We recently connected with Evelyn Armstrong and have shared our conversation below.

Evelyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How has Covid changed your business model?

Covid has changed creative industries immensely over the past two years. Many if not all creative opportunities ceased to exist during the first wave of 2020. As a student attending a university designed around creative careers, this was discouraging to say the least. I was simultaneously being told I could make it in the world as an artist earning a livable wage with access to endless opportunities, all while observing the creative world around me become dormant. Covid served as a harsh wake up call for creatives all over the world. However, during this time I was able to create a new relationship with my photography. One in which I create because I enjoy it and used it as an outlet for myself rather than as a pressure filled career path that I had to throw myself into with an “all or nothing” mentality. The worldwide shutdowns and various effects of Covid taught me that photography did not need to be my only option in order for me to be successful at it. This ideology differs from one creative to the next but I would like to share my perspective as I wish someone had told me a long time ago that pursuing art did not have to mean it was your only career option. Once I let go of the idea that my passion should be my only source of income and that if it wasn’t I either was not good enough at it or was giving up on my previous dreams and goals, I was able fall back in love with photography. There is a toxicity that comes with hustle culture and the idea that you have to put every once of your energy, all of your money, and your entire sense of self worth into your passion. For a lot of people this mindset and lifestyle isn’t feasible, healthy, or enjoyable and if you aren’t enjoying creating your art, why are you doing it? While Covid has been all kinds of awful for so many reasons, one positive that came out of it for me personally was that once all the things that I thought I was meant to be doing were stripped away from me, I was forced to find myself outside of them. I was forced to figure out who I was outside of my passion and learned that there are other aspects of life I enjoy just as much. Once I learned how to let those things coexist, I became a much more enthusiastic and open minded photographer and person.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I began photographing concerts around age 14 completely by accident and with no clue I would be pursuing photography longterm. I started photographing house shows in Atlanta, making friends with local bands, and eventually was lucky enough to meet the right people who were willing to help me get bigger opportunities in concert photography. Concert photography has and always will be my first love and my favorite creative escape. More recently, I have fallen in love with the commercial and fine art side of photography. Creative shoots, film photography, portraits, and photo series have been new and exciting endeavors for me as a growing photographer. Currently, I professionally identify as a freelance commercial photographer specializing in editorial, fashion, portrait, and live event photography. I strive to create long lasting connections with clients in efforts to elevate their creative vision while incorporating my personal aesthetic expertise and skillset.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I think the best way to build lasting relationships with clients is to treat them how you would treat a close friend. I do my best to always listen to clients and collaborate in a respectful, honest, and supportive manner. I’ve found the most successful and long lasting client relationships are with those who are equally as passionate about the concept and results as I am. It is extremely important to work with those who feel that you as a creator are the right fit for them and their vision and vice versa.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I feel it is often easy for those who do not pursue creative careers to feel as though all creative practices come with zero stress, frustration, or difficulty when the artist enjoys their job and is good at what they do. This can be frustrating as a creative when asked for creative favors, unpaid work, and pay by means of “exposure”. Just because we create art for a living and enjoy what we do does not mean that what we do is not work in itself and all work comes with stress, frustration, and difficulties.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itsokayimwiththeband.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evvie.a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069898909573
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyn-armstrong-2a0235236/

Image Credits
Evelyn Armstrong