We were lucky to catch up with Ryan Sarakul recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan , thanks for joining 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?

Earning a full-time living from my creative work has been a deeply transformative journey, far from an easy or straightforward path. Leaving behind the stability of a seven-year career as a kindergarten teacher to pursue the arts was a leap into the unknown, one that demanded unshakable faith. In the early days, I struggled to make ends meet, earning as little as $50 per shoot and often working for free just to prove my worth. The real battle wasn’t just financial—it was internal. Every day, I had to confront the question: “Is this all life has to offer?” That moment of reckoning led me to redefine success, not as a dollar amount but as the alignment of my values, purpose, and creative passions.

The hardest lesson was understanding that my craft alone wouldn’t sustain me—it needed structure, vision, and strategy. Turning art into a business required learning skills I had never anticipated. From mastering contracts to negotiating fair prices, I faced countless failures that tested my resolve. But each setback was a stepping stone, shaping me into someone who could dream bigger. One pivotal moment was a conversation with my late brother, who challenged me to see my worth. His words became a turning point, giving me the courage to land my first corporate gig—an experience that changed how I valued my work and myself.

The most empowering milestone came when I formally built my vision into a media production agency. Filing for an LLC wasn’t just a business decision; it was a declaration that my work could impact not just clients but communities. This step solidified my belief that success wasn’t just personal—it was about creating something larger than myself, something that could uplift and inspire others. It gave my art a new purpose, transforming it into a bridge between creativity and community.

Looking back, there are things I could have done to speed up the process, like learning business skills earlier or seeking mentors in the industry. But I believe the struggles and lessons shaped me in ways no shortcut could have. This journey isn’t just about making a living—it’s about becoming someone who can thrive, inspire, and endure. Life may still bring challenges, but now I know I’m equipped to face them with purpose and perseverance.

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.

Photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mother was passionate about cameras, and her love for capturing moments naturally rubbed off on me. I got my first camera at eight years old—an Olympus point-and-shoot—and by twelve, I had a JVC camcorder that I used to film everything around me. At nineteen, I bought my first DSLR, but it wasn’t until I was twenty-five that I truly started to take my craft seriously. What began as a hobby slowly turned into a career, fueled by my love for storytelling and capturing people in their most authentic moments.

Before I stepped fully into photography, dance was my outlet for creative expression. As a former competitive street dancer and Tae Kwon Do competitor, I developed an understanding of motion, rhythm, and energy. This background gave me a unique perspective when I picked up a camera—I wasn’t just documenting still images; my intention was to capture raw movement and emotions that can’t be recreated. My journey into the industry started by filming street dancers locally, which expanded into national and eventually international opportunities. Through each new connection, I found myself stepping into the corporate and commercial world, evolving my craft into something bigger than just myself.

The turning point in my career came with the passing of my older brother, Patrick Sarakul, in 2024. He believed in me before I fully believed in myself. He not only supported me but also reminded me of my worth, pushing me to value my skills, work harder, and think beyond just taking photos. His encouragement became my driving force, inspiring me to go all in and pursue photography as a full-time profession. Through his belief in me, I learned to believe in myself, and that shift changed everything.

Today, my company, I AM Exclusive, focuses on lifestyle portraits, commercial campaigns, and corporate event coverage. Working with notable companies such as Zoom, LinkedIn, Hubspot, Cisco, Nasdaq, just to name a few. I specialize in capturing visuals using depth, shapes, lines, and contrast to tell compelling stories. More than just creating images, my mission is to serve others—whether it’s making individuals feel seen and celebrated in front of the camera or helping businesses craft an image that represents their brand with authenticity and impact.

Additionally, in April 2024, I made my dream a reality by becoming a studio owner and proudly opening the doors to I AM EXCLUSV Studio in Oakland, CA.

At its core, I AM Exclusive is more than a business—it’s a philosophy. It’s a reminder that every person is unique, every person and brand has a voice, and every story deserves to be told with care. My goal is to bring people joy through my work, to help them see themselves in a way that makes them feel confident and valued. Whether capturing personal moments or shaping a brand’s identity, I strive to create meaningful work that leaves a lasting impression.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most fulfilling part of being an artist is the ability to create moments of joy, connection, and self-appreciation for others. Seeing someone smile and light up is the greatest reward. The work goes beyond simply taking photos or creating videos—those are just tools for a mission. For me, it’s about helping people see themselves in a new light, embracing their beauty, confidence, and worth. There’s nothing more meaningful than witnessing the moment someone looks at their portrait and truly sees their own value. It’s in those genuine human connections, in the power to uplift and inspire through creativity, that I find my greatest purpose and joy.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My journey into photography and media production started as a passion project—filming dance classes and capturing portraits for friends. Over time, I continued honing my craft, investing my own money into traveling to different countries, building a diverse body of work, and refining my skills.

As my experience grew, I realized that artistic talent alone wasn’t enough; I needed to understand the business side of the industry. I took the initiative to learn how to structure, operate, and scale a creative business. This led me to take risks in new fields, expanding my expertise and gaining valuable experience.

Along the way, I was fortunate to meet mentors who played pivotal roles in my growth. Raul Navalta, Founder of Creative Transit Agency and AddVirtual, Tavaras A. Garrett, Founder of TAG Management, and Billy Cole, Senior Photographer of Vanity Portrait Studios, provided guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support that helped me navigate the industry and land key opportunities.

One of the most defining milestones in my career was securing my first corporate expo event for the largest crypto conference in San Francisco. That day, I signed a contract for a single project that exceeded an entire month’s salary from my previous full-time teaching job. It was a turning point that reinforced the advice my late brother gave me—to value myself, take more risks, and never be afraid to state my worth when opportunities arise. His words continue to inspire me in my journey, pushing me to pursue my passion as a full-time career.

Another major milestone in my journey was relentlessly pursuing my dream—working day and night, continuing to learn the craft of photography, and learning the ins and outs of business. This dedication ultimately led to the realization of my biggest goal: opening my own studio. In April of 2024, I proudly opened I AM EXCLUSV Studio in Oakland, CA. What truly drove me to give it my all was the unwavering belief of my late older brother Patrick Sarakul(rest in peace), whose support and encouragement continue to inspire me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamexclusv.com
• Instagram: @r.sarakul

Image Credits

Peter Pierre, Christopher Ian Perry