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

Kinsey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I feel very lucky that my job and my passions are intertwined.

But yes, there are weeks when I doubt my abilities and wonder if I am cut out to be a self-employed artist.
I’m a business owner, but the label “artist” resonates with me more. As a photographer, the slow season is typically accompanied by thunder and dark clouds, leading to schedule changes. This leaves me with lots of free time. Naturally, I ask myself, “Should I just get a ‘real’ job?” Lots of self-reflection.

So I bought the brick, which allows me to limit my social media usage and go touch some grass. I’m learning that boredom is a good thing because it forces you to try new things and get creative. Whenever the cloud of doubt starts to creep up, I remember the ebbs and flows of business are normal. Now I expect it to happen this time of year and sit with the discomfort. Then I put the energy into motion. This led me to attend yoga classes, take Spanish lessons, and plan more coffee dates with friends.

And guess what, that is always when the work picks up again. So kismet. The universe has great techniques!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an artist and I have many outlets
but photography is my first love.

I shoot with film and digital cameras. I love the nostalgia of film, and it teaches me patience. I always look forward to getting my scans back. It’s like Christmas morning! But I love the flexibility of digital and being able to edit the photos in funky ways.

I am inspired by collaboration with other artists, textures, shadows, storytelling, poetry, silent walks, flowers, film, music, my family, thrifted clothes, personal growth, healing, and so much more.

I work with artists and women in healing spaces.

My goal is for my work to break the stereotype that branding photos have to look a certain way. You know…the white wall, the blazer, the poses that just don’t quite feel right.

You don’t have to fit into a box. You’re too creative for that!

My experience is curated to your interests, personal style, inspirations, and all the things that make you feel like you (and your brand hehe). These sessions are not cookie-cutter. Each session is curated to your personality!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes! I read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron in 2022, and it absolutely changed my outlook on artistry. It helped me trust my intuition and creative eye. I also loved The Creative Act by Rick Ruben.

I learned a lot about business in my first few years, and now I would MUCH rather hear someone talk about the creative process rather than their business strategy.

In my opinion, you just need to know the basics of business, then focus on creativity and trust your gut. Seek out inspiration through books, art, and conversations with other artists, and the information you need to know will reveal itself to you when you need it.

And lastly, find a therapist you love. It’s worth it! When your brain is thriving, you can focus more on your creativity.

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

I love the way I see the world as an artist. Inspiration is everywhere.

From the perfectly composed photo my dad took on vacation with his Android to
The poem my best friend wrote me
about a world where I am a butterfly, and she is a hummingbird

It all feels like a wink from the universe.

Everything inspires me

I love knowing that the better and more dedicated I become to my art, the bigger impact I can have on my clients. When I am inspired, I can photograph people in a new light and inspire the women I work with. I love knowing that my photos are helping people accomplish their dreams and allowing them to take up space with their unique perspective. When I get to work with therapists, I love knowing that their unique headshot could be the reason someone looking for help decides to open up and take the leap of faith to start therapy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brandingbykinseylinnae.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandingbykinseylinnae/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinsey-gibson-090447180/
• Other: Pinterest:
  https://www.pinterest.com/kinseylinnae/

Image Credits

My Headshot: Credit to: Felicity Zhang
https://felicityzhangphotography.com/
https://www.instagram.com/felicityzhangphotography/