We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelsey Frey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Profitability can be difficult in any creative field. In my experience, people are less inclined to pay for creative services. They usually don’t realize how much time goes into them, and how many years you’ve spent honing your craft.

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 write lifestyle blogs for local companies about life in Montana. I used to be a travel blogger and have always loved writing about travel, so this felt like a natural transition once I stopped blogging.

I call myself a “jack of all trades photographer” – I’ve done everything from elopements to headshots to brand photography. Branding sessions and lifestyle photography for brands are my favorites, especially when they trust you to be creative. I take my best photos when I can play and try out different ideas, and I love collaborating with people who are just as passionate about their craft or product as I am. It’s the best feeling when we’re bouncing ideas off of each other, and stoked about what we’re creating!

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

I love creating something I’m proud of — it lights me up like nothing else. It’s also incredibly rewarding when my clients are excited too!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Upwork, Instagram, and word of mouth have all helped me land clients. If you’re on Upwork, I’d highly recommend adding your location city — I’ve landed several writing and photography clients who were specifically looking for someone with local knowledge and wanted photos of the area.

Networking has helped a ton too. I’ve met so many people who referred me to new clients or offered me a contracting role at their company. You just never know who you’ll meet!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kelseyfreycreative.com/
• Instagram: @kelseyfreycreative

Image Credits

Gayatri Sabne took the photo I submitted of me.