Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joanna Lin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joanna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work as a photographer and social media manager. Some say I am lucky, but I worked very hard over the past decade to manifest my dream career. My journey began with a deep passion for photography and a keen interest in social media. Initially, I started by taking photos to document my travels and local adventures (usually at cocktail bars), gradually building a portfolio. I used social media to showcase my work, which helped me attract a broader audience and potential clients. Over time, I began offering my services to small businesses, helping them with both photography and managing their social media presence. Networking and word-of-mouth referrals played a significant role in growing my client base. Consistently delivering high-quality work and staying up-to-date with the latest social media trends allowed me to establish a reputation in the industry, eventually leading to a robust portfolio of top-tier clients in hospitality, fine dining, and liquor. All of this took considerable effort, time, and patience to reach a point where I could sustain myself entirely through my creative work.

My first milestone was receiving my first freelance client 8 years ago, Walker Hotels. One of their team members followed my travel content and noticed I had a keen eye for storytelling. I also shot my “Ready Set Jo” travel series trailer there. From then on, mainly through word of mouth and positive endorsements, I was connected to several hospitality groups and agencies looking for a creative lead — which set me forth on a growth path.

Knowing what I know now, here’s some advice for budding entrepreneurs:
1- Outsource the time consuming tasks (like bookkeeping & community management) so you can focus on your vision. Trust me, it’s worth it.
2- Seeking mentorship from established professionals in the field who you look up to and want to learn from. Never think you’re the most creative person in the room—that’s self-sabotage.
3- Know your worth and don’t be afraid to ask for higher fees because usually they can be negotiated. If there’s push back, maybe trim the services, accept (on the basis that it will lead to more future business), or politely decline.
4- Chase opportunity. Back it with your passion. (Not the other way around)

Joanna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Joanna Lin, a creative director and content creator specializing in hospitality clients.My journey into this field began with a passion for storytelling and a love for the vibrant world of hospitality.

I provide a comprehensive range of services, including social strategy, social media management, content creation, photography, videography, and copywriting. My goal is to help hospitality businesses enhance their online presence, engage their audience, and ultimately drive more traffic and bookings. I solve problems such as inconsistent branding, low engagement, and ineffective social media strategies by crafting tailored content plans that reflect the unique personality of each client.

What sets me apart is my deep understanding of the hospitality industry combined with a keen eye for detail and creating visually appealing content that resonates with today’s audiences. I take pride in my ability to tell compelling stories that bring the warmth and charm of hospitality experiences to life online. I always strive to create content that not only looks beautiful but also delivers tangible results for my clients. Whether you’re a quaint café, a luxurious hotel, or a bustling restaurant, I’m here to help you tell your story and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

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?

Non-creatives might have difficulty understanding several aspects of my journey as a creative, such as:

Inconsistent Income: The financial instability and variability in income, especially in the early stages, can be hard to grasp for those used to steady paychecks. Don’t make the jump unless you have comfortable savings and understand financial concepts like compound interest, dividends, etc.

Creative Blocks: The pressure to constantly produce original and engaging content is something that non-creatives might not fully appreciate. Most of the time, the right idea or vision comes at random or unexpectedly.

Emotional Investment: As artists, we all harness a deep emotional connection to our work and the vulnerability involved in sharing personal creations with the public.

Multifaceted Roles: The need to wear many hats, from creator to copywriter to marketer to business manager, and the challenge of juggling these diverse roles effectively. One person cannot do it all, so be open to hiring or collaborating with others.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my career occurred when I decided to transition from a career in finance (I had interned at Merrill Lynch throughout college) to working in marketing/advertising agencies. After several years in wealth management, I realized that I wasn’t truly passionate about my work. I had always been drawn to the creative aspects of marketing and storytelling, which led me to explore opportunities in the advertising industry.

The shift wasn’t easy; it required me to learn new skills and adapt to a completely different environment. However, my background in finance provided me with a unique perspective and valuable skills in strategic planning and client management.

Eventually, armed with this experience and a strong desire to bring my own vision to life, I took the leap to start my own social media agency. This decision was both challenging and exhilarating, but it allowed me to combine my financial acumen with my creative passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.readysetjo.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/joanna.lin
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linjoanna/