs to be a community of aligned values and sources. And as an agency and a brand, we're all about empowering the models and bring her into situations where that can of magic is allowed to exist. We want to make models empowered to use their voice and shine in this world, which is why we're encouraging them to be Role Models.

Tell us about some brands you admire. What makes them stand out?

We love brands like Amour Vert, Reformation, Everline, GAP, Patagonia, Levis, Glossier, and Milk Makeup! Brands that are making it sexy to do the right thing and also have been opening up their marketing to include a wide range of looks and body diversity, because we believe that is the future of the industry!

Name the biggest challenge you have had in growing your business. How did you solve it?

As an agency trying to break standards we are presented with new challenges every day. There are a lot of agencies out there and also a lot of new apps, providing models a different way of booking clients, so to say that it’s a competitive industry would be quite the understatement. But the biggest challenge we’ve faced so far is probably coping with growth and how to do so in an organic and authentic way. We want to grow bigger but we don’t want to do so through losing the core reason to why we exist, and sometimes that means turning down opportunities because our values just may now align. We’re an ethical agency above all, and so growth will have to come in an organic and truthful way.

What was your Company's first “Big Break” in your profession?

We started booking talent the same week our website was launched, which was incredible to us and almost like a "WOOAH, what's happening?" moment. But since its inception, I think the big break for us has been attracting some of the bigger name models who had the courage to shy away from the traditional agency. It means a lot for us to have their faith in us even though they know we're new and small and might not grow every day. It also shows a lot that models are ready for change and want to use their profession for something good. Models are ready to become Role Models.

What's in your break room right now?

Re-grained upcycled bars (they’re delicious!!), gift cards for Beaming in Santa Monica for our models, and Guayaki yerba mate! Healthy and plant-based foods, what else do you need in a break room? :)

Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting their own company.: 

1. Find a partner who are willing to go the same extra miles as you. You will help push each other when times are rough and also be there for one another to help make your business grow. A partner, in our opinion, is key! But don't try to find someone who's just like you, partner up with someone who's your opposite and who will help complement your weaknesses.

2. Stay true to your values and don't be afraid to do things your own way. Even if that means doing things differently than everyone else in your industry, then so be it! Much of the feedback we're getting from client and models is actually that it's refreshing that we're "different' than many other agencies, and that just means that we are doing things the way we think they ought to be done. Sometimes not knowing your industry and using common sense is what will allow you to break the mold and create some groundbreaking work. Don't fear change, that's all we're saying. And be you!

3. Faith and persistence. Things will take a lot longer than you expect so don't give in! See the mistakes as learnings and commit to growth, and have faith that as long as you put one foot in front of the other, the way will present itself. Stick to your branding, stick to your story, listen to critical advice!

What is your Company's MOTTO?

#ProudToInpsire - Find your voice and use it with love

How do you get your marketing message out to the masses?

Luckily, we have over 100 people to do this for us! Each one of our models and bodies the characteristics of our brand and they spread the message on their social media to over 5 million combined followers every day!

What would your team say are the top 3 reasons they love working here?:

1. It’s not the intimidating fashion environment that they have been used to. We are very big on creating that family feeling at our agency!

2. We all like to eat so that’s a plus and lastly 

3. We get to be around super inspiring beautiful people every day, people who are passionate about being a light in this world. Who would not want that job?!

What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's.?

Do reach out to people you think are out of your league, you would be surprised at the amount of support we have received from huge players in the industry! 

Don’t shy away from taking the leap into social situations! Getting out there is so physically in a world that is today!

How influenced are you by current trends?:

Our agency is very timely and on trend, and a lot of that is actually out of pure luck. We started the agency at the same year as the #metoo movement took roots and have been timely with the model activist movement as well. We just keep doing what we’re doing and know that transparency will always be on trend! Plus, if you haven't noticed, the world of sustainable, natural and ethical products is growing more than ever!

What are your main sources for industry news?

Honestly, social media. What would we do today without the incredible inspiration and networks we find on social media?

---

Full Company Name: Role Models Management, LLC

Profession: Modeling Agency

Industry: Modeling and Talent Agency with emphasis on wellness and individual empowerment

Website: www.rolemodelsmgmt.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rolemodelsmgmt/

Instagram: @rolemodelsmgmt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/11027612/admin/

Blog: https://www.rolemodelsmgmt.com/news

FEATURING: Clémentine Desseaux

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?

I am all about creative community! One of my dream is to run a collective of creatives! 
I love being able to art direct a team that I choose and I love, I love good people, fun ones and easy ones. Those usually become my close creative community and friends sometimes too.
Working together is having the same goal but maybe a 100 creative ways to get there. In my job I get to hire lots of different profiles from models to post production and I like to see an idea being transformed into a finished project, that's the most exciting part and it can't happen without a whole creative community behind it!

How did you discover your creativity? 

I was always creative from as long as I can remember. I was doing mood boards on canvas when i was a teen, thinking of becoming a full time artist. Little, I was inventing words, creating new spelling for them; some called it dyslexia, I called it creativity! I always imagined better, more fun and creative ways to do things. Growing up I found my creativity in the kitchen and in fashion. Now it's in my everyday, from the creative pitch I send to clients to the creative ways to come up with sponsorship for All Womxn Project!

What are you working on these days?

100 things as always. I am working on producing 2 editorials my team is shooting in February in NYC, making my final mood board for the next content shoot for my foundation shooting in February, too, and looking for partners for our big Women's Day Campaign launch in March. In addition, I am working crazy hours as a model on set in LA all week with the Adhesive team!

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

As a model, I starred in a TV commercial back in France before I moved the the USA. It was the first time France was seeing a visibly plus size woman star in a TV commercial. It was epic!

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

Phone, 2 extra portable chargers, computer. charger, lip balm, mini Nutella (you never know), rose spray, hand cream, Advil.

Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession: 

Be creative, be kind, be strong and brave cause it's a fucking ride.

Who are you following right now on Instagram for inspiration and why?

@allwomxnproject
@dejafoxx
@lesmijotes
@daniellamidenge
@artandcommerce
@nowness
@pier59studios

What is your MOTTO in life?

Love life and life will love you back.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

I am not feeling guilty about food anymore. So that's out... I would say "bad" music choices. I love cheesy, corny, girly white girl music too...

If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?

Unlimited access to SPF 50, PH + water , a +1 

What do your parents think you do?

Sit pretty and get paid... I don't think they understand much about any of my other activities...

What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's?

Do knock on every door... worst thing that can happen to you is be rejected, and you have to learn that anyways!
Do be nice to everyone always, don't judge a book by its cover.
Do go to those boring, annoying, tiring events and networking things... once in a lifetime, it's worth your time!
Do work hard but more so do work smart, some stuffs are just not worth your energy and heart! 
Do choose your partners well.
Don't grab an attitude.
Don't be a diva.
Don't talk behind people's backs.
Don't be afraid, or only to not do your best.
Don't trust people until they've proven they are trust worthy.

---

Full Name: Clémentine Desseaux

Profession: Multi-talented

Industry: Fashion-ish

Website: allwomxnproject.org / lesmijotes.com

Facebook: @clementinedesseaux

Instagram: @bonjourclem

Twitter: @bonjourclem

LinkedIn: Clementine Desseaux

Blog: bonjourclem.com

FEATURING: Robert Casey

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?

I think there's an assumption that anyone in a creative industry intends for their career to take them to a larger market, and Boston's proximity to New York draws inevitable comparisons and some version of the question "why didn't you ever try working in NY?" One of the biggest reasons I've always been happy to make my career in Boston has been the strong sense of community here that doesn't really exist in the same way in bigger markets. As a secondary market, our community is largely comprised of either people starting out and building a foundation to take a shot in a larger market, or people who have done that whole circuit and deliberately decided to make their life here. Consequently, you don't find the cattiness and cutthroat tactics prevalent other places; here, people are genuinely excited and grateful for each opportunity to show up for the day and do what they love. The members of our community are each others greatest cheerleaders, regularly recommending each other for jobs, boasting about each other's success, posting each other's work. I could not be more proud to be a member of such a kind and supportive community, and it's one of the greatest factors that makes me love my job.

How did you discover your creativity?

I'm in the unique position of being someone deeply entrenched in a creative industry and community, but who is not at all creative. As an agent, it's my job to recognize and cultivate talent, and it's a skill that needs to be malleable. A good agent is not one with strong opinion; in fact our job is to suppress all personal opinion so that we can clearly interpret others opinions, internalize feedback and pay attention to market forces. There are models who work now who we never would have considered meeting five years ago because of shifts in client base, we now fill portfolios with photos that would have previously been considered unusable because of shifts in photography styles. Interpreting and predicting client needs and adapting is kind is my skill, one necessary to the creative industries, but not under the umbrella of what is traditionally considered one of the creative disciplines.

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

I went to Boston University's College of Communications and there was a big focus on career preparation and supplementing school with internships. I had already done two internships by the end of my sophomore year and was looking for a third for the summer before junior year. I was a public relations major and thought I wanted to work somewhere in entertainment but wasn't sure exactly where. I wasn't specifically into fashion per se, but talent management interested me and there weren't any stand alone talent agencies in Boston so I figured I'd try a modeling agency and would at least get an idea of how talent management worked. And, to be candid, the idea of hanging out with models and getting invited to cool parties seemed like a fun way to spend the summer. I had read and heard about Maggie and she sounded like a strong woman I could learn a lot from so I wrote her a letter asking to hang out in her office and work for her for free for the summer, and the rest is history. She started paying me by the end of the summer and I stayed part time through the school year. By my senior year, I came on as a full time employee and took all of my classes at night to finish my degree. And seven years ago, I purchased the agency from Maggie when it became time for her to retire. This is the only job I've had in my adult life and next May will mark 20 years in the industry for me.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

I spent a semester of school in London where it was raining every morning and incredibly sunny every afternoon so I became trained to carry both an umbrella and sunglasses on me at all times which I still do to this day. And a physical planner: I use my phone for contacts and calendar like everyone else, but I like to mesh technology with tradition; there's a charm to some things now considered old fashioned and I love having my beat up planner on me to scribble down notes and ideas

Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:

Respect and learn from those who came before you. Too often, I see young hotshots enter the business looking to shake things up by proposing to do away with the old guard and implement a new way altogether. It's a poor way to ingratiate yourself to a community you'll inevitably need to engage with and it's foolish not to learn from those who have already done it. We need to constantly adapt and change, and new ideas are welcome, but these industries have existed and thrived long before your arrival, the more practical approach is to look at how to improve upon and evolve pre existing structures, not reinvent the wheel.

On the same note, pay your dues. Do anything you can that puts you in the room with those currently doing what you want to do: assist, network, seek out mentors. I find that the ones who try to strike out on their own go through a lot more trial and error and often don't have staying power compared to those who utilize the community to really learn the industry from the inside, and work their way up through the ranks.

And be mindful of work/life balance. This can be an all consuming business, it operates 24/7 and, while I cherish my relationships in the community, it can become very easy to surround yourself with only industry people. Your skills and mindset can become very stale if your life is only comprised of work, looking at work, thinking about work, talking about work, socializing with people from work.... it's important to engage with outside experiences and contacts to recharge and to bring new perspectives to your work. I say this as a work in progress myself, it's a constant, but necessary, battle.

What is your MOTTO in life?

No booking left behind: our industry is fast paced, works on impossibly short lead times and we're constantly putting out fires. But we are a service industry and pride ourselves on giving each client and job the same amount of attention and importance. When things build up to a state of chaos, it's very easy for a booking to slip through the cracks and the one thing above all else that I won't tolerate. I can accept when we don't book something because the client went with someone else, but I won't sleep at night if we lose a booking because we were otherwise too occupied to properly attend to it.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

I Uber everywhere and haven't taken the T in over a decade. I grew up in Revere and went to high school in the city, I did the commute every day to the very last stop, Wonderland, and repeated the commute for two years when I moved home after college. I did my time on the T and vowed that once I moved in the city I'd never take the T again.

What do your parents think you do?
Go to fashion shows. Everyone always thinks I go to tons of fashion shows; I could count on my hands how many fashion shows I've ever gone to in my 20 years in the industry, I'm usually at the agency when shows happen, waiting for the call if something goes wrong.

What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's?

Seek out the oldest person in the room, they've seen the most and have the best stories.

---

Full Name: Robert Casey

Profession: Agency Owner

Industry: Modeling and Talent Management

Website: maggieagency.com

Facebook: Maggie Agency

Instagram: @maggieagency

FEATURING: Duffy Higgins

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 means being in and amongst your contemporaries, your peers, your like-minded friends for positive growth. Especially in production, where we all know that our creativity is a sum of all its parts, a creative community is healthy, purposeful, and essentially necessary.

How did you discover your creativity?

I was lucky enough to be raised by my mother who encouraged me to be anything I wanted. When I was young, I wrote stories and drew a lot, and I was always bugging my mom to take me to the movies....but it really wasn't until college that I figured it all out. A older classmate and good friend there at school was knee-deep into film/video production and the more I hung out around him, helping him with his projects/productions, the brighter that light bulb got until one day it just popped.

Top Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:

To never let up on producing your personal work, and to always do so with no outside expectations.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Making ice cream sandwiches and watching late late night movies when I should probably be sleeping.

---

Full Name: Duffy Higgins

Profession: Filmmaker - Director/Cinematographer/Photographer/Producer

Industry: Production

Website: www.DuffyHiggins.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duffy.higgins

Instagram: DuffyA76

Twitter: DuffyA76

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duffy-higgins-5b52312/

FEATURING: 72artproduction

What are you working on these days?

We work on lots of brands at 72andSunny, everything from Coors, Starbucks, Truth, Target, Google, to Call of Duty (Activision). We help on all aspects of production, starting with creative development and artist selection, to campaign execution, which is either shoot production, or working with illustrators. Outside of 72, we like to stay connected to the art community of Los Angeles, which is really having a seriously rad moment right now. There are a lot of good things to see out there!!!

Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:

1.    Work on developing your creative vision. We want to hire people to do what they excel in their personal work into their professional work, so if your point of view is focused this should be seamless.

2.    Don't stop making. Its great if you have something you are known for, but after a year (or even a few months), we need to see new work!! Blame the Internet, but it's true!

3.    This might be hard to hear, you don't know everything. Always keep learning. People are a resource, and take what you can from those willing to teach you!

Who are you following right now on Instagram for inspiration and why?

Of course we love 72artproduction!!! We love art so much, and Instagram has been such an amazing outlet for us to share what inspires us with other like minded art nerds. Here are some of our favorite accounts to get lost in: 

1. Visual Melt

2. Street Art News 

3. Fruit Stickers

4. The Women Who Draw 

5. The Family Acid

6. X-Rated Collection 

7. Foam Magazine 

8. Puss Puss Mag 

9. Goodtype 

10. Pam Loves Ferrari Boys 

What do your parents think you do?

Ha, no one's parents know what they do! They know we make ads, and that is enough.

What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's?

Be yourself. Don't sell things you don't believe in. It might seem obvious, but don't harass people! Be chill, believe in what you are doing and the right people will respond to it.

---

Full Name: Veronica Reo & Diana Pam

Profession: Senior Art Producers

Industry: Advertising

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/72artproduction/

Blog: http://artblog.72andsunny.com/

FEATURING: Alex Hankoff

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?

I think it comes down to who you choose (or are lucky enough to) surround yourself with as an artist and thinker. That first ring - the innermost circle of any creative's community is always going to have the majority of influence, and that's why it's important to engage with people who help you grow and challenge you, but then I think it radiates outward to people you don't know but have an influence just the same, i.e. movie/commercial directors, artists, writers, musicians, etc.It dawned on me recently, at my first ever trip to SXSW earlier this year, that I was completely surrounded by my Creative Community, even though I was crashing SXSW on a whim and didn't really know anyone. We were all in this business, in one respect or another - together. Once I took ownership of that, I found myself comfortable and confident engaging with anyone and everyone because I knew we all shared for the most part - the same goals and aspirations. Once you've made those connections, the best way to utilize them is to understand what people work best for whatever you're working on at the moment. Not every project is right for everyone, so having a deep bench of peers and collaborators helps to hone in on who and what will work for whatever you're currently concentrating on.

What are you working on these days?

 I recently released the first episode of season two in my ongoing documentary web series, "NYChapters" (www.chapters.nyc) and we've started the edit on episode two so that should be released pretty soon. NYChapters has been a really rewarding personal project for me - it's nice to be able to create films that resonate with people in between commercial jobs and larger, more ambitious projects.I'm also writing my first feature film, "Street Legal" inspired in part by my short film "Yellow" which did well in it's festival run last year and led to people asking if there was a feature in the works, so this would be the answer to that demand.Lastly, I'm working on the book for a photography project I began in the summer of 2015 called "Transient Encounters" wherein I photographed folks across the US and Mexico over the course of a two month long solo cross country motorcycle trip. I've added to the series on follow up solo motorcycle trips since and am compiling stories and photographs for the book project from all the trips.

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

I was brought on as the cinematographer for a series of Dior Homme commercials with Willy Vanderperre shooting the stills. Those films got my foot in the door shooting for luxury brands at a pretty early stage in my career. Having that on the reel helped create opportunities I took advantage of and had certain creative directors take a kid fresh out of film school, a bit more seriously.

Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:

ALWAYS Listen - keep your ears open on set at all times. You can anticipate a hell of a lot on a shoot if you stay alert to what people are talking about. It's the little conversations between the creatives, director, cinematographers and producers that should cue you in to what's coming. Armed with that knowledge, you can anticipate what's next and be in the right place when it's time, with whatever gear or materials your particular job is in charge of. When you're there and ready without being told or having your hand held THAT's what separates the proactive people on a set from the rest, and those are the people who I bring up through the ranks.

ALWAYS follow up - this is a simple one. You should always send a brief email to whoever your superior was on the job to thank them for the gig and hope to work with them again. This rule applies throughout any role in production, and I find it a great way to stay on the radar of the folks you work with. On the flip side, I always email my crew after a job thanking them for coming out and being a part of the project. It's a two way street, everyone likes to have their work and efforts recognized - it doesn't stop when you're the director.

ALWAYS work on your craft - it's easy to become complacent once bigger jobs come in and things aren't quite as hard as they were when you first started. This is when a lot of people fall into a comfort zone, shooting what they've always done and are good at, and stop pushing themselves. It's a TRAP. Don't be one of those people. You should always strive for more - whether that means creating a new outlet for yourself in between jobs (like my documentary series does for me), or writing a short film or feature, taking a trip somewhere you've never been for inspiration, etc. Don't stagnate just because the paychecks are coming in now.

What is your MOTTO in life?

Eyes on the horizon.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

I love terrible movies and I just discovered "The Room" (I know, I'm late to the party on this one). If you haven't seen it, check it out - it's crazy.

What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's?

Do meet as many people as you can, and keep the conversations brief but effective. You want to make an impression but not overwhelm people with all your wonderful work and achievements, that gets boring quick.Don't be an asshole. Treat everyone with respect, people remember if you were a dick to them on set and that will come back to bite you ten fold. I've seen people with awful attitudes treat PAs and others on set poorly, and a couple years later, were begging them for a meeting...

---

Full Name: Alexander Hankoff

Profession: Writer, Director, Cinematographer

Industry: Commercial & Film

Website: www.alexanderhankoff.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexander.hankoff

Instagram: @hashtaghankoff

Twitter: @a_hankoff

FEATURING: Austin Huck

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?

I named my studio HIVE.STUDIO because often creating a photograph is like a busy hive, everyone working together. The "V" in the logo is broken into parts because we believe that as a collective mind we are greater. Everyone we work with brings their own beauty and uniqueness which we add to our own to create something new.

How did you discover your creativity?

I look at my own work a lot and try to break down what I like and why. I also look to non-photo/video things with the same question.

What are you working on these days?

I'm working on balancing my very purposeful sets and posing while also allowing some chaos in to create something that I might not have seen otherwise.

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

I can trace most of my success back to an email to a friend in 2008. We knew each other through a casual Ultimate Frisbee league, and he gave me my first job as a retoucher for a big retailer. A lot of my professional network was built there.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

No bags, travel as light as possible, cause otherwise I'll lose something.

Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession: 

Photograph everyday, look at those photos and think about them, show them to other people (in person) and ask them what they think. Rinse and repeat.

Who are you following right now on Instagram for inspiration and why?

I find if I look at Instagram too much I develop some real FOMO. Someone told me if you're looking left and right you don't see whats in front of you. I'm not always great at that but I try. Usually I find inspiration from my early influences like Paul Strand, Dorothea Lange, Irving Penn, and more recently Peter Lindbergh. I think they found that balance between a very purposeful photo but not feeling staged, forced, or disingenuous.

What is your MOTTO in life?

No work before coffee.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Red Bull, so much Red Bull.

If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring? 

Pocket knife, gaffers tape, and friends.

What do your parents think you do?

They bounce back and forth between thinking I'm a really big deal and questioning how I'm able to stay in business.

What would be your Networking Do's & Dont’s.?

This is what I try to remind myself before networking events: talk about yourself but don't ramble. Meet people, ask questions, and listen. Always bring a business card, it's better to be late than to arrive without a card. Meet at least 3 people that you've never met.

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Full Name: Austin Huck

Profession: Photographer / Director

Industry: Fashion and Lifestyle Photography

Website: www.hive.studio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hivestudioboston/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hive.studio/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hive_Twits

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinhuckphotography/

Blog: http://www.hive.studio/blog/