We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chelsey Jimenez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chelsey below.

Chelsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In response to the pandemic, I had to do a bit of a career shake-up after putting in years of effort into something that was unexpectedly coming to an end. The first year and a half was honestly pretty tough. I felt like I was wandering without a clear direction, trying to navigate through all the rapid changes while also figuring out who I really was in my professional life. Looking back, though, I see that the end of that chapter was actually the beginning of something new. It gave me a chance to evolve and chase a career that resonated more with my creative side.
So, I took a bold risk and dove into a whole new field. Somehow landed my first in-house gig as a marketing photo stylist, even though my experience in that area was pretty minimal. The time in-house was short but crucial. It helped me build confidence, prove my creative problem-solving skills, and showcase my ability to come up with and execute creative ideas. About seven months in, I felt ready for the next big move.
I decided to ditch the so-called “stable” job and went all-in on freelancing. I made a commitment to say yes to every opportunity that came my way in that first year. I ended up working on all sorts of projects – from car commercials to styling my first food set and even contributing as a set dresser on a Disney TV show.
Now, as I’m entering into the third year of freelancing, I look back on so many experiences where taking risks led to doors opening to opportunities I never thought possible. Embracing the unknown has been the secret sauce of my professional journey, helping me build a network, sharpen my skills, and discover paths I wouldn’t have considered otherwise. It’s been quite the ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello, I’m Chelsey—an adaptable creative freelancer specializing in Photo Styling, Production Design, Costume, Set Dressing, Wardrobe Styling, and Production across the realms of stills photography, commercials, and film. My craft is a medley of roles, and each project is an opportunity for creativity and professionalism!

As a Film Costumer, I immerse myself in the intricacies of characters, building a visual narrative around them. It’s about understanding the psychology behind the wardrobe choices and using that to enhance the storytelling experience. What gets me excited is diving into the details of characters and crafting their world through clothing. It’s not just about what they wear; it’s about how their choices shape their identity, influence their interactions, and add depth to their stories.

Set Dressing is another roll of mine. I love the process of creating environments within a narrative, layering the story with the nuances of how characters exist in their surroundings. It’s a way of shaping their reality and understanding how it influences their interactions.

The unpredictable nature of a photoshoot is what keeps my work exhilarating. Every experience is unique, presenting new challenges and opportunities. Engaging in this dynamic environment is a never-ending game of creative problem-solving, collaboration, and contributing to a larger vision. It’s the thrill of adapting to changing circumstances, embracing the diversity of challenges, and weaving my creative expertise into the collective tapestry of each project.

In the heart of it all, I’m an artist through and through, navigating a career that not only unleashes my creativity but also fosters continuous growth. I feel incredibly fortunate to be on this journey!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In my recent stint working on a film, I faced some intense weeks where the hours extended well into the late morning. It was a real challenge, and during my time off set, I found myself dedicating every moment to meticulous preparation for the upcoming scenes. At times, I even had to turn down other commitments to fully immerse myself in the project. Despite the demanding schedule and the hurdles that came with it, I made a conscious effort to maintain a broader perspective. I constantly reminded myself of the exhilaration that comes with contributing to creative endeavors. It’s the magic of the collaboration that kept me going, pushing me beyond the exhaustion.
Even though the days were long and the challenges were real, there was this bittersweet sense of fulfillment as the project reached its conclusion. Knowing that I had poured my heart and soul into the creative process, overcoming obstacles along the way, brought a deep satisfaction. It’s the resilience and commitment to the art that make those demanding moments worth it in the end.

As a creative entrepreneur, resilience in this industry often means stretching oneself to extraordinary lengths. While it’s not a constant, there are instances where you’re called upon to work long hours, navigate unpredictable environments, manage tight budgets, and strike a balance between work and life

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding element of being a creative in this industry is undoubtedly the collaborative spirit that defines each project. It’s like this magical synergy where individuals, often strangers to each other, come together, each contributing their unique skills to bring a shared vision to life. That collaborative dance is what makes this journey so incredibly fulfilling. Working with people who have never crossed paths before creates a dynamic energy that’s hard to match. We all bring something different to the table, and seeing those diverse skills and perspectives come together is truly special. It’s like witnessing a puzzle being pieced together, each piece contributing to the bigger picture.
The pinnacle of this experience is reaching the final project. That moment of appreciation, looking at what we’ve collectively created, is simply unparalleled. It’s not just about the individual contributions; it’s about acknowledging the dedication, hard work, and shared passion that every person involved brought to the table. That sense of accomplishment is what makes every project, no matter how challenging, incredibly gratifying.

Contact Info:

• Website: chelseyjimenez.com
• Instagram: @cchels.ey
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsey-jimenez-808b4521a/
• Other: Portfolio IG: @chelsey.portfolio

Image Credits
McCade Gordon Coleman Andersen Kirsten Nicole Photography Sophia Harrison