FEATURING: ANNIKA HOWE

How did you discover your creativity?:

Through reading, dance & traveling alone starting at a very young age.

1. I began flying alone between Europe & the States at age 4 or 5 & I credit that independent solo travel time for the very rich inner life I had as a child.
2. Feeling free and expressing myself through dance and music. I did everything from classical ballet, to baton, and my big love, tap - basically percussion with your body!
3. Exploring other worlds and realities through reading.

All three have become healthy habits in my adult life.

What are you working on these days?:

Intelligent International Photo Production through my company, HoweHaus. I'm lucky to work a ton internationally on ad campaigns, but we also do editorials, annual reports & direct brand activation projects. It's so fun! Then there's handling the art-buying to find the right creative talent/photographer/director for a project, and working with photographers who may not have representation, but need someone to help them with negotiations, targeting clients or the production process.

2. My passion project is www.theproducer.com - This is an online platform for all of us behind the scenes of the photo industry. We interview key crew members or vendors, write about industry issues, host real world events & provide a community to our industry.

How about a recent challenge or accomplishment?

I've been fortunate to work on a number of helicopter shoots, but this past year might have taken the cake!
This past spring, I produced a top-secret photo & video shoot requiring helicopter & drone permissions across major European cities. With super-strict fly-over restrictions and drone regulations changing by the minute, it was very challenging, but an ultimately exhilarating mission! For weeks on end, it was just the three of us - producer, photographer & director - travelling as a tight team across Europe, stealthily creating captivating imagery and staying ahead of any changing regulations.

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

Lots of different zip pouches containing:
a notebook & fountain pen
my passports
a refillable water bottle
a wallet with production credit cards & itemized receipts
various international chargers & a power bank
snacks
*I honestly have a Mary Poppins bag- you never know what I might pull out of it!

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

1. The Golden Rule! Treat others as you would like to be treated. People remember how you make them feel.
2. Don't take anything personally. Have pride in your work, but no ego. This can be tough when you're running your own biz.
3. Things always have a way of working out. (I'm a discerning optimist, and my creativity comes in the form of resourcefulness.)

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

@usaforunhcr - The UN Refugee Agency - To keep perspective.
@GirlGaze - Amanda DeCadenet / Girl Gaze
@tinyatlasquarterly - a visual vacation, run by a female photographer and SF-resident, Emily Nathan
@zeitmagazin - my dose of German culture
@foammagazine - one of my all-time favorite photo destinations located in Amsterdam
@theonion - for levity, but also smart witticism & political satire

What is your MOTTO in life?:

I don't often think in terms of one concrete motto, but See top 3 tips, which are basically my way of operating in life!

What is your guiltiest pleasure?:

I think I'm past feeling guilty about these things, even if they are a bit dorky.
I take hip-hop choreography classes and may or may not know the choreo to most Beyonce videos.
Also traveling with my tango shoes. It's surprising how wide-spread tango is - I've even found a tango scene in Ubud, Bali. Dancing is the easiest way for me to turn off my brain and be completely present.

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

My siblings. I have 3 younger siblings who are endlessly loving, entertaining & inspiring.

Ok, if we're talking about inanimate objects:
Music in some form.
A notebook & pen.
SPF 100 - I am northern German and not meant for the sun!

What do your parents think you do?:

My dad thinks I put out the snacks during a shoot.
My mom just thinks I work way too much!
(For the record, both are correct)

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

Make sincere connections & have a conversation rather than randomly handing out business cards.
Ask how you can be of help to those you meet, rather than the other way around.

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Full Name: Annika Howe

Profession: Producer/ Owner HoweHaus & Founder of www.theproducer.com

Industry: Photography Production

Website: www.howehaus.com www.theproducer.com

Facebook: annikahowe & theproducer.com

Instagram: @theproducerdotcom

Twitter: TheProducerCom

LinkedIn: annikahowe

Blog: www.theproducer.com

FEATURING: Alex Gagne

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 would say the creative community is a group of people that enjoy what they do and are willing to help others. Being that everyone is busy with their day-to-day lives, it's always a treat when you get to talk with other creatives about what they are working on and to share advice. I try to stay in touch with as many photographers as I can.

How did you discover your creativity?

I started taking pictures of my friends skateboarding when I was 13. For the first seven years, all I cared about was photographing skateboarding until I went on to RIT to study photography. Studying photography opened my eyes to commercial, fine art , and editorial photographers. Going to RIT really opened my eyes to the commercial photography world and gave me something to strive for.

What are you working on these days?

Lately I've been shooting with Digitas LBi for American Express as well as work for Liberty Mutual, The Wall Street Journal,and Yankee Magazine. Beyond my commercial work, I have been shooting a personal project on the Rough N Rowdy boxing league, which is owned by Barstool Sports. I also started a photography podcast called "The Photo Banter" where I interview different photographers and photo industry professionals. You can check it out on iTunes and Soundcloud. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-photo-banter/id1315846850?mt=2

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

My first big break was getting my assisting job with photographer Tibor Nemeth. He taught me so much about how the business works and how to treat your clients.

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

Laptop, deodorant, Kit Kat, and a 2 terabyte hard drive.

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

Patience, persistence, and be open to any opportunities that present themselves to you.

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

Jamie Bissonette for all the tasty eats, Frank Ockenfels because he's constantly shooting fun photography, and Barstool Sports because they're funny!

What is your MOTTO in life?

Drink a lot of water

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

The Cheesecake Factory.

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

Canon 5D Mark 4, Macbook, and Cheez-its.

What do your parents think you do?

Take pictures of people.

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

Just be yourself and don't go to networking events expecting something from someone. Just go and talk to people and have fun. If you have good work it will sell itself.

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Full Name: Alex Gagne

Profession: Commercial Photographer

Industry: Photography

Website: www.alexgagnephoto.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006074628078&ref=bookmarks

Instagram: @alexgagnephoto

Twitter: @alexgagnephoto

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-gagne-1984b311/

Blog: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-photo-banter/id1315846850?mt=2

FEATURING: Laura Crosta

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?

Sharing of resources. I have recently found Sharegrid.com and find it to be such an amazing resource for rental gear and crew. I am so much happier giving my rental funds to a DP or camera assistant. that I could eventual collaborate with on a job.

How did you discover your creativity?

In 5th grade, I started taking art classes. I learned how to draw, paint, work with clay. While everyone else was doing sports, I was drawing and painting. I ended up getting accepted to a final art program at Syracuse and added photography after my first semester.

What are you working on these days?

Videos Videos Videos

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

I would say shooting Michael Jordan. After that job I found my first agent.

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

I have so many but my goto are my Thinktank bags. They have traveled the world with me.

What is your MOTTO in life?: 

Glass half full.

What do your parents think you do?

My dad is an amateur photographer and just loves that I have made my art my career.

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

Ask questions, Be curious about who you are talking with - not in a creepy way as if you read too much of their Facebook page but on a personal level.

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Full Name: Laura Crosta

Profession: Photographer & Director

Industry: Advertising

Website: www.lauracrosta.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracrosta/

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

FEATURING: Nikol Elaine

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?

The words Creative Community makes me think of a supportive, warm hug when you need it the most. Being a freelance artist for me means many days spent at a home office in complete solitude. It is so important to have people, or creatives, just others who understand the ups and down of my schedule! I need to be able to text, call, and vent to someone who can simply say, yes I get that or that happens to me all the time! Utilizing the phone a friend option is really important, and just as important for me to be that for my fellow creatives. Sounding boards unite!

What are you working on these days?

I just signed with an agent, so I am very excited to start this year with some fresh new clients. I am working mostly on production sets for advertising campaigns, lifestyle fashion look books, and also live news broadcasts.

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

I was working for MAC Cosmetics in San Francisco and was approached by a woman who asked me if I ever did freelance work. I, not knowing what this really meant, said yes of course! She had me up to see the tTVproduction studio and the next thing I know I was working for them on live shows for Macy's Satellite Network. It shut down after a few years, and luckily one of the producers I met there ended up scoring a job at Google. She brought me with her, and that is really how it all started!

What is your MOTTO in life?

Breathe at all times and bake when stressed!

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

An eyelash curler, any book by Dave Eggars, and the card game Uno!

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Full Name: Nikol Elaine

Profession: Makeup Artist & Hair Groomer

Industry: Beauty, Production, TV, Film

Website: www.nikolelaine.com

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

Instagram: @nikol_elaine

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

FEATURING: Sara Foldenauer

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?

Collaboration is the name of the game for me and without a creative community I would have none of that. I thrive on bouncing ideas off one another to get myself inspired for projects. I am not one who likes to work alone all the time, and I love the feeling of community in a creative form and in life as well!

How did you discover your creativity? 

It's funny, I think it's all I've ever really known. I was always coloring, doodling, and making things as a child. From about the age of six or seven I knew I wanted to be an artist, and sort of knew I would be doing something creative, not quite sure what it would be though. I never wanted to do or be anything else (other than the first woman to play for the Yankees, but that dream died around ten!)

What are you working on these days? 

Recently I have done a couple commercials which was a new fun challenge. I am also getting my studio in order for photo shoots, commercials, and event rentals. This year as well, I plan on painting more backdrops for custom orders or rentals, as painting is one of my most favorite things to do.

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

Well, I sort of had a couple big stepping stones throughout my career. While photo and set assisting, at 27, I got asked to art direct, set design, and photograph a campaign for Sony's windows. The images were in the windows on Madison Avenue, in Chicago and San Francisco. This was HUGE for me! The windows got first place in VM+SD (Visual Merchandising and Store Design) 11th Annual International Visual Competition for "Windows'/Product" category. I was pursuing being a photographer then, but also loved to work on set concepts and producing my own shoots. Even though the Sony job did not quite get my photo career to take off, it was a great learning experience and accomplishment at the time.
The second bone thrown my way was when I was primarily set assisting a few years later. I had worked on a Target shoot once or twice. A few months after my last assisting job with them, I got asked to go to Florida as the main prop stylist. I wasn't convinced that this was my path, to only be a set designer/prop stylist, until I had worked on a photo shoot with Amanda Pratt making some kooky headpieces. I compiled whiffle balls and various tchotchkes, glued them together, spray painted them black, and they were a hit! From then on, I knew doing sets and props would be my main route.

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

Haha - so much! All sorts of chargers and battery packs for phones, lipstick and a mini pharmacy, work and personal notebooks, receipt binder for jobs, wallet, probably random screws I found in my pockets and threw in there, and way too many Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons that have probably expired!

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

1. Work hard! I'm from the pre-social media days of making your way, and I still believe you have to put in the time and energy to get ahead in this business.
2. Get your finances in order. Sounds so serious, but if you do sets and props, I highly recommend getting a bookkeeper and accountant in your back pocket from the get-go! 
3. Love what you do. Doing sets and props is not for the faint of heart and you really have to love this to make it work and be successful at it.

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

I love following various artists and painters for inspiration who are not in this industry. I also follow loads of places in the Mediterranean for that quick fix to daydream when I see an image of the sea.

What is your MOTTO in life?

Well my motto within my business has always been: "If I can't find it or buy it, I'll probably make it! And even if I can find it or buy it, I'll probably just want to make it." 

In life: "Just be yourself."

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Getting a car and driving around Crete. I've done it the past six years so far and need go every year!

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

A lifetime supply of macaroni and cheese (my other guilty pleasure), various gallons of paint, and The White Album.

What do your parents think you do?

They think I work way too much and too hard!

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

Don't drink too much at a networking party. 
Do drink just enough to talk to everyone.
And remember your business cards!

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Full Name: Sara Foldenauer

Profession: Set Designer/Prop Stylist

Industry: Photography/Commericals

Website: www.setsbysara.com

Instagram: @sets_by_sara and @studio_by_sara

FEATURING: Marley Rizzuti

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 consists of fellow photographers, stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, magazine editors, fashion fanatics and anyone who has a love for photography. 
Staying in touch, emailing, brainstorming sessions, getting coffee, getting drinks, @ing on Instagram, are all ways I utilize this community.

How did you discover your creativity?

My mother brought me to see Nan Golden’s show, I’ll Be Your Mirror at the Whitney when I was around 10 years old. From that moment on I was in love with the art. I started shooting and began the discovery of my creativity.

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

My first jobs came from Nylon and BlackBook magazines.

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

Phone, bullet journal, an array of makeup- MILK makeup eyeliner, `YSL gloss, Lucas’ Papaw Ointment, lots of pens, a handful of splenda packets….

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

Be nice to everyone!
Assist and intern, I spent years interning and assisting people for free, it will pay off later.
Shoot and test as much as you can.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate and wine.

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

My boyfriend @erikrasmussen_Atlarge, our dog, my camera.

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Full Name: Marley Kate Rizzuti

Profession: Photography

Industry: Fashion

Website: www.marleykate.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marleykatenyc/

Twitter: marleykatenyc

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

Blog: http://marleykate.tumblr.com/

FEATURING: Gemma Greenhill

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!).

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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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4725magazine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4725magazine/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/4725magazine

FEATURING: Leah Tumerman

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?

Ideally, Creative Community functions as an intimate, enthusiastic, toss into action. I'm envisioning a giant blanket, held at its perimeter by so many makers. In this vision, we know each other well, not only through our tiny glass screens. Everyone gets a turn to be heard and lifted, tossed! Of course feedback helps us to answer our important questions. But I think the world provides us a lot of 'nos' and shakedowns. What we need from community is a giant YES, encouragement to pursue our most creative and terrifying urges. We get to our best work by making work, and if our Creative Community supports us with affirmatives towards producing, the sooner we will arrive.

How did you discover your creativity?

When I was young, my mother and sister and I were constantly creating. With mom at the helm, we would write plays and craft sets, endlessly sing songs, and sometimes I would paint. Mostly though, we dove deep into the corners of our imagination, unbridled, youthful and unedited. We would perform for a camera, or friends and family. Sometimes we'd exist in this kind of space for hours without an audience. I grew up and into adulthood with a profound respect for potential, magic and the unknown. My work now, is keeping all of that alive.

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

My biggest challenge has been learning to trust the uniqueness of my work, and voice. That it is mine and different than others' , and that it need not be otherwise. I am concerned most with making good work, and as much of it as I can. I believe that if I focus on this, the rest falls into place. For better or worse, I rarely concern myself with the logistics of business, or growing one. My business, is making good paintings. My lessons live therein. When the work is honest and true, and exists in bounty, I have my best chance at good business.

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

In 2011, I applied for my first public mural in Rogers Park, Chicago. I knew how to paint and assumed I would teach myself to paint 770 square feet in public space. I just barely got the job, and it took three months to finish as I balanced painting days with a full-time waitressing gig. It was my big break, because I learned to leap towards things out of reach, and then put in the hours to make them work. I broke myself of certain fears, specifically the fear of seeming or being unqualified. That's not for me to worry about. My first public mural commission broke me out of the kind of fear that keeps one from ascension. Though I still often experience rejection, and even more often educate myself after obtaining the work, I do not shy from the pitch.

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

Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland.
6 or 7 black ink Le Pens, pilfered from an old side job. 
3 Packs of birth control from my most recent trip to Planned Parenthood.

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Full Name: Leah Tumerman

Profession: Artist, painter, muralist, illustrator

Industry: Fine art

Website: www.leahtumerman.com

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahtumerman/